He's pretty funny and makes music appreciation easy to understand. Tests aren't bad--I never studied more than 5 minutes and got A's and B's.

He is awesome. Lot's of good music. The tests are multiple choice except the the first quiz. Need to really study for that one. You have to write the answers. The final is easy. You get to go to the symphony and listen to classical music.

He is an excellent teacher. I really liked how he teached and I really enjoyed the class.

really funny and entertaining. tests over his lecture so if you go to class every day, you are pretty much guaranteed a good grade. makes something that could be very dry really interesting.

Easily one of my favorite teachers after only a week. Totally interested and willing to stay after class and chat about anything to do with music and is very willing to get to know a student.

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awesome teacher

great teacher

he's a vey nice and funny teacher. Pick him it will be worth it. Trust me.

Fun class! Very good teacher...

He is a great teacher. Anyone who takes this class will have fun, will learn new things, and will be listening to music pretty much all class hour. He is fun and outgoing! Don't pass up a class and a teacher like this while it's available.

Murray is awesome- very funny and keep things interesting. I really enjoyed the class and an A is very obtainable. Would def. recommend.

Awesome professor, very entertaining and understanding.

best music teacher ever!!!!

His class was very easy and interesting. He writes everything you need to know on the board, and tells you what you need to know the day before the test.

Very nice & funny guy. Class is always interesting. His notes are all you need to pass the exams but they're confusing and all over the place. The tests are not easy. If you really study you should do fine. You will have to go to 2 concert and write 2 easy papers.

Amazing man. He is funny and interesting and just a great teacher. He is a conducter himself so he knows the stuff in and out but is very up to date on popular music and does not penalize you for not knowing the ins and outs of his profession. TAKE THIS TEACHER!!!!

Although I had taken music before this, the course was still interesting. Professor Murray is a great and funny guy who keeps the whole class interested and involved.

Jim is a great teacher and a nice person. He writes everything you need on the board. You don't use your book at all, only the cd's. He even gave me a copy of his notes to study for the test.

Easily one of my favorite teachers after only a week. Totally interested and willing to stay after class and chat about anything to do with music and is very willing to get to know a student. He is truly a great person.

I was only taking this class because it was required, but Murray made it interesting. My class was a three hour night class, but we always got out at least half an hour early and had a break in the middle. The class and tests are lecture based, so you don't really need the book-just the CDs. He's willing to talk to you and give feedback.

Mr. Murray is one of my favorite teachers. He keeps you interested and he is very easy to get along with. He is a very happy and funny guy! I would recommend this class to anyone! I absolutely loved it!

Mr. Murray is one of my favorite teachers ever. I absolutely love his personality and sense of humor, along with his immense knowledge of music. He teaches wonderfully, his lectures are meaningful and interesting, and his tests are not difficult. You won't find a better music teacher. Anywhere. Take him if at all possible!

I took Music 108 online. Jim Murray seemed nice over the internet. He responded quickly to emails as well.This was not a hard class because you could work at your own pace-everything is due at the end of the semester. However, I would recommend taking this in person and not online. It will be easier and more interesting.

He is amazing. A fantastic personality and always cheerful. He writes everything you need to know on the board for easy note taking. Tests are fairly straight forward. Great atmosphere and interesting subject. I would definitely recommend taking this class - you learn so many things other than music and it's amazing to learn from him.

Jim knows what he is talking about. He is very knowledgeable and funny guy. Overall I recommend taking this class, BUT HIS CLASS IS HARDER THAN I EXPECTED. The tests are pretty easy if you show up to the class, hardest thing is the concert reports which can make or break your grade.

This guy. I love this teacher. He's so nice and will crack jokes here and there to spice up lectures. Very good teacher, would recommend to everyone.

BEST TEACHER EVER!!! This was the best class I've ever taken. He is Super funny! If you do the homework and actually listen to the music, its easy to get an A. This class is really fun!

Jim is fantastic! I never worried about his class. All I had to do was take good notes and study the lectures. Jim is really funny and is very knowledgeable about music. I have a lot of respect for him.

I love Mr Murray so much. He's really funny and I actually enjoyed his lectures, which is unusual. He is there to help you in school and in whatever else you have going on. He is by far my favorite professor ever. Definitely take a class with him if you have the chance!

He makes the class really interesting and fun to listen to. His assignments are really easy to do. His test are easy if you study. I would take this class again if I could.

Best instructor on campus! Lectures: Very entertaining! His lectures are engaging and fun. Homework: Not too much of it. Tests: The most difficult part of the exam is the listening portion, but if you study for it you'll do fine. It's basically a history class, so the test consists of mainly factual questions.

Murry gives great lectures even adding some personal or non personal stories to keep the class ingadged. assigns some papers but not very long. tests are easy if you listen and take notes and while a bit harder the listening portion of the test was easier then he tells you.

I thought this would be my easy class this semester... no. It was my most difficult bar far. Sending emails to the instructor was helpful in that he was extremely willing to change test grades based off your ability to explain why you answered questions the way you did. However, it takes a while to hear back from him. Great instructor. Very helpful

He is the most hilarious teacher ever. I would definitley take him again if i could. the first quiz is really hard but it gets easier from then on. he definitlety knows what he is talking about and is always there to help you.

I am far from acclimated to the fine arts, but Jim Murray sparked an interest for me in the different forms of musical expression. You are required to visit a local symphony twice, but it can be a very rewarding experience. Having never been to one, it inspired me to visit several others simply for pleasure. His class was a ton of fun, even for me.

Jim Murray is by far one of my favorite professors at MCC. He's very good about clarifying his expectations in a serious setting, but remains a very laid back and easy-to-get-along with professor. Very little homework, tests are SUPER easy. Just show up and study and you'll pass.

One of the best teachers at Maple Woods. His lectures are fun and interesting and he is very approachable and cares about your success. Tests can hard if not properly prepared for but as long as you take good notes and really listen to the audio pieces you will do fine. Great guy!

Managed to make me enjoy music that I wouldn't otherwise. As long as you write down in notes what he writes on the board, it's an easy A. He also manages to be the most fun and hilarious Prof on campus.

I thought this class would be easy but it was a bit difficult because the audio takes a while to load. The midterm and final are worth 700 points. There are 33 assessments and are worth 100 points. I would suggest taking this online if you are able to motivate yourself to get your work done.

He is great! I thought I would be bored out of my mind, but he is really an awesome professor. He makes learning about the history of music really interesting and entertaining. Easy grader! Do the work and you will pass. :)

Awesome professor! The listening portion of this class was the hardest, but if you devote time to sit down and study it then it is not hard to get a good grade. Otherwise, the assignments are easy and if you study your notes you will do well on the tests.

Prof. Murray is hilarious. He makes it fun to come to class and I think thats really needed, especially when talking about classical music. He knows his stuff and I have respect for him.

Super cool dude. Keeps lectures interesting, relates to his students. 10/10 would take again for a music class.

Jim cares about his students. His lectures are both facts and fun, but his notes taking skills are hard to follow. If you want to get a good grade make sure to attend lectures and pay attention. The book is not required. He will accept late work, but will take points off. There are a few papers, two quizzes, and 4 exams throughout the semester.

Loved this professor! So nice and funny. Not totally reliant on tests. There are also papers and quizzes. Take good notes and study the music he gives you and youll be fine!

Super fun instructor! Had him 1st semester for College 100 & then took him again 2nd semester for Music 108. Doesn't require the text, listening portion of the exam is what trips people up, but I never had any trouble with it. Took it with a friend which made it super fun! Recommend transferring notes to Quizlet for exams. He's super easygoing.

Amazing teacher!! You can tell Jim really loves his job and has a passion for the topics he teaches. If you go to all his lectures, you never have to use the book. I never opened it once. Tests are a little hard because of the historical dates, but he offers EC and grades based on tests and assignments. Easy class with a hilarious teacher

I took a music appreciation class with Jim Murray and I don't regret it at all. Exams aren't hard as long as you put in the work to study and pay good attention during class. He makes the class fun and is always joking around. Not much homework.

Music Appreciation, contrary to popular belief, is not a blow off class. It's easy but you still have to study for it. The test have listening portions that you have to study for at least a week in advance to be able to do good on. His lectures can be hard to follow at time because of he makes a lot of off topic jokes but he's a great professor

Amazing teacher. Super genuine guy and genuinely cares for each student and if they pass. Has fun with his lessons and blends the perfect amount of lecture and example via music. If he gives you any kind of list that makes up a bigger whole, MEMORIZE IT. It will be extra credit on multiple of his tests. Easy class if you care enough.

I loved taking Professor Murrays class. The lectures were entertaining and kept me engaged. The tests were easy for the most part, but you HAVE to study the music for the listening part of the the test. He will also have you go to a concert and write a paper over it, but I enjoyed that as well. I would highly recommend his class.

murray is a super great guy, who makes his class fun and interesting. he's very upfront about being very laid back, and knowing that his class won't be your first priority. makes the lectures as interesting as it can be, some can be boring though so don't go to class half asleep.

Jim Murray is an amazing instructor! I took his Music Appreciation class and I loved it! His lectures are amazing and hes super chill. He is also funny. Take good notes though, they will help you study for exams. Also you do have a listening list for exams, if you memorize the music and if you study for the exams you will be in good shape.

Took Music Appreciation with Prof. Murray this semester and it was by far my most enjoyable class. He is hilarious and very knowledgeable in music. Lectures are clear and you know what to expect for tests. No homework besides three writing assignments throughout the semester and a concert report essay. (clear, easy guidelines for all of these.) :)

Jim is an amazing guy, and on top of that a great teacher. He lets you know exactly what he wants before he wants it. However it's all about your notes. You need to be in class every day, take good notes, and study them. There are 5 tests and remember to do your listening!

Jim is an amazing person both in classroom and out of classroom. Always nice and caring and respectful. The tests are a bit difficult but you learn whats expected out of you quickly. Jim doesnt tolerate disrespect or laziness, but will work with you if you have a situation. All the information on tests is in lectures so if you miss you will fail

All the information you will need on tests you will learn in the lectures during class, take notes on them and review them. The listening pieces are also on tests but it's easier than expected. A few papers, but nothing too crazy. Murray rocks and is an awesome teacher, also is really funny if you listen.

Amazing guy overall. You have to take his tests seriously and you will pass easily. He wants you to enjoy music and have a good time. The listening part of his tests are important to study hard for.

Jim is probably my favorite professor in my (almost) two years at Maple. Super knowledgable about music, very enjoyable lectures, and a great guy overall. Definitely taking another class with him.

Professor Murray is pretty chill & super understanding & flexible. Class is easy to pass as long as you take notes & pay attention during the lectures. I def should of paid more attention during lectures & I would of got a way higher grade. Overall though easy class & easy professor.

This dude was so chill. He understand that life happens and shit will hit the fan eventually, and he's here to have a good laugh in the middle of a lecture. He lectures a lot but as long as you have the notes, you literally can not fail. Just put in the small amount of work and you will pass.

MY FAVORITE PROFESSOR EVER! very funny and a good lecturer. his class is note heavy, so as long as you pay attention you'll do great. its very obvious he wants you to love both the music and the class. most of his classes are novice friendly, so even if you dont know a lot about music you'll be fine

He is extremely knowledgeable on music. Lectures every class, but always makes jokes to connect with his students. There are 4 tests + a listening portion on each, but no midterm or final, and he makes the test content very clear. There are 4 writing assignments, but as long as you follow the instructions and put in a little energy, you'll be fine.

I doubt this guy needs another review to say what's already been said. He's hilarious, very clear, very passionate, and just an overall great teacher. Take notes, study the music listenings, and do the few writing assignments and you'll do just fine. He's a lovely and entertaining fellow, and very knowledgeable and good at what he does. Fun class.

Truly the best instructor I've taken here. Jim is such a great guy and he makes every lecture a ton of fun. He's super passionate about what he does and is easily accessible if you have any questions. Attend lectures and take notes and you'll do just fine. Highly recommend that everyone take a class with him at some point, you won't regret it.

Great class! The class was online so you have to stay on task and make sure to get your stuff done! Quick replies when you email with questions.

amazing professor!!!

About 3-4 homework (quizzes) every week due by Sunday. They are pretty easy though as long as you looked at the lecture that went with it. Easy A if you just turn everything in.

Mr. Murray is amazing, an awesome professor, and an awesome guy overall. I took world music which was more about cultures and their music. Murray is funny, keeps your attention, and knows what he's talking about. You just take notes and study for exams, music memorization and knowledge is tested but simple. Attendance is important for lecture.

You're missing out if you're not going to take his classes. He's funny and always seems to have a smile on his face while cracking jokes during his lectures. It's interesting and the notes are simple so you aren't over-writing un-needed things. The exams and writing assignments are easy. Be at every class, cause all the info. is in his lectures.

You need to show up to his class to be able to study for the tests, its very note heavy but very easy. Wrote three papers, all based on notes not outside materials. If you study your notes you will do great on the tests. He has a little bit of an ego and thinks he's funnier than he is but his class is super easy and wont stress you out.

Jim Murray is the cream of the crop of MCC professors. I took his music appreciation course in person and it was quite easy. You need to show up every day since there is no way to access material outside of being present at the lectures. He has some pretty easy, fun writing assignments, a concert report, 4 tests, and a quiz. Funny guy too. Top Lad.

I took him again after taking his music appreciation class and wasn't disappointed! He's a fun and caring professor who makes every lecture interesting. It's a lot to memorize, but there's extra credit on every exam. All the info. is in his lectures, so attendance is crucial. Definitely suggest taking his class for a diversity credit!

Very entertaining

I loved him! I struggled in the beginning of the semester because I didn't realize how much of the material lectured on would be on the test, but once I figured it out and started taking more notes and studying for tests more, it became way easier. Interesting material too!

He is a very entertaining professor, he can make any content fun to learn. The class is extremely lecture heavy and there are no resources on canvas, so it's important to attend class and take good notes, but if you do that the tests really aren't hard.

Jim Murray is a fun, lighthearted professor that left me actually enjoying class! I would absolutely take his class again!

I loved taking his class. I would look forward to going to his class! His lectures are always amazing, his exams are easy, and I always like the assignments he gives us, and they aren't hard at all. He is my favorite teacher at MCC.

Jim Murray is one of my favorite professors. His lectures are always interesting and he knows how to keep a class engaged. His lectures are very in depth, and i have learned quite a lot. One thing i will say is the exams can be difficult if you don't study the listening portions outside of class, but there are many other ways to make up the points.

Professor Murray is absolutely phenomenal. He really helped me understand the subject, while not making it too difficult. Everyday I would look forward to his class because he's a great guy overall. 100% would take again.

Mr.Murray is the MAN. The only teacher I went out of my way to take twice. His lectures are never boring and always interesting. Super funny and chill guy who's probably way too good a teacher to be at MCC. If you can take his class, DO IT.