I happen to think that Herb is a really great man and teacher and if you think he is just a "**** then maybe you should step out of your little eggshell and really look at the era in which he grew up and the **** he had to deal with! Open up your mi

I took jazz with Herb, man this guy GREAT..Made class Fun, and Very Interesting guy, who has alot of things to say...TAKE IT ! ! ! ! !

Herb is different. From Memphis Tenn. for 60+ years, he *is* the stuff of jazz. Jazz is not a toy, he knows it. Should be in Harlem. Past students include celebrities as D'pollo, of the Apollo; arrangement man for the Commodores, etc. Tough man, but warm and funny. It takes character to be with him.

Those students who do not want to understand and face the reality do not like his class. They still have the notion that Columbus discovered America. Fools! Professor Smith is a great guy. If you really want to learn the truth about American History, take his class. I learned many important facts about history with him. Thank you Sir!

Are you guys kidding me? Why so low scores? WE DID NOTHING IN THE CLASS! Easy A. Take him if you want to boost your GPA. All we did was listen to music and talk about nothing. EASY

People who don't want to learn won't learn anything from Herb. Now, and yes, I've seen a few people cry during his Jazz class, but really. I learned more in a semester about reading music than I did in 3 semesters of theory and private lessons.

herb is the coolest tecaher in nova , he is honest with you if yous suck he will tell you . herb rocks

How dare anyone insult herbie he is the hippest man you will ever meet and you can learn a whole lot from him if you actually talk to him one on one, the people that are leaving him bad comments just don't understand him or were told by the man that they are not hip and more then likely he's right.....Herb is the BEST

Professor smith is one of the great teacher at nova. You will learn alot from him, his class is interesting and fun. His grading system is easy. I dont know why other students would give him negative comments.

Herb takes music very seriously, so if you take the Music Appreciation course then be prepared to respect it. He's a jazz master and you can sit in on his Wed night workshops. Otherwise, the 121 course is mostly listening to music, storytelling and discussion. All the tests are take-home.

Those who give low score on this class MISS THE POINT about Music Appreciation. He talk about life and stuff while playing music is all about Appreciation of life and music, etc. I can't explain it well, but that's what the course is about in his view. And yes he's a little crazy, but the whole class love him! (At least mine)

OK.. Herb is different. He is kinda crazy and has his own opinions about the world, about art, life. I think it's cool, I actually learned many things!!! I think you should take his class because you'll never forget it! His class is an intersting experience.

He is the most genuine professor you could ever meet in your entire life. You won't regret if you are "open-mineded" person. Plus Easy Grader

Its like this. If you the sensitive type that is easily pushed by teachers giving you too much attention, then he is probably not the teacher 4 you. You do need a good sense of humor and an open mind to attend his class. And though he might be hard to understand and put up with, his overall goal is to help the students one way or another.

Professor Smith has been the most influential teacher I've taken by far. His material is not for the weak hearted. You must have an open mind to understand that his material incorporates the history of jazz music into a bigger picture. Expect a lot of students to drop the first few weeks but stick through it, you'll learn much.

He is one of the best take this guy just go to class and listen to him how easy can that be. You will learn alot from him but you need to be an open minded person if your mind is too narrow and sensitive then dont take him.

This class was tough in regards to the material covered. Very technical-heavy course. Plenty of hands on teaching done on actual equipment. You are responsible with keeping up with reading. Herb is really excellent. Uses real life examples to teach/show.Tests ok and can be hard. But if you keep up with the reading & take notes you'll get the jist.

Herb Smith is an effective instructor and he also 'can play'. I learned so many useful things from him during the many years I studied with him, and I am now extremely happy with my understanding of the jazz genre. I cannot thank him enough. Would recommend highly for a musician who is driven to improve. Incredible musician too.

He is one great teacher if you are not a lazy student who thinks square and lives inside your book. He is an out the box person, a visionary not revolutionary, and has big time experience one can learn from. BUT YOU MUST BE OPEN to that!

*!*!*Herbert Smith is a brilliant man. One of the truest teachers I have ever had known. He is loud, he gets in your face, but he makes you think. Opens your mind if you let him. His approach to teaching will be alot different than you are use to. Some ideas u may not agree with. Don't get angry. Discuss after class to get a clear in depth answer.

OMGGGG loved him sooo much! he doesnt use blackboard or email bc hes kinda well old. BUT HES SO SWEET! once u get on his good side u will love him. hes so wise. at first i was worried bc of his reviews bc they said he was loud and scary. HE IS LOUD but definitely not scary. just show up to class ON TIME and participate very well n ull get an A!

Very Good!

I've had several of his courses as well as private lessons and learned tons. Some may think he's ranting or rambling but Herb is all about getting you to try to understand how the musician THINKS and what informs this music. Any one can practice notes but music isn't just about chords and theory. It has a story and a history. Its not like PS4.

I don't know why everyone is so sensitive. His class involves lectures of classical music and some of his experiences, if sensitive and take what people say to heart even if for a fact hes not serious, dont take his class. He gets his students to interact with one another In no way does he disrespect our country or the military, hes air force

An authentic, caring and incredibly talented musician who takes the time to teach and REACH -sometimes unorthodox in his methods, yes -but I learned to respect and appreciate jazz, it's history and context thanks to Herb. I had to participate and be willing to learn (note: does not mean you have to agree with EVERYTHING!) NOVA is LUCKY to have him

The man is either crazy or brilliant. I disagree with his political views and almost everything he stands for, BUT, he will challenge you to grow as a person. This is a spiritual almost religious class it its own way. Disagree with his methods if you want but NOVA is so lucky to have this ranting lunatic. Please please take his class. I loved it.

he is the best

Hes not a conventional teacher. The assignments are a very long study guide for a 90 question test (not as hard as it sounds trust me), 2 take-home exams and a pop quiz of some vocab. A lot of his lecture includes talking about some music on youtube or about life itself. Dont take this class if you dont like getting picked on a lil. Its fun imo

Prof. Smith is an awesome historian as well as musician. He can take you back to a historical moment in music and allow you to feel the struggles, processes and creativity that inspired the change in the world through music. Prof. Smith taught me more than music, but the history that challenges each of us.

He teaches in a way that not only shows you the basics of form and function, but he also creates an environment that shows you how to study, and be self sufficient-dedicated to a craft. Truly incredible, 10/10 would take it again.

The minute this prof open his mouth, I instantly had respect for him. He is a very knowledgable gentleman and he is fair - sample questions given in the syllabus as well as entire schedule. His class on Death and Dying has an erie feel to it when it begins, but it quickly zooms in/out with a sociological approach that nods to Freud and others..

He is okay tbh. I dont even know how I ended up with an A when I got C's on the tests. 2 are take home and 2 are in class. He doesn't really teach he shows random youtube videos and complains about america a lot. He is funny and tries to get everyone out their comfort zone by picking on them randomly in class. Don't get the textbook.

Professor Smith is by far one of the most memorable professors I have had throughout my college career. His teaching style is not for everyone, only for those who can appreciate deep convos. So if you are sensitive and offended by truth, Professor Smith is not for you. But ya hes a great Professor. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.

THE BEST! Those who complain about his "rants" completely miss the point. They have a colonizer/exploitation mentality. Prof Smith tries to change that mentality by teaching WHY the music exists and challenging us to understand the cultural and historical context of the music. Before attempting to play Jazz, you must respect it and the culture.