4.3
Quality3.3
Difficulty68%
Would Retake106
Reviews68%
Would Retake
106
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
80
4
6
3
5
2
9
1
6
What Students Say
“Arshagouni and I can say without a doubt he is one of the best professors at LAVC”
MUS111 - 5.0 rating“Not impossible to get an A because he knows how difficult it is but it's a great experience since he loves the subject”
MUS111 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
53%
Textbook Required
13%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.70 avg changeRatings by Course
PIANO1
5.0
(1)MUS122
5.0
(4)MUSIC121
5.0
(2)HARMONY
5.0
(1)CHOIR
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
MUSHIST
5.0
MUSIC122
5.0
MUS121
4.7
MUS
4.5
111
4.3
Reviews (106)
He is a dificult teacher and I recommend him to music majors only. His tests are extremely hard but his lectures are not too dificult to understand.He is also arrogant and condescending and does not care to help his students out.
Arshagouni rules! Excellent teacher. Very intelligent and humurous guy. As long as you have a sense of humor then you'll never be bored. Some of his classes are hard but if you work he will help you. Very knowledgable. Will make for a fun semester.
This professor demands quality from his students. And he gets it! He is always willing to help; you only have to ask. He made me work, but I think I did my best work for his class. Great teacher: knowledgable, funny, engaging. TAKE HIM!!!
Fantastic professor. Best I have had a Valley. If you have the chance to take a clas from him, DO!!! He is always willing to spend time with students, and he is VERY helpful.
This guy KNOWS his stuff. And he presents it in a way that makes it accessible to the student. I learned a great deal from him. If you want the best, take him. He also is VERY willing to spend time with the student either during ofice hours, or even outside of it. VERY helpful.
Dr. Arshagouni is truly a great teacher. He shows more care and concern for his students than any teacher I have had. His reputation is as a tough professor, but he is VERY fair. I learned much about music and its connection to society through the years, making my journey so much more rewarding.
Arshagouni is quite challenging, but he always works to inspire students to do their best. I have a greater grasp of traditional harmony than I ever thought I would, and I am writing music I can be proud of. Thanks Dr. Arshagouni for great classes.
I have had such fun in his choir. Really a blast. And we are doing real music, too. Thanks for believing in us. I'll definitely take this Prof again!
He is the bomb!!! he believed in us enough to give us some pretty challenging pieces and it all turned out great!!!
THis professor does not really teach. Everything you do you do online. He makes you do a lot of useless busy work, like concert report, and useless assignments. The tests are not hard if you read through the text and spend time on it. Honestly, i don't see why he is even there, he hasn't ever responded to a single email, emailing him is waste of ti
I would have to disagree with the comments here. This professor is non responsive to emails and he expects way too much for as little time as he dedicates to the students. To give a listening final when you do not teach anything about those pieces ahead of time is silly. To grade based on what one hears is a joke, as listening is God's giftnotskill
And I disagree with the last one. This Prof was GREAT. He ALWAYS had time in his office hours, and many times would be there long after office hours were over. I found the listening exam to be a good test of what we learned. Did I do great - no. But I think I did well. And this Prof definitely cares that his students learn. OUTSTANDING!!!
This professor is great, i love him!! It's not a hard class all you have to do is online tests, 5 online writing assignments, and a listening test. He extends due dates for the late test taking students and answers emails very quickly. He's very nice and helpful and energetic so he keeps the class awake.
I really enjoyed this class with THIS prof. He was very responsive to all my emails; he understood about computer glitches and opened exams accordingly; he had great enthusiasm; he cared that we got it; he cared about our opinions; he played Queen and Billy Joel on the listening exam! I'll likely get a C or B, but that is my doing. I LOVED this.
He is a very nice guy but he really doesnt teach, all his test and quizzes are online. We only met 5 times out of 5 weeks. Overall if you dont want to meet in class and are okay with doing everything online, then take him. If you have issues with your computers skills then save yourself time and take another professor that will actually teach.
I enjoyed this class so much and this prof immensely. He handled the hybrid class brilliantly. We met 10-12 times and had 12-15 online sessions. He always answered emails (even though we bombarded him with hundreds). Assignments were very interesting and fair. His charisma, wit, intellect, caring were all evident in his teaching. GREAT!!!
Loved this professor. He really made the class enjoyable, and he integrated the online component well. Tests were fair (if you did the work you would definitely pass with a good grade), and the assignments were interesting. He was also always available during office hours, and many hours beyond. Always responded to emails. He knows how to teach!!!
Dr A has a lot of enthusiasm!!! We are into the 4th week, and I have already learned a great deal. His passion for teaching comest through. Really fantastic prof!!!
HES COOL AND HELPFUL. PLUS, LIKES TO MAKE JOKES A LOT
Recommend him, good teacher.
Prof. Arshagouni is a wonderful teacher, who knows alot about the subject he teaches and makes learning the material very fun, by constantly using jokes which is very rare. He will pass u even if u don't do very good on his tests. But, the tests are a little tricky. He is an excellent teacher and is determined to teach u! take him u'll learn alot!
Dr. Arshagouni was wonderfulllllll!!!!! I recomend his class to everyone. He is a great teacher and time just flys during his lectures. Very interesting and a wonderful professor, not to mention a bruins fan!!!!!! LOVE U DR. ARSHAGOUNI
Great teacher - is passionate about music and personable and not overly STUFFY/academic, although is classically oriented. One of my faves at LAVC.
Great teacher. I learned a lot in his class. Very passionate about music.
VERY ENJOYABLE!!! I really loved this class, in large part because this professor made things enjoyable, exciting and fun. Dr. A. really knows his stuff (no reading from notes - he talks to us); he is very engaging. He is always available for office hours. One of my absolute favs. If you want to enjoy MUS 111, take Dr. A. and not the others.
I found this teacher to be great. He made me want to learn more about music, he is somewhat funny, and makes you attend music events outside of class which I found to be fun.
Arshagouni knows his stuff, teaches with passion, encourages discussion, cares about students, and makes class very interesting and rewarding. His classes for majors are not for the faint of heart or those wanting the easy way out. However, if you want to learn and prepare yourself for the next level, then his is THE professor. Highly recommended!
Professor Arshagouni is a really good instructor. The point of his class is to instill upon his students a appreciation for music, whether or not they like it. He helped me to see that even if I don't enjoy a certain type of music, I can still respect it for its complexity. As long as you go to class and read the book you will do well. -herrera
He's amazing at what he does! I enjoyed his class so much that i want to take it again just for the heck of it! He does require you to go out to concerts and do reports on them. They are fairly simple and enjoyable. His lectures educational and NOT boring AT ALL. Highly recommend Dr. Arshagouni!
He's very funny and easy to get along with. He's more than willing to answer questions and help students. You must study for the tests, they're not impossible but if you don't study you won't pass. Wonderful teacher, very fun class.
Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century music. The scorebook is helpful. He has two tests, and both of them are kind of hard, but after the first one, you'll know what his game is about. There's a couple papers, too. A very knowledgeable and enthusiastic professor. He likes having the tables arranged in "round table" fashion, and sits.
Medieval, Rennaisance and Baroque music. More difficult than Mus122 for me, but some people like this one more. He is a nut about ancient music and the baroque, so don't be surprised if your final project is a 10 page paper. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds, and you'll learn a lot. Get the scorebook. He has the CD's.
Dr. Arshagouni is very nice and helpful. He is also very funny and passionate about music. Class is boring without a doubt but make sure to do concert reports. For the tests, study and listen to the music. Great teacher.
greatest music teacher and person in the world!!
Dr. Arshagouni is the best!!! He knows his material and has that rare ability to communicate it with enthusiasm and clarity. This class is hard; it is supposed to be. And it is also the most rewarding class I have taken at Valley. Arshagouni helped make everything click. Take him if you want to be challenged and use your brain. Terrific!!
Dr. A knows his stuff. I have had many of the profs at Valley, and he is the best for many reasons. He is supremely knowledgeable, very helpful, understanding, kind, paternal (a great mentor), fun, enthusiastic, erudite, and the list goes on. He won't try to be your best friend like some profs, but you'll end up being great friends. GREAT!!!
I Love Arshigouni!!! Best music teacher at LAVC! He is full of knowledge and enthusiastic!! Yet, his classes are very challenging and you have to take them seriously to pass.
The last of a dying breed of professors that doesn't treat one like one's stupid, but rather respects and urges one to think for oneself. He raises the bar for the students benefit. A deep and humbling man bordering on the realm of genius. One learns much from him. I have great respect for the man. -Work hard and listen/think/write critically!!
Good instruction and interesting class but instructor often was absent and kept class past scheduled time. Grading sometimes seemed bias and often inconsistent with syllabus, displayed some overt favoritism.
Great instructor w/ very informative/interesting lectures. Very respectful of all students. Grading very clear and consistent with syllabus. Dr. A. treated everyone evenly and fairly, and he encouraged class discussion. He helped us to think critically and appreciate music as it relates to politics and culture. Brilliant! A real college course.
Dr. Arshagouni is an amazing teacher! He is very engaging and very funny, which makes the lecture fun. As long as you do everything that is required you will pass. I highly recommend this teacher if you really want to learn.
The best professor I've had. He is so knowledgeable, yet he understands how to get the material across to those of us who know very little bout the subject. He's engaging, funny, and a complete joy. He makes learning fun and rewarding! He doesn't read from the book; he knows the subject so well that he talks to us. Best class I've had at LAVC!
Arshagouni is a fantastic instructor. He knows the subject so well, he never reads from the book. Always helpful in class and in office hours. He brings erudition and humor to every lecture. Do the work and you'll get a good grade. He allows for extra credit to help. Truly on of the best and most caring instructors at Valley!
Amazing professor. He talks about music from the start of the class ti'll the end, but he makes it fun. Go to the concerts, try to get at least average on the listening quiz's, and study the notes. You'll have fun in his class meanwhile learning stuff about music you were never exposed to
Dr. Arshagouni is the man. Music history is tough but wonderful with him
He's a great teacher but be warned there's some money you have to cough up from the get-go. From a $60 course online to $12-15 concerts, it can set you back. Just be aware, and remember! you HAVE to go to the concerts, you need evidence you were there so you can't just "Oh yeah I went to this concert at -x-" . You need a ticket, or a program.
Good instructor but never answered my emails. Not very accessible outside of class. Long but good lectures
An amazing professor! He knows his stuff. Some may not like that he expects students to work, but he is eminently fair. And he also helps you. If you listen to the music, do the assigned readings, and pay attention in class, you can get an "A". He brings humor to his lectures, which he always makes interesting. TAKE THIS GUY!!!
He's a great professor! He is very informative about music! There's a lot of things that will count towards your grade, so make sure to do all of them!
Dr. Arshagouni has really opened my eyes and mind with the different genres and eras of music. I've learn a lot of material that was rather interesting. There are 5 modeule quizzes 50 questions each. Also you need to do 4 concert reports, two are up to you. The final was basically all 5 of the quizzes plus the listenings he wants you to know.
Dr. Arshagouni is absolutely fantastic! best teacher I've ever had and probably ever will have. the class is tough so if you think its some easy music class, youre wrong. lots of reading and tests, 4 concert reports. but the way he lectures is amazing. I never missed a class because I couldn't wait to hear what he had to teach next. I recommen him
He's a fantastic teacher but if you want an easy A, do not take this class! His passion and kindness made me really excited for this class so the course load wasn't so bad for me. There concert reports are kind of a pain but writing them isn't so bad; just make sure to use what you've learned in the paper itself and give your own perspective.
Hardest class ever! He is really nice but the quizzes and exams are really hard.
First off there's no textbook, it's based on his website that makes the material more fun. But that said, this class is DIFFICULT. Not impossible to get an A because he knows how difficult it is but it's a great experience since he loves the subject. One of the toughest professors you can take, but so worth it. Get ready to work for that grade.
I'm so glad I took this class with Dr. A. He was ALWAYS available in his office hours to answer any question I had. The online text was quite helpful, and he helped produce it (and at less than half a regular textbook, it was so worth it). Dr. A treats everyone with respect, engages with humor, and really knows his stuff. Best at LAVC!
I took his music appreciation class during the spring of 2015. He's a great professor. I enjoyed taking his class, and I would definitely take another music class with him. His lectures are crystal clear; you'll learn things you never knew about music if you take his class.
Dr. Arshagouni is amazing, and you can really tell he loves his job. His lectures are interactive and do not drag on at all. I took music classes/band in middle school and high school, and this class really added a lot to my arsenal of music knowledge. I'm looking forward to taking his Music Performance Workshop classes in the Spring.
I took Music Appreciation with Dr. Arshagouni and I can say without a doubt he is one of the best professors at LAVC. His classes are engaging, fun and interactive. Participation does matter in the class. Pay attention and you should pass without a problem
Very interesting class, learned a lot of interesting things. Just so do what he assigned and you'll pass the class. Module tests that are multiple choice are online and So is your book. Would definitely recommend.
Damn good professor. He knows his material and exhibits a terrific love for the subject. Splendid!!!
You don't need the book but HAVE TO buy his online course for $60. If that wasn't enough it is also mandatory for you to attend 2 concerts ($20) or you will not receive higher than a B. Total of 4 concert reports so plan to pay for the other 2 concerts as well. This class is ridiculous if music is not your major. Don't take for easy grade.
I have never taken a class from such an unorganized and unprofessional professor. From his lack of compassion and flat out rudeness towards students to his nonchalance towards grading and absence during office hours, I wholeheartedly urge every student to AVOID taking his classes. I walked out of every class feeling frustrated and lost.
Not a music major but enjoyed his class. Thought it would be easy class to pass but It wasn't, if you apply yourself as a committed student in all subjects as you should, its not too bad. You can tell hes passionate about music and his lectures are fun and interesting. Want to get an A you'll have to work for it, if your lazy don't take him.
Love this man! He makes classical music really interesting for average listeners who dont know anything about classical music. He really makes the class fun by involving everybody in conversation. The class is like a big conversation about music.
Gotta love this professor: he is passionate and cares about students. His lectures are terrific, and he doesnt read from notes. Anyone can pass this class if they just do the work. The book, which is required, is a lot cheaper than most textbooks. In short, brilliant!!!
He was lovely professor. Each day of his class, i discovered something new and exiting. The lectures are amazing, and concerts are pretty good, too. Homework is online, and module test is easy, if you can google. 4 concert reports( i wrote not more than 2 pg and got full points). It was average difficulty level subject(mus app111), but best so far
STEM majors be aware that this class is difficult. If you are looking for an easy A this is not
Do ALL the assignments and youll pass. Lectures are heavy but participating helps your grade. Wouldnt recommend for stem Majors. You learn a lot about music and the professor is hilarious but the class does require studying and attendance.
Very rude to students, pretty much bullies them. Makes us listen to old hymns that all sound the same and gives us a couple seconds in the middle of the song to name the song and performer. What a waste of time. Studied for hours and got an F. Doesn't even want to make it multiple choice. If you want to be deceived and waste your time then take it.
Dr. A. is a terrific prof! If you do the work, you will have no trouble passing. In fact, as he has said, every student that has completed all the work has passed this class. So, if you don't do the work, you might not pass; but if you do, you'll be fine. He had wonderful and insightful Zoom meetings; he is very responsive to emails, too.
First off, I don't know what those naysayers are thinking: tests are MOSTLY multiple choice (with a few fill-in-the blanks). Yes, the listening quizzes are a challenge, but he knows this and gave us plenty of extra credit to make up points. The online book exams are open book and NOT timed. Engaging lectures. Great prof if u want to learn.
Dr. A. is a terrific prof! He is SO supportive of students - always willing to help and very approachable. His regular zoom office hours are very helpful. As long as you keep up with the book and assignments, you can get a very good grade. The discussions were highly informative; loved them. Learned so much in this class. TAKE THIS PROF!
I wish more instructors @ LAVC were like Dr. A.; the best I have had. I'm not musically knowledgeable, but with his guidance, I did very well in this class. So supportive. The book was very informative and helpful (open book exams), and Dr. A. made the class enjoyable. I really learned a lot, and I did well. Do the work, and you'll succeed!
I took the Winter session 5-week class. It was fast paced. Dr. A. was terrific! He was always available to meet, he gave a lot of extra credit that helped, and he showed great care for his students. Yes, his class is not easy, but he was the best prof I have had. You need to get the book, but it is so well worth it.
I'm an overseas student who took this class from many time zones away. Dr. A always made time to meet with me, even with the time difference. His book, which you must get, is terrific. I learned SO much. He also allowed for multiple extra credit for anyone who wanted it. If you do the work, you'll get an A. He cares a lot about students. A+++
I have to say that Dr. A. is an amazing prof. He cares SO much about students and works with them so we can succeed. I'm so glad I got the online book for this class, since some exams are taken through it. Tests are open-book - YAY! And they are multiple choice. Always available during office hours and by appointment, and lots of extra credit.
Dr. A. is the nicest, most understanding, and most caring prof I've had. His extra credit saved me (I flaked on some of the required stuff because of family issues). He was always available. I wish more instructors were like him. Yes, you need the book, but it's worth it. Who knew a rocker like me could learn to love classical music! Best ever!!!
Now this guy knows how to teach! Fantastic experience in his class. Extra credit helps. Do the work, and you will pass - no problem. Treats you like an adult, unlike a lot of other profs. My fav at LAVC. You will learn something and enjoy the process.
I love this professor! Dr. Arshagouni is demanding, but he is so caring. He will work with you. Spend time in his office hours for stimulating conversations about music history and beyond. The best instructor I have had!!! He is the real deal.
Arshagouni is great! So helpful, very patient, extra credit, interesting lectures/discussions. He really makes the material come alive. Some things might be a bit tough, but you can easily navigate through things. Tests are open book. And you need the book. Definitely take him. Inspirational!
I'm taking this class through my HS. Dr. A. is great! His lectures help so much. He spends time with us and really cares about the students. His class requires work, but it is very enjoyable. He is always available for appointments outside of class. Open book tests makes things easier. I love the discussions he has us do. YAY for Dr. A.!!!
Best prof EVER!!! Dr. A is terrific. Knows his stuff, makes things fun, shows how this stuff relates to us. Who know hip-hop and Baroque music had things in common. Love the traveling back approach to this class.
I took this asynchronous class over Summer. You need to buy the online book. It was SO helpful for the class. And tests are open book! With the extra credit Dr. A provides, it is easy to get an "A" in the class. But you do have to do the work. Dr. A was always available for his Zoom office hours and for appointments. Best instructor I've had!
The best challenge I've ever faced, musically. I grew so much by the end of the semester and proud to say that he taught me things about music I never thought to look at. He is very particular in what he wants only to help you grow as a musician. Class is always interesting. You gotta try hard to pass with an A! Difficult, but doable.
He gives a lot of homework and listening quizzes are so hard. It is hard to get full credit with this teacher he never gave full credit even if you do everything perfectly.
If you are not interested in music and you just need a course for credit don't choose this course because this professor grades very low even if you try your best. He gives a lot of homework. The most difficult is the listening quiz. He gives many questions and short time.
Although his textbook is quite helpful and easy to understand, his tests and quizzes are quite difficult and take way more time than he provides. He did provide many opportunities to gain extra credit but require an unreasonable amount of work for the points being provided. Beware of his listening quizzes and tough grading, they are no joke.
Dr. A is a terrific prof. He uses his book, which is very helpful. All tests are open book, so you will want the book. The listening quizzes are difficult, but they only make up 10% of your grade. And he has a lot of extra credit opportunities to make up anything you miss. I love how he relates the music to what was going on in history. EXCELLENT!
I learned more from Arshagouni's harmony class than I did in any other theory class. He knows his stuff and is willing to spend time with you so that you can understand the material. And if you don't get it one way, he will explain it in any number of other ways so that you will get it. Outstanding prof! Very nice and available to students.
Professor Arshagouni is a great professor! He is very passionate about classical music and because of his enthusiasm for it, had also turned me into a fan and I have listened to way more classical music than I have ever. Lots of reading and tests can be tough but it's nothing too crazy.
Take his class and it is very important to buy his book. Everything that you will need for this class is in the textbook and lots of extra credit.
Dr. A. is a terrific prof. As long as you do the assignments, you can easily get an "A". All tests are open book. And his book is fantastic. I learned so much about music and its' place in society. I am now able to connect it to other subjects. He even shows how some Baroque music and Hip-Hop music relate to each other.
Arshagouni knows his stuff. And he is always willing to spend time with students to help them understand this difficult material. He also respects students far more than most professors. He helps you learn and shows you different possibilities. Fantastic prof!!!
One of the very best professors I have had at LAVC. His Honors' class was insightful. He knew how to relate music to other art forms and to the political, social, and cultural climate of various time periods. I learned aspect of history, politics, and cultural integration than I did from most of my other classes. Take his class!!!
It was an okay class. He makes you buy his book, which is annoying. Plenty of extra credit opportunities, but you will need them all to make up for the listen quizzes which are insanely hard. Takes the class super serious and a lot of us are there just for a gen ed class so maybe it shouldn't be taken so seriously.
Very hard listening quizzes and an unfair final. Most of the pieces of music used in the final were not in the actual textbook. You are also forced to buy the professor's online textbook for the class because the module exams are taken on the textbook website. Some extra credit opportunities and the module exams are open book.
Best professor ever.
Terrific prof. Yes, you need the book, but it is a really interesting online book. And all exams are open book, so it makes getting an A pretty easy. The discussions are varied and really helpful. Also, the listening guides in his book are really well done and help you understand the material. He is always available for a great conversation.
I wish all profs were like Arshagouni! He knows his stuff so well and is always willing to help the students. While he might seem intimidating initially, he really is a warm and caring person who only wants the best for the students. Absolutely the best instructor in the Music Department.
I was hesitant to take this class, but it turned out to be my favorite class of all in the Music Department because of the instructor. He helped me understand the craft of performance far more completely than my applied teacher or ensemble director. And he has the students participate in a way that is so encouraging. Terrific prof and class.
His homework and tests are demanding with a lot of surprises adding adding onto his difficult exam. He lectures after assignments, so it is stressful. Doesn't respect students' time and is very dismissive in his responses. Gossips about other professors putting them down, which is unprofessional and uncomfortable. I don't recommend this professor.
Prof. A's class is tough, but engaging if you're into music. The listening quizzes are brutal, so make use of resources like Unstuck AI alongside the textbook to prepare. Attendance is a must, but opportunities for extra credit help balance the workload.
Professor makes you buy his book so get ready to read. Your grade is heavily dependent on listening quizzes which are honestly so hard. I thought this class would be a easy 3 unit course but it took a lot of effort. He does give a lot of extra credit opportunities which is nice so take advantage of those to boost your grade.
NOT an easy 3 unit course. Tons of reading and listening quiz's that need way more time than provided. Provides extra credit and module exams aren't proctored.
I recommend not taking him for music appreciation. He isn't a good teacher and he yells at students during class. He doesn't help students and he doesn't care about students. He is strict and lecture heavy. He grades harshly and isn't that helpful. I recommend d don't take a class with him.
Don't take this Professor you will regret it. He doesn't teach how students learn and his lectures are so boring and not organized. He grades harshly and he doesn't help students improve. He doesn't really know anything about staying calm and he yells at students and be harsh with them. I recommend don't take him for a class.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
53%
Textbook Required
13%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.70 avg changeRatings by Course
PIANO1
5.0
(1)MUS122
5.0
(4)MUSIC121
5.0
(2)HARMONY
5.0
(1)CHOIR
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
MUSHIST
5.0
MUSIC122
5.0
MUS121
4.7
MUS
4.5
111
4.3