4.8
Quality1.9
Difficulty95%
Would Retake106
Reviews95%
Would Retake
106
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
97
4
5
3
1
2
2
1
1
What Students Say
“Johns lectures are amazing, hysterical and memorable”
INART115 - 5.0 rating“I wanted to take guitar lessons with John last semester, but didn't have a guitar”
INART115 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
66%
Textbook Required
45%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.18 avg changeRatings by Course
1152
5.0
(1)INART110
5.0
(1)ART100
5.0
(2)INART002
5.0
(1)INTART100
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
ART100
3.0
MUSICHISTORY
3.0
COS126
3.0
ART115
2.3
INART100
2.3
Reviews (106)
This class is no joke. Do not take it if you want an easy A for a gen ed. Exams are all open ended and you must remember everything!!
If you have any type of interest in music, specifically rock music and it's history, you will love this class. The professor is an awesome guy and a great teacher, he really knows his stuff.
A fairly challenging class, but he is a great professor. Teaches very clearly, even lets you know what you should be looking for on the test. A very cool professor.
awesome teacher this class was great if you like music. its not easy though, you need to study a little bit and know the songs!
Amazing guy.The man is very helpful and pasionate about this subject. I dont think his class was hard but you do have to at least read over the notes he ggives. He writes down everything you need to know. If you just read over your notes you will be fine for the tests. i got an a in the class and thats all i did.
Absolutely awesome dude.
He is Awesome, If you do not like fill in the blank questions on the exam and you prefer multiple guess..... Then dont take his class he is entertaining while you actually take something from the class.
Interesting class but horrible teacher. we only had 3 tests and that was your grade. I'm not good at taking tests. I asked him if he could maybe give a project or homework or anything else to help with my grade and he never answered me. he just ignored me.
John is awesome. He makes the lectures fun. We dont use the textbook at all, dont even bother buying it. Definitely really important to attend class cause thats where you get all the notes and he doesnt post them on ANGEL cause theyre all written and not slides. As long as you study your notes and make flash cards you'll be fine. Love his class.
He is AWESOME
He's FREAKING awesome! knows his stuff! It was however pointless to get the book.
Really cool dude. Has three exams as your grade and you dont need the text book, just go over the notes (so you kind of have to be in class)
One of the best classes at Abington. Awesome guy, really knows his stuff. So passionate about the topic. One of the things that makes this class so unique is John is actually in the music business himself. Teaches most of his class from Youtube Videos. Take notes, go to class, don't need to buy the book at all. You will not be dissapointed at all.
Just an awesome guy all around. His class was REALLY casual, there was no need to buy the book at all, and he always had a cool story to tell from his tours with the Beach Boys and Eric Burdon. Highly recommended, just go to the class and you're bound to get a good grade!
Just an awesome guy all around. His class was REALLY casual, there was no need to buy the book at all, and he always had a cool story to tell from his tours with the Beach Boys and Eric Burdon. Highly recommended, just go to the class and you're bound to get a good grade!
Just an awesome guy all around. His class was REALLY casual, there was no need to buy the book at all, and he always had a cool story to tell from his tours with the Beach Boys and Eric Burdon. Highly recommended, just go to the class and you're bound to get a good grade!
Reminds Me of Jack Black! Great Teacher!
He is an amazing teacher. He makes you want to come to class. you dont use the textbook because your textbook is Youtube! if you want an easy A this is the class. he very nice and funny too! just an AMAZING teacher!
Great teacher who is always willing to ask questions after class. Wants his students to succeed & his tests come directly from the notes. Has a playlist of the videos we watch in class on youtube so you can re-watch or study through them. Funny guy and super nice!
Best teacher ever! Willing to help with anything and he makes the class interesting. Overall one of the best teachers I've ever had :)
SO good, very helpful class is basically listening to music on youtube, test are exactly from notes and lecture dont buy book, waste of money. you'll have fun, easy A class, you'll be happy to have on your roster
Great teacher. if you go to class and listen to his story (yes, his class is basically made of funny stories), you dont even need to study for the test. final is cumalitive
He is one of the best teachers I believe I will have. His class is interesting and he knows his field of study in- depth. It is no that his class is easy but he tells you exactly what tests are on. Take him!
This class is so fun and John is such a great professor. I learned so much in his class and as long as you go to class and pay attention, it is definitely an easy A. I would definitely recommend taking any of his classes.
Great Class. One of the best Art choices that fulfill an art requirement. Class is never boring, you mostly watch YouTube videos the entire class. He gives reviews before each test which help a lot. He's funny and does a lot of impressions. He is in the music industry himself which shows because he knows everything. TAKE HIM.
Easily the coolest professor I've had in 5 semesters of college. Super cool guy who really knows his stuff. Makes the class fun and interesting. As long as you come to class and are awake you should get an A. HIGHLY recommend taking any of his classes.
Really fun class. The tests are a little difficult, but if you go to class you should be fine. He's a cool professor.
I like this professor the most in Abintong. His class is really fun and interesting. He knows his stuff very well and is a very nice professor.
This guy is the man, easily the best class/professor I have taken throughout my stay at Abington. Really knows his stuff and every lecture is exciting and interesting. The amount of material I learned as well is triumphant! Thumbs up to this class
Easy class, easy A. The tests are based on his lectures, which you MUST go to every class to get a perfect score. Just because the notes he gives you are already written down, doesn't mean half his lectures don't include oral notes. I missed 3 classes, & the questions I got wrong were from the days I missed. You need to take very good notes!!!
THIS CLASS IS AWESOME... It's probably my favorite class to take... He knows his stuff! Awesome teacher and he's a hottie... Crazy eye candy... If you have to take this class take it... You'll look at music with a more understanding!
I took the class a year ago, but I vividly remember it being a great class. For the person who said the class sucked, well, they're just dumb. John is a great teacher who knows what he's teaching and knows how to make the class fun and interesting. I took it as a GenEd Arts class, and I definitely recommend it. Also agree that he's cute.
John is the coolest guy you'll ever meet. Took "History of Rock from 1970-present" and it was one of the coolest courses I've vet taken. Lectures are him telling you about bands, playing YouTube videos of their songs. Such a relaxed environment. 4 very easy multiple choice exams. He never took attendance but I actually look forward to this class.
John is hilarious, he makes his lectures very fun and also educational at the same time. I have learned a lot from this class, while enjoying being here. He makes sure everyone knows what he's talking about. You don't need to buy the textbook. Just wait until you get to the lectures about Phil Spector. John, your the man!!
This dude is simply the man. The easiest and most interesting class i have ever taken. If you didint take History of Rock & Roll while you were at Abington... did you even go there?
Great professor, great class. Awesome way to earn arts credits and by far the most interesting class I've taken here. The course is really straightforward, just come to class and take notes and you'll ace everything. Highly recommend especially if your a fan of rock music. Don't bother getting the textbook
He was one of my favorite teachers I've ever had. Lectures are funny and VERY interesting. Even his personal stories that have to do with the people we learn about are great to listen to. More like an adult friend than a teacher. 1010 would take again.
John is such a great guy and knows what hes talking about. If you take good notes and listen to what he has to say there is no way you should walk out of his class without an A. Tests are so easy d theres only about 3 of them (including the final) Tests are multiple choice and listening to music! GREAT TEACHER! Would absolutely take again!
If you like being entertained for free, here's your class. John brings his skills as an musician and entertainer to the classroom. Every class he ends with "thanks for hanging out." That sums it up. John is relatable and easy going. He connects the material to music you already know. It behooves you to take his class, it makes you a better person
A class unlike any other. It's entertaining and informative all at the same time. The whole class consists of John going through Youtube videos of famous musicians between the 1920s and 1970s and giving his commentary. A great class and great professor, would take it again
John is the man. I've always been interested in the type of music he taught. He has a clear passion for music which makes his class even better and more interesting. The tests were clear and we learning everything in class. This was just an art credit for me, and I am very glad I took it. Got an A. Great guy.
Fun class, worth taking if you are interested in learning about a diverse range of music topics. He touches on pretty much everything. Tests are straightforward. 75% of the test is based on the notes he puts up on the screen, the other 25% is based on the lecture. He gives you hints on the test but you need to review your notes to pass
I'm taking him again next semester because he is just the best! He has every quality of a teacher that you would wish for. I have never heard anything bad said about him. You are literally missing out if you don't take him.
If someone would ask me about the perfect teacher for this class ever- it would be him. So much passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of topic! I have never seen any teacher like him before. Take him!!!
Best class about music history I have ever taken. I would definitely recommend taking this class with John because he is an amazing professor that makes the class incredibly interesting. Didn't need the textbook, just go to class and take notes and you'll be golden. He is very helpful if you ask and just an overall nice person!
I love John, his Rock 'n' Roll history course was seriously so cool. He makes his class interesting and entertaining. You get to listen to a good lecture and listen to music too. Seriously would recommend this course to anyone that needs it. And even if you didn't, just take it. You won't regret :)
I love his class so much. I didn't want to take an art class but he made it worth it. Loved listening to music in class. Your grade is made up from 4 tests. Go to class, take notes, and study the night before for an A. So easy and fun!
Really enjoyable class. 4 tests for the semester, all multiple choice. Show up to class, take notes, and it is an easy A. He is very passionate about the class and it shows through his lectures. If I needed another art credit I would take another one of his classes without hesitation.
He's a great proffersor, his lesssons are very entertaining and informative.
TAKE THIS PROFESSOR WHENEVER POSSIBLE. John is the best music instructor at this school. Any of his classes are sure to be winners. I have now taken him for inert 115, inart 100, music 420, and music 112 and all of his classes have been my favorites each semester. He will make it so easy for you and truly wants you to ace the class.
John's lectures are very interesting and entertaining and I love learning about the history of rock and roll! He is obviously very passionate about his classes and it shows. textbook not required. 4 tests, all multiple choice, just take good notes, write down what he says, and study for the exam and you will get an A! take him for your art gen eds!
John is a great guy. I am not a huge music person however i loved his classes! He is very passionate about music and it makes class very interesting. He teaches as if the history of rock and roll is a big story. He is very interesting and integrates youtube clips to much of the class. He is also hilarious. Best professor on campus. Must take!
Love ya John! Such a cool guy that knows his stuff. You take a few tests and thats it
Amazing professor took both rock and roll classes with him along with music business, songwriting, and a guitar lesson. Hands down my favorite professor that I've ever had. Very sad that next semester I don't have any classes with him. If you have any interest in music and needs art credits TAKE ANY CLASS WITH JOHN PACHENCE easy A if you show up
Cool guy, but he is the worst Prof I've ever had. He's always late for class, and did not show up at least 6 times, half of them unannounced. The class itself is not hard, but the exams are 30% of things is vaguely said about subjects that are not in the notes. For an art class it is not easy, if you are looking for an A. Better take another prof
Totally disagree with the person below. Have no idea what they're talking about. Johns lectures are amazing, hysterical and memorable! His tests are totally straightforward and he even gives a study outline the class before. He always has time for questions after class, and really wants us to succeed!
I wanted to take guitar lessons with John last semester, but didn't have a guitar. John actually lent me one of his own personal guitars for me to use. Who does that?!? This semester he actually got Penn State to buy guitars for us!! Love my new guitar! Thanks John!
Literally the BEST professor I've had so far at PSU. 4 tests including the final, super easy. Write down his notes and remember what he says about certain people/about the videos you watch and you'll get an A. Such a cool guy and if you love music take his INART 100 & 115 class (History of Rock & Roll 1 & 2).
If you ever see his name on a available class 100% take it, you will wish he taught every class
John brings a certain liveliness to each lecture. 4 exams, last one is semi-cumulative. He was late/no-show a handful of times, but never failed to bore the class. For me, it was one of those classes that I really looked forward to every MWF. Take him if you have room in your schedule!
Penn State told me I needed 3 more credits to graduate and I'd have to come back next semester. I asked John to look over my degree audit and he found a way for me to graduate on time!! I never met another prof that is so caring and helpful and he's not even my advisor!! #psuclass2017
His lectures are so memorable and his style is so amazing that when I take his test I can actually "hear" and "see" him in the answers. Never experienced that before!
Never learned so much from a single professor. Not just about music, but about life.
Truly an amazing human being that happens to be a brilliant professor. Take him for any course that he teaches. John's definitely a joy to be around and takes his job very seriously. He provides you with invaluable information to not only help you academically but also with your career.
Amazing teacher. If you need an easy A for a gen ed 10000% recommend him. I was dreading taking another art gen ed but I find his class so interesting based off his lectures. Its like listening to a story for an hour. Tests arent hard to pass since he keeps you listening every class. Such a nice guy and would definitely take him again.
One of the best professors at Abington!
the test was not as easy as he said, the lecture was long and tons of notes you need to take and digest. don't take him if you are not good at taking notes. his lecture goes really fast and the notes move really fast, bad presenter as well. he seems to be a good teacher, but he is not. he had three homework, each one is so long. three long papers.
In his class, you need to take a lot of notes and he will not post the notes online. The tests are based on all lecture notes and you need to remember all the things. The grade is based on tests and papers. He assigned the homework at the end of the semester.
TAKE THIS CLASS! The information and advice that John shares with the class is so valuable and definitely necessary to hear. He goes over all the things that are crucial to know when applying for internships and jobs in the entertainment industry! He is a great mentor/person in general, and very knowledgeable about different career paths.
funny and super entertaining, great class
Inspiring! Great prof, mentor and friend.
I absolutely loved this class and Professor Pachence. He is simply the best professor I've had at PSU so far. Hes so amazing & passionate. He really opens your eyes to the topics he teaches and his lectures are always super interesting because he has so many real-life experiences in the music field. The final was med hard, so take good notes.
do yourself a favor and take a class with him before you graduate. he makes teaching look so simple too. i really wish he could describe how he prepares his lectures and how he presents the material to other professors because he makes it look so easy. extremely kind and helpful too
Pachence a fabulous professor, the best I've come across at Abington. He changes the way you perceive music and doesn't force you to agree with him, has a fabulous sense of humor and teaches you to think critically. I recommend to take at least one of his classes. The skills he teaches are useful in practically every field
John is such a great professor! He is very easy to listen to and he really cares about his students. I still remember so much from his lectures. I took his class two years ago and he still stops to talk to me if we pass each other on campus! Great guy, great class.
Pachence is everything! A natural teacher who loves his material and gets students to love it too. I want to be all that, do what he does, live that amazing life of being a great teacher, great mentor and great musician..
Just one of the best people period.
Take him.
Truly incredible. He has so many great stories and really lives what he teaches. His lectures are very well prepared, but they feel almost improvised. His class is fairly easy as long as you show up. This was the only class I never stressed over last semester. Outside of class, he's always willing to sit down and talk and gives great advice.
Honestly Pachence gives me hope that professors really do care about students. Has lots of great experience to pass down. Had him as a professor twice and would def take again!
John's class was fun. We had to do 4 tests and go to 2 concerts in the night time. The tests were multiple choice and about 80% of the tests were things that you really did not have to study for. If you are not good at studying or taking tests this class is a easy B but you will have to study to get the A. All we did in class was take notes.
I took this class as an elective and did not regret it one bit! Hes obviously very passionate about music and the history and his enthusiasm makes for a very enjoyable class. If you need an art class or a fun elective, you should definitely consider him!
As long as you take notes and look over it you do good for tests. John is one of the best Professors on campus. He has a Jack Black vibe (cool laidback guy), he is really hilariuos and caring. You'll get a good laugh in his class. John will understand if anything bad happens or if you are busy, he'll try to make alternatives for you. 100 Recommend!
Perfect example of a great Professor. Cares about student success and will go out of his way to make sure you are successful. Also he cares about his students like family and treats them like regular human beings. 3 Multiple choice tests. Very straight forward gives study guides before tests and no trick questions and allows reschedules if needed.
Great Professor. Cares about student success and will go out of his way to make sure you are successful. Also he cares about his students like family and treats them like regular human beings. 3 Multiple choice tests. Very straight forward gives study guides before tests and no trick questions and allows reschedules if needed.
Outstanding Professor. Cares about student success and will go out of his way to make sure you are successful. Also he cares about his students like family and treats them like regular human beings. 3 Multiple choice tests. Very straight forward gives study guides before tests and no trick questions and allows reschedules if needed.
Great professor who is very understanding. Lectures are entertaining and he has a great sense of humor. A few multiple choice tests and concert attendance. Show up, take notes, learn about awesome music, and do well. Highly recommend for a gen ed, very interesting and not too difficult. Overall great person.
John is one of the greatest professors that teachers here at Abington. His classes make me smile every time I go to one! He is also the best advisor out there :) He is truly amazing and all people should take him!
I have taken a few courses with John. He is incredibly caring. His focus is primarily on you walking away having learned something. He does not rely heavily on test or anything. Music 420, his songwriting course really feels accessible to everyone. Even if you cannot play an instrument you can confidently write a song by the end of the course.
Just take notes from the slides/document that he shows you and listen to what John has to say and you will pass easily. Only had three tests in his class and they were open note tests. He made the class fun during COVID and made me forget about what was going on in my life. A great professor for someone who needs a Gen-Ed class and an easy A.
Overall, he's probably the best choice for filling the general education science credits. The class is easy to understand, just make quizlets out of his note slides and practice for the tests to get an easy A.
Hes funny ash and the content is very interesting. I genuinely got put on to so many artists that I love rn like Jimi Hendrix and Bo Diddley
One of the best professors I have ever taken at Penn State. You can tell he is very passionate about what he does and the class is very interesting. If you need a Gen Ed Art class this is 100% the class you should take. The class isn't stressful at all and before you know it the semester will be over.
Lectures every class. Listen to music in class to not get bored if you don't like music and just take the notes that are on the board, you will get an A.
The best professor in the entire world. Take him. Such a passionate and caring guy - the absolute goat. I've learned so much from this class that is genuinely interesting and applicable to real life. His lectures are engaging and the workload is incredibly manageable.
Professor Pachence was amazing. You can tell he LOVES talking about music, which makes the class 10x more engaging. He really cares about his students and makes the class very manageable. We had 3 quizzes with questions coming directly from the notes and 2 simple homework assignments. He also offered some extra credit. Take him if you can!
Easy class, just show up and take notes. He makes the class interesting and adds videos in the mix, exams are open note so you're guaranteed to pass.
Professor Pachence is an amazing educator. His love and passion for music is obvious throughout every lecture he gives. Professor Pachence is also a very engaged teacher and always has time to talk to his students after class and is sometimes willing to help outside of class.
One of the best professors I've taken at PSU, his lectures are very fun and engaging to listen to. His class is very straightforward just 3 online quizzes all multiple choice and a couple of hw assignments. He's very kind and considerate and sets his courses up for his students to do well. Attend each class to take down the notes and you'll pass.
what a magnificent man. No homework, & every exam is online. I didnt really take notes tbh I just googled my way through, and I have an A. The only weird thing was his geolocation attendance thing??(Id look more into that before taking his class.) I didnt do that, & I barely attended any of his classes. Bless this mans soul fr
One of the best teacher I have taken took this class for gen ed and he's a great professor such a nice guy, no homework about 3-4 tests including the final all on canvas. Just take notes in class and you'll be fine, all test questions are on notes overall outstanding teacher and an interesting class.
Profressor Pachence is a pretty chill guy. Attendance isn't mandatory but he doesn't post his lecture notes so if you don't show up & take the notes the quizzes are going to be difficult. But it's not really hard to show up, the guy is hilarious and makes every class pretty enjoyable. Great professor who is pretty passionate & loves music.
Professor Pachence's INART50 class is a hit - engaging lectures, minimal work, and an easy A. Use Unstuck AI alongside the free notes for an effortless pass.
Such a good guy! Pretty easy to reach outside of class and is always willing to answer any questions you may ever have. Very understanding as well. Doesn't take attendance but uses Top Hat sometimes - not often though. Quizzes are pretty easy. Take him for an easy gen ed!!
Class is consisted of 4 tests each worth 20% and an attendance/participation grade worth 20%. He is a really nice guy and insanely passionate about what he does which makes his lectures super interesting. If you want an easy A legit just show up to class and the lectures are what the tests are on.
He just doesn't answer to emails.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
66%
Textbook Required
45%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.18 avg changeRatings by Course
1152
5.0
(1)INART110
5.0
(1)ART100
5.0
(2)INART002
5.0
(1)INTART100
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
ART100
3.0
MUSICHISTORY
3.0
COS126
3.0
ART115
2.3
INART100
2.3