He is a really cool guy, but the tests are over alot of material. I took him for Intro to Fine Arts, which I thought was a blow off class, believe me it isn't! But he offers extra credit, and drops one of the tests.

I think Ian Davidson is great professor whose capability to engage an audience is unparalleled. He's been around the world and is a first-rate oboe player who has performed with many symphony orchestras. He drops one test grade, and they are easy. Take him if you actually want to learn something.

Good instructor, you can tell he is truly interested in the subject (duh... pro oboe player!) and may have a slight ego, but who doesn't around here? Great class, you'll enjoy it.

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Great presenter. Very intelligent. Take his class.

I dont know WHAT these other ppl are talking about! I passed with a 95! His tests are super easy! Each Unit, he gives you a paper with ALL of the material that will be on the test. If you do the Review (which consists of pics and definitions) You WILL pass! This guy GIVES you an A! TAKE THIS CLASS(if for no other reason: to boost your GPA)

I am a graduate and took Prof. Davidson my first year, and still remember him. He does have an ego problem, and will tell you his life story, but is overall a great teacher. His tests were super easy if you take good notes and study. He tells you exactly what will be on the tests. It's just a matter of you applying yourself.

If you are an art or music major, go ahead and take him but if you are clueless and just want a blow off fine arts, do not take him! Class is so hard. Two tests are very easy but the other two are over everything in the book and is fill in the blank. Impossible. U also have to write a 9 page paper at the end instead of final which is good. No revie

I loved this class! I enjoyed listening to all his stories and he really made music and art interesting to me! The tests are only hard if you do not study..which you NEED to study, but once you do that, it's a nice class. My favorite class of the semester.

I loved this class, and i took it in the summer. There is a LOT of memorizing pictures and music, but in reality if you put in maybe an hour or 2 per test, you will make an easy A. The final is a 9 page paper which is A LOT easier than it sounds. He tells a lot of stories, which annoyed some of my class, but it really helped me.

If you whined about how much he talks about himself, consider this. Do you want to be regurgitated what you can read yourself in the textbook or do you want to get insight into the kind of life a successful person lives? He has a point.. In 90% of other cultures, what you call bragging, is justified and welcomed b/c students aren't as cocky as you.

Can be an easy class if you go to class and take notes. Half of tests are memorization so you can definitely pass. Lectures can sometimes be boring. Final is easy and you have a lot of time to work on it.

This professor is amazing! I loved all of his stories, they really made the class more interesting. The tests are really easy if you listen and take notes, which isn't a lot. There are outside assignments but it's not a big deal. His tests are no longer fill in the blank they are multiple choice. You should take his class.

He is a very nice guy who is pretty funny. The material is straigt forward and so are the tests. Unfortunately they are 2day tests over A LOT of material, but he really teaches you.

Good oboe teacher. Not sure about FA. Kinda over does it on the metaphors. Encouraged development of your own style in performance with emphasis on performance etiquette. He travels a ton. We had a terrible sub for an entire semester b/c he was touring. Incredible performer/reed-maker. Grammy nominated in 2009.

I loved this teacher! Lectures were very easy and interesting to listen to because he has personal stories and jokes to go along with the material. The tests are hard only if you don't try. He tells you exactly what to study and how to study. With a little effort you will easily make an A.

You don't have to read book that much. I skimmed over it and made an A on the class. Love his attitude and stories! He is an amazing teacher with a big heart. Very easy to understand material. Tells you what to study. Final is easy! Perfect attendance gives you 10 extra points. Very funny and entertaining..makes you wanna go to class!! TAKE HIM

Great Professor! He makes the classes really interesting with all of his story and real life examples. Easy to listen to. Tells you exactly what to study for the test. If you go to class, you'll make an A. One of my favorite professors that I have had at Texas State.

Great professor. He went over all the material for the test in class, minimal to no use for the book. He is a well rounded professor that knows a lot about everything. Definitely not a monotonous person, keeps you entertained throughout the class.

This class was fairly easy. All of the content in the test he covers in lecture, plus he puts up the lectures online. Attendance isn't mandatory but he does give you extra credit if you go to almost every class. Just go over the powerpoints from lecture and you'll get an A

This was honestly the best professor I have ever taken at Texas State. Yes, the tests can be hard but, only if you didn't study. I loved his stories about his life and all the places he has traveled. He DOES offer extra credit and if you don't miss any classes then you get 25 extra points added to your final grade. TAKE HIM!

A good professor who shows a little bit of genuine enthusiasm. He does sometimes digress to tell stories about his travels, but they are generally pertinent to what he is teaching, and it makes it more interesting. I wasn't very interested, but I left more interested than I started. For an unwelcome requirement course, that's great.

Awesome professor, who genuinely cares about his students. Such an easy class, literally just show up. I study maybe an hour each test and I made an A.

He's the best, awesome guy, a lot of real world knowledge!

Great Professor!! tests are pretty much all memorization so you have to put work in. He has fun interesting lectures and gets off track but his stories are cool. Dont take if you dont have time to study.....

In this class, Mr. Davidson made it really easy to understand. However, the test can be a pain in the ass due to all the memorization. So don't take him if you don't plan on studying or putting in the work to pass his class. He provides great extra credit opportunities and its really easy to make an A if you try.

Professor Davidson is a really good teacher. He knows what he's talking about and really loves what he does. His stories are always hilarious, relevant and very interesting. I was truly inspired by this class. Be aware though the class is A LOT of memorization. Don't buy the book. You don't need it and its expensive. Quizlet is your bestfriend.

I never really rate professors, but I just had to rate Prof. Davidson, he's honestly one of the best professors at Texas State and he's hilarious. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you will miss out on important notes. He tends to get off topic sometimes. Tests are easy if you STUDY STUDY STUDY. Theres no reason to fail his class honestly.

Davidson is a cool dude. I learned a lot about life and traveling from him and honestly would love to learn more about these things from him. The test were hard it was a lot of memorization and i had to study way too much, not saying don't take him but you could find an easier class i mean you really shouldnt have to study this hard for this class

Davidson is honestly my favorite professor I've had at Texas State. This isn't a gimme A though. He is a well traveled guy and his stories are really cool to listen to. His tests aren't hard if you study, but if you plan on going in without studying you will struggle. Overall very easy class and probably my favorite at Texas State. Take Davidson

Doesn't have to teach this course, but does anyway. I enjoy going to class and his stories (that aren't always 100% relevant). Tests are in parts, one of which is identification of different art pieces to which he gives all of the answers, you just have to study. Important to go to class to make sure you get all of the notes for the tests.

Davison is a funny dude. The class itself can be difficult. The test are mostly memorization, nothing not doable. If you want an A in the class, he gives multiple opportunities for extra credit. He has super funny stories, and always keeps the class engaged.

The tests include a lot of memorization of paintings and details about the paintings and you have to remember some details that he barely talks about in class. Made an A but it wasn't as easy as I was expecting.

Dr. Davidson cares about his students and focuses on making them well rounded. I thought it was going to be a class of memorizing only paintings and sculptures, but ended up really enjoying the class conversations.

I only got a C as a grade on my part, Davidson is an amazing professor and is my favorite professor till this day. He understands that his class may not be the most interesting or that students might not want to take it but he changes your mind. Very good lecturer applies real life stories to help you remember information. truly he is amazing

He was a great professor. Super interesting, and he really cares about his students. Participation is important.

I took his Intro to Fine Arts - Music course during 5 weeks for summer and it was the easiest A ever, IF YOU GO TO CLASS! He is very clear about his expectations and works very hard to keep students engaged and learning. I would recommend him and this class to any student who needs it! Just PARTICIPATE and you'll do great.

Class is probably the most boring class you could take at TXST. He's a nice guy and wants students to do well but, his tests are insanely difficult. His IA doesn't even want to help and probably zones out like everyone else. Not the most upbeat course you can take but if you need the credit he's your guy.... I guess.

I don't know what everyone is complaining about. I sit near the front and find the class interesting. The tests are difficult but if you study you will do well. I haven't done much of the reading and still got an A on the tests. He tells stories about his experiences that I find helpful. My friends took this class and really liked him.

Professor Davidson is a really good teacher. He knows what he's talking about and really loves what he does. His stories are always hilarious, relevant and very interesting. I was truly inspired by this class. Be aware though the class is A LOT of memorization. You don't need the book. Quizlet is your bestfriend.

Thus is my favorite class this semester. The last test I only studied for an hour and I got a B. Most of my friends are doing well too. He's is a good teacher and I enjoy his stories in class.

I like Dr. Davidson. I was struggling in class and he met with me and helped me study. I did better on the next test. he cares about his students.

Hes a great professor, really passionate about what he does. I would definitely take him again for any class. His class isnt an easy A, but its not extremely hard either. Average class. Its doable. Hes very interesting! Has traveled so much and has completed so many achievements through his life! :) 4 exams, assessments, & extra credit!

super sweet guy! really sad the semester is coming to an end, I really liked his as a professor. He made lectures interesting for those who wanted to learn, he is an amazing person all together and if anyone has the chance they should take him!

One of my fav profs at TState. He gives so much extra credit you can pass the class even if you do poorly on tests. He relates his lectures to his experiences, which are quite interesting, and is relevant to what he is teaching. He truly cares about his students and their success. He is hilarious and a very talented individual. I would take again!

If you can take him! He is my favorite professor I have had this semester. He is very understanding and will work with you. Gives lots of extra credit. The test can be challenging but its all mesmerization. He gives lots of person stories but they go perfectly with what is is lecturing about!

Davidson is a great professor. He does a good job making the subject interesting and as long as you go to class the tests should be fine. He gives you the answers to 50% of every test and gives so much extra credit. You have to try to fail his class. Study the slides and go to class and you'll do fine. I don't know why he has bad reviews.

If this professor was given a coloring book he would color outside the lines. We NEED more professors that color outside the lines. I have never seen such a passionate professor. He truly applies his life to this class. He has great stories and is very funny. He also gives so much extra credit. You really have to try to fail.

Dr. Davidsons class was my favorite class of the semester because of his entertaining lectures. He tells personal stories which makes the class more interesting. The tests are straight forward if you study. Multiple extra credit opportunities available. Although I will end up with a C I still enjoyed his class. Very knowledgeable and caring guy.

He really cares about the subject, but cares even more about the students. He can go off on tangents sometimes but he will give you everything you need to do well. people on here that say he doesn't teach info for tests just didn't try. its college, you have study to do well and this class is no exception, but he tells you exactly what's on tests.

take him if you can. He offers an insane amount of extra credit. He gives you everything you need to know for tests in class so if you study you will easily make an A. You would have to try to fail and even then he is willling to work with you. His lectures are fun and theres no homework . Show up and give a little effort and its an easy A.

Professor Davidson is one of the best professors I have taken a class with at txst. His lectures are interesting and include a number of narratives from his life that have made me laugh out loud a couple of times. The tests do contain a lot of information, but studying a study set on quizlet and going to class everyday is what helped me the most.

Mr. Davidson is a passionate professor who cares about the material and relates a lot of his personal life stories in lectures. he tells you everything you need to study to get As on tests. no homework just tests, three 1-page assessments, and a final project. so much extra credit available its guaranteed B or A if you actually study.

He is a really great professor and all you have to do is study the material he gives you (which is in the powerpoints which you have access to) and if you study that material you will pass. Gives ton of extra credit opportunities so even if you were struggling you have chances to pick your grade up.

This was my favorite class this semester. Dr. Davidsons many life stories added a great deal to the lectures.

Professor Davidson's fine arts class was more fun than I was expecting. His lectures were informative and he often gave personal anecdotes which I personally found very entertaining. There's only 4 tests and a final paper and he gives out study sheets for the exams making it super easy to pass this class.

I really enjoyed Dr. Davidsons music class. I ran into a personal problem during the semester and he went out of his way to help me get back on track. I wish more professors were as friendly as he is. I learned a lot.

You can tell the dude is passionate about the arts. This should honestly be called an art appreciation class. Cares about the students a lot; offered loads of extra credit when a few people failed the test. He gives you id sheets for the tests and 90% of the exams are taken word for word from them.

This is a great class, but you have to do the exercises online to do much music. In class its painting and buildings. Lots of funny stories. Have to come to class. Not as easy as I thought it would be. One of my favorite professors at Texas State.

If you are expecting this class to be music based, you'll be disappointed. Almost every test is all about paintings and buildings and sculptures. He's a caring professor and you can tell he has a passion for the subject, I enjoy listening to him. Tests are memorization based and are pretty much the only stressful thing about his class.

Professor Davidson is very talented and sets clear expectations. While there is music in the course, it is still an arts course so be prepared to memorize paintings and artists as well as composers and their eras. He is very understanding and will give tons of extra credit, so take advantage of it. He was great during online covid classes.

I loved this professor, he is passionate about what he is teaching and it makes it interesting. Its lecture heavy but again, he is good at making it worth your while. I honestly miss this class. Only grades were the big tests and the final paper, which has lots of prep time. The tests are reviewed which makes them easy to pass. Overall I enjoyed cl

Dr. Davidson was awesome. His worldwide travels are great for learning about architecture and history. He applies his 30+ years of experience to every lecture.

Professor Davidson made me love this class! He applies his personal experience into this course which makes it a lot more engaging. If you have the opportunity to take this professor and this course , DO IT!

He truly is a good professor. His lectures are a bit heavy but interesting. His exams are easy as long as you study the guides he gives you. Im looking at an A by the end of the semester.

He is so amazing! I did take his class during the Summer semester, so it was less intensive than a long semester work-wise. The final was much easier for us, the papers were only 2 pages double-spaced. The homework is easy though a little time consuming. His lectures are truly so interesting and insightful. If I could take him again I would. 10/10.

This professor (Hi, Dad) is the absolute worst! I've taken his class for 23 years now, and he's still lecturing me (although I think he's started recycling some of his powerpoints). He pulls pop quizzes ALL the time, and whenever we go on field trips under the guise of "vacation" he insists we visit at least one art museum. Dude can rock a vest tho

Even as STEM major, I had fun in this class. A lot of homework, but it was doable and since I love music and art, it was easy to treat everything in this class as an adventure, including the trips for homework. Be ready to make flashcards before every exam, and take notes every lecture, this is vital for success on exams.

Lots of extra credit and the tests are easy to do well on with the resources given. Very chill class overall and the professor is cool.

Super easy class for a fine arts credit. He would give really good reviews for the test so I turned them into personal quizlets to study for the online exams. He gave a lot of extra credit like attending PAC performances. The homework were online and very easy and will tell you what you got wrong so you can get 100's.

Not bad at all for a fine arts class. There's a lot of homework but it's all optional. He gives a lot of extra credit opportunities to make up for missing points. There were a lot of homework assignments I didn't do because it didn't affect my grade at all. The essay at the end is pretty hard, but he gives you over a month to work on it.