He will keep you busy with reading and studying, but if you don't fall behind the workload is not difficult. His love for music is evident and he really knows his subject.

An interesting Chinese man who knows his subject very well. He loves music and plays piano. He likes those that attend class. Do the extra credit. Read text, take notes, do assignments (concert reports), tests are decent. Got a high A in the class.

His Class is easy as long as you pay attention, But I suggest you go with him, he's very clear and helpful when it comes to getting your H/W done, Be prepared for class, as long as you do the work you will do good on the tests.

Very interesting class-he is very animated and it is obvious he loves what he does. He goes out of his way to help his students understand the subject and to really learn and enjoy all types of music.

Super easy but VERY boring. As long as you come to class and take decent notes you'll get 100% on all the tests. You don't have to read the book or anything. Make sure you get a good partner for the concert report.

Nice guy, plenty of extra credit. He makes you attend 2 concerts though. Take this class to learn, but for the easier A take Ingersol who gives you an A if you get a C on both his tests.

not the most exciting teacher, but a great one. easy and informative class.

This class is pretty boring many times i found myself struggling to stay awake. he is demanding: 2 concerts required, a huge composer report done with a partner, many unit tests. Tests aren't that bad but not easy, also i just found him to be irritating!

This class is very boring,and there is a lot of work. The tests are difficult if you don't study the information.

This guy knows his craft. Yes, you do need to work to be able to do well. Concert reports are easy, I just went for the first 20 min. and then wrote it up according to the program! Tests are difficult though, so again, you gotta work for those. Lastly, PARTICIPATE! Do these and you got your A.

A lot of work for a required general ed class, but easy if you follow directions. He is very particular on tests and takes off points for spelling.

Lots of extra cresit, test werent too bad

Song was awesome. One of the easiest classes I ever took. If you're not a complete moron, then you won't have a problem. Listen to the lectures and you can ace the tests. The concert reports were actually fun to do. I did the composer report the night before and got an A. Fun, motiviating, and easy.

Funny little asian man. Pretty easy class, just go to the concerts for extra credit and do the composer report and you should do fine. The tests are easy, straight from the material.

if you've had a little musical background it's easy, dunno about those who know nothing about playing notes. assigns homework, even does it in class, that's easy, material is simple.

Took him during the summer. The class could get boring since it was so long, but it wasn't too hard. Listen to the cd's that come with the book and do some reading and you should be fine.

I took Prof. Song a year ago, and i can tell you it was an easy class not to menshion fun. I looked foward to this class and listening to intresting new music. The eassys and concerts we had to attend wernt that hard, and i object to the other guy saying this class sucks. You just need to pay attention and do your work. And you will get an easy A. Its not that hard. I give him a 5/5.

sometimes doesnt realize that not everyone in his class knows music as well as him, i like him and think he is a good teacher but sometimes its hard because i dont know music EXTREMLY well and he thinks that everyone in his class does... but he is a good teacher and he cares!!!

Teaches his student respect if they get out of line. Good guy, I learned alot. Tests were easy, and reviews were helpful. Lecture style is ok, if not a little stale.

VERY BORING TEACHER. JUST DRONES ON AND ON. Makes you spend money on concert tickets, even when you don't HAVE THE MONEY. However, he gives no homework, and the tests are easy.

His lectures and homework are pretty useful, but the tests are difficult. It would be better to take this class if you already know something about music

Lectures are kinda boring but other wise he was a good teacher. There were a couple of HW assignments, 4 or 5 tests and one project, nothing too hard though. He gave a BUNCH of EXTRA CREDIT. I got C's on the test and go an A in the class. I would recomend this class for people just starting at Moorpark.

I highly recommend Mr. Song. He is a wonderful teacher. If you take notes and study, you will do well. I was not looking forward to a music class, but I ended up loving the class thanks to Mr. Song's enthusiasm and great teaching skills.

Professor Song was awesome. His enthusiasm for music history and appreciation of music was contageous. I am not a music student, but like classical music. This was a great class for me to better appreciate music and get a good grade. It's nice to be graded on other things than tests; the concert reports and presentation were interesting and fun.

Mr. Song is an awesome teacher. He's always smiling and eager to help his students. Take good notes, and you'll do just fine. You have to attend a couple concerts and do a presentation. Other than that, he's great and easy! Plus he's really musically talented!

very nice, good class. i learned alot and he's a great teacher.

If you listen and attend 90% of the classes, I think that anyone can pass. He repeats things many times (these things are almost always on the next test). I rarely used my textbook and took notes only on repeated material and got a B.

This class was really easy if you: 1) go to class and paid attention, 2) read and follow the syllabus, 3) do your assignments on time, and 4) study for your tests. Sounds like a regular high school class, huh? Yet many posters chose low ratings and this is a college level class. Thought you'd get an easy A in this class, huh? Welcome to COLLEGE!

I don't know why these other students don't like Song but I thought he was a great teacher. Is very easy going, gives you extensions on your reports if you need more time, offers a lot of extra credit. Follows the text with his powerpoint and nothing surprises you on the test. He is very passionate about music and it's cool he can demonstrate songs

This guy is amazing! Did have grumpy days, but usually very happy, upbeat, fun, and REALLY knows what he's talking about! Lectures are interesting. Gave pretty cool extra credit. I thought this class would be boring, but it was cool! Goes into the 'why' of things not just "book stuff". All in all great teacher! Hint: Pay attention+be respecful! : )

I really enjoyed Song's class and found it very interesting. However, I'm a musician and so a lot of the information is stuff I'd learned before so I'm sure that helped. But I found him to be helpful and nice as long as you take the initiative to talk to him and ask questions. Overall, I liked the course and the intructor.

Encourages students to have a vision, to think out of box.

Wonderful teacher! Organized and intellectual. You must have average intelligence to take this class, or you will sound like some of the whining criticisms posted. If you have half a brain you should have no problems. I truly appreciated Songs passion and understanding. He is definately a university caliber professor!

If you read the chapters, you'll get an A on all the tests. Gives a lot of extra-credit. 4 tests,1 research paper, and a final(cum.)

I notice that a lot of the whining comes from those who thought it would be an easy class. He specifically mentioned that the class was for those with a real interest in music, for those who wish to major in it. Yes, the readings are hard, but take the time to study a little, do all the extra credit, and you WILL get the grade you deserve.

Excellent. Easy to follow. Requires students to pay attention & respect him while teaching. Follows book very close. No need to take notes, he teaches as the book is outlined. Does require you to learn of new music- classical/symphony. Highlighted/Bold definitions is what he tests on. If you read the assignments, you'll pass his class. I recommend

Took him in the summer. I was taking one other class at the same time and working so I didn't do the concert report, but still made out with an A. If you pay attention and take good notes you'll be fine. Plus he gives an extra credit assignment.

Greatest professor I've ever had. If you are confused on anything, he will assist you. He does not require attendance, but it will help you if you are in the class. He will go far more in-depth than the book explains. I would definitely take another of his classes.

He is a nice guy with high standards. Large workload consisting of a few large assignments. I would only recommend 1 class of his.

Easy teacher. He makes sure EVERYONE understands the material before he moves on to the next concept.

Professor Song is one of those teachers that you either absolutely love or can't stand what so ever. However, if you're willing to learn and you put passion into all you do, you'll realize how much of an amazing musician and educator he is. People at Moorpark College really don't realize how LUCKY we are to have him.

Super nice. Really motivated to help you understand the material. Good teaching methods!

Holds a high standard which is good. I was NOT cheated out of my musical education.

This class is a breeze if you attend class and take good notes. He makes class interesting and is very clear. Doesn't respect those who slack off and expect an A. Multiple choice tests and 1 concert report. Offers tons of extra credit opportunities. Don't need the book if you pay attention to the lecture. Extremely passionate and overall excellent!

James Song is a great teacher. He is such a great part of the music program at Moorpark College and deserves a smiley face on this site and a chili pepper!! Such a great teacher who will always help you if you need it. He takes music seriously.

It doesn't matter if you're a musician you cannot expect to pass music THEORY unless you can apply mathematics to music. I am not a musician but I can read music and passed with in A. Several extra credit opportunities were available and many students in the class were able to explain the material.

Best class ever! Im a bio major and never found anything interesting except science til I took Song's class. He is an amazing storyteller and leaves me on the edge of my seat. He makes sure you know the material by repeating the terminology and has EASY tests! And he gives out extra credit all the time. It's impossible not to get an A.

Prof Song was the best! Class was very straight forward and extremely easy. Attendance is mandatory but he makes it interesting because he is so passionate about music. Great class, definitely recommended.

Yes this is what allthe professors should be like, passionate, helpful, extra credit like no other professor i've ever seen, and even though this class was fast pace class, i learned so much! Highly recommend.

he is a good teacher i took him over the summer in a 4 week class he gives a lot of extra credit but often times rambles and gets off topic overall he has a lot of passion for music and i do think he is a good teacher

IF YOU ARE NOT INTO MUSIC DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! the people who got A's in my class played instruments. Tests are tough and the only saving grace is going to concerts.He is rude and will never let you out early, even if he has nothing else to teach in his lecture.if you like classical music then great, but dont take this class if you dont have to

Great teacher if you actually want to learn about music it is pretty easy and the tests are easy if you take notes. You can miss classes as long as you email him an excuse. I enjoyed the class and it made me enjoy classical music when I hated it before.

Great professor. Nice, passionate about music, and he really wants you to succeed. Show up, pay attention/take notes, do the work, and you're on your way to a great learning experience.

Very passionate teacher. I took this class and really learned something. Not an easy A but definitely worth it. 1 extra credit essay, and extra credit on all the tests. Read the text book, do the listening activities, show up to class, and do the concert report and you'll do well and learn a lot.

He pretty much gives study guides for everything. The final exam was easy except a huge 100 page timeline that I got 90% on. 2 in class tests, 1 take home test, 1 assignment from seeing a performance that you have to check the syllabus for the due date for. It can be a lot of work for a general ed class. You can get the 7th edition textbook.

Although I plan on majoring in music, I found him very reasonable as long as you are willing to learn, if you think that you can pass with out learning the information, you won't pass. Otherwise, I found him to be a great teacher.

I'm a bit biased since I am a music major but I enjoyed the class. Attendance is pretty important since new material comes up often. The homework is repetitive but helpful. He knows the subject well and he's willing to go over material until everyone understands. I highly recommend him if you're interested in music at all.

Tests were hard.ALTHOUGH I thought he was such a great teacher.He made the material very interesting. If you like a challenge and would like to actually learn something I would take this class. He treats you like an adult. You give him respect he will give you respect and if you don’t the other comments are true he will call you out.

Overall, the class was a struggle. Have to read in depth the textbook, and take good notes. He is passionate about what he does, but goes off of tangents a lot. I got an A in the class, but it wasn't easy. Wouldn't recommend if you don't want to work hard.

Very good teacher who is passionate about music. This is not an easy A, you will have to take exact notes but it pays off in the end. I didn't use the textbook much, but still got an A. One concert report that requires you to attend a live concert and write an essay. If you are looking to slack off, this isn't the class for you. I enjoyed it.

He's a good teacher. He know's his stuff. Very understanding and concerned for our future in a real college so he tries his best to make the class like an actual college class.

Fabulous class. I am NOT a History buff, but he made it interesting & exciting. He is passionate & expressive, both in class & conducting. Grading: True, one test median was 65%: some students scored 100+ points, some scored below 30. Everything on test was from book, music disc, or lecture. No surprises! Lots of opportunities for Extra Credit!

I'm a total music geek, but Prof. Song made me love music even more. Music Appreciation was a pretty easy class. Just be a good student: read the textbook, go to class, and study. You should do well. He's nice, helpful, and super passionate about his course. He cares about his students and answers questions. I definitely recommend this class.

Professor Song is very thorough in his covering of the subject. He is helpful, considerate and very passionate about the subject. He goes through the material systematically and in a way that helped me understand what was going on. I loved his class!

This teacher is very passionate in teaching music theory and it shows. He makes sure everyone understands the subject proficiently and makes everyone pay close attention by providing feedback. He stimulated my interest in music theory.

Super passionate, he loves the material and knows it front to back which translates to how he teaches. He makes the content interesting and exciting, and covers so much it's difficult to retain, but that means there's a point to being there and learning. Great class.

If you're the slightest bit interested in learning about music history (Baroque, Classical, etc.), you MUST take this professor. He a great lecturer (inspiring, interesting, grabs your attention). You won't be bored. 4 tests which are exactly the info from his lectures/study guides/book, a few short papers, 1 project. WOULD TAKE AGAIN, HANDS DOWN

Don't let the other reviews fool you. If you are serious about becoming the best musician you can be, take his classes. They are difficult, tedious, draining, and relentless, You will be forced to grow into the best musician you can be, but you have to put in the work. Song bends over backwards for those who want it. Don't bother if you slack off.

Professor Song is such a sweet heart! I'm a bio major and took this class for honors credits. Professor does all he can to be fair to those who aren't music theory majors. Tests are word for word from his online quizzes. If you go to review day he tells you exactly what to expect for the exam. He's very passionate & I've actually learned a lot!

Hes such a good teacher and really cares for his students. Study a good amount of the material and youll do fine, hes very lenient and wants everyone to do well so just show him you care. Sweetest professor

Professor Song is very passionate about his class and his students. He loves what he does and it's clear that he wants everyone to pass and long as you do your part. He prepares you for the exams thoroughly. Make sure you show up to class or else you may get lost quickly!

If you're taking this class expecting to get an "easy A" you're not going to get that here. Get ready to put in the work, do a lot of math, and be sure to buy the textbook. Professor Song is a very passionate and patient teacher as long as you ask questions and try your best. He genuinely just wants everyone to succeed regardless of their major.

The only way you can do well, especially in the beginning, is if you read the textbook. I am not a music major, but I read most of the assigned textbook readings and I did really well in the class. Also, Professor Song is an amazing professor and is super understanding.

Professor Song is an awesome teacher! If this is your first music class, it may be confusing at times but he is more than willing to answer any questions you have. If you have experience in music, this is the easiest class. He also has the kind of energy that just makes you feel happy and his piano skills are incredible. Definitely recommend!

if u submit ur work to him on multiple pages because its hard to see, he will only grade you on the ones that he will see on the first 2 pages, my grade has dropped down so far because he took points off because he thinks the part of the assignment is missing when its really not and its on the other pages of the pdf really frustrating

A good teacher who truly loves music, lectures are long but you can feel his passion for the subject making it better. Multiple easy quizzes a week, can't emphasize enough how easy the quizzes and tests are, able to take quizzes 2x to 3x. One big paper due near the end but other than that a great class to take!

He was passionate about the material and it makes a big difference in the classes, sometimes told inspiring stories. Handled a participation-heavy class in a respectful way. He cared about student success. During my time at the school he took a semester off to write a free textbook for students so it wouldn't be so costly to access music classes.

The amount of work was quite heavy at times, but the content itself was nothing crazy. Solid class