Very easy, fun class, easy to take notes and tests are clear. Makes class fun too. And the performances are cool too

Awesome guy!

Even though this is not a Gordon Rule class, you still have to write 3-4 page papers. They are not that bad considering he grades them lenient. He will give notes in Powerpoint slides and give a review sheet that sums the notes up. He tries to make the class fun and plays video clips as well.

robbie is alright, easy papers you dont have to do everything in order, tests are kinda easy and you can cheat on the listening part. put a little effort in for an A

Really cool, down to earth teacher, real easy tests and not very hard assignments, just a couple essays here and there. But he wont give you anything on the tests that you had to read just go to class and get notes

Very laid back, and understands the demands of other classes. Written work is very easy, and tests aren't to bad. Super understanding about being late with work or rescheduling tests. Loves what he is teaching and it shows.

Very very cool teacher! Great class and he lectures so clearly. He is passionate and it shows!

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Robbie is a great, enthusiastic teacher, that really has passion. The papers and tests don't require a whole lot of thought, and this class is overall quite easy if you go to class and do your work.

If you are into music in any way, this will help you come to better appreciate where it came from. He was really nice, and made it feel personal even though there were so many people in the class. I wish I could take this class every semester, but spread out and in more detail.

Robbie was very clear in what he was expecting from the class. He has an obvious passion for music and is very laid back. Great class. Great teacher!!

I think this class would be easy for a music major, but he definitely teaches like everyone already has a strong basis with music and has Blair-style expectations for papers, but he doesn't explain what exactly this is, he just expects you to use the first paper to figure it out. The class isn't impossible, but it's a lot harder than I had expected

Robbie is an incredible professor. He is extremely passionate about the Blues and expresses that through his teaching. The class is a nice break to your day--listening to music, watching videos, listening to Robbie's personal anecdotes. the best part? it's not hard. TAKE IT!

I am not a music person, and just took the class for an elective. Dr. Fry sometimes assumed we had more music background then I had, but was happy to answer any of my questions. HIs enthusiasm and command of the subject made the class fun and interesting.

A terrific professor. Reasonable workload, generous grading, and interesting material. He's passionate about his subjects and is extremely well-informed. I absolutely recommend taking a class with Robbie Fry.

He's a really chill guy. Just show up to class to take notes on his slides and you will be fine. He'll let you know before hand if you really need to read the book. He loves what he teaches and is a really cool guy. Great way to fulfill Intl. requirement

He is incredibly passionate about what he teaches, and tried (and mostly succeeded) to make the subjects interesting for those of us not really interested in World Music. The class is not difficult if you put in at least minimal effort, but you do have to show up and at least skim the readings. My one complaint would be the ethnographic project.

I had Dr. Fry for Blues and World Music. Fry is really passionate about the subject and is extremely dedicated to teaching. The classes were both a nice 1-hour break to the school day, and I would definitely recommend taking them with him. If you put in the work and are not a complete moron (like the person who posted below me), it is an easy A.

Great professor, incredibly passionate about the blues and pop music. Goes out of his way to make sure you understand the material and do well. He takes attendance if he thinks it's necessary (almost every day this semester). 3 easy response papers, 3 exams including the final - if you show up and actually pay attention, you'll get an A.

I took the Blues this semester for an Easy A. He told me in office hours that he usually only takes attendance 3 times a semester, but everyone was skipping a lot this semester for some reason. He says that you don't have to be a music major to do well in this class, but I definitely felt there was too much music lingo for my comfort.

This class starts out hard, the first exam you probably won't do too well. but it gets a LOT more interesting by the second and third exam. The material also gets easier. There are three papers that are graded reallyyyy easy. The final paper (7-10) pages is graded easy as well. I recommend the class.

I had him for Jazz and World music. He is an absolutely fabulous teacher, mostly because he is so passionate about the subject. He gets so excited about what he's teaching that it's hard not to love it. Both are fairly easy classes, but I had some music background going in. Great teacher :)

I've taken three classes w/ Prof. Fry, World Music, Jazz, and Music and Tourism. Jazz was really fun, World Music the tests were crazy hard but the papers were graded easily, and Music and Tourism is so legit. You get to tour places in Nashville like the Ryman and then write response papers and discuss it. Robbie's the best!

Dr. Fry really makes this class very enjoyable and actually takes you to many different destinations. The material is very interesting, and the class is definitely one of the best at Vandy. There are four 3-page papers, one term paper, and a travel journal (no tests!), so this class is very enjoyable and not very stressful, and you learn a lot!

Great teacher. Go to class and take notes!! Study the notes, and you'll do fine on tests. A couple of papers graded very easy

Class is interesting. Just copy notes from the slides he puts up in class and you'll fun fine. Have to know the songs from the textbook that he plays in class (title, artist, genre) and that's it. Other than that, don't read the text. Take advantage of the freedom he gives you for writing journal entries and papers- can make it interesting.

NOT AN EASY A. He will cream you on attendance and some redundant listening journal sprawling over 60 pages. If you are not seriously interested in the Blues, do not take this class because it will come back to haunt you.

If you don't like music, don't take this. Any music junky will thrive and easily get an A. Listen to the songs! K now the songs. It kills everyone on the first test. Overall very fun

Such an amazing professor. Not the easiest material, especially if you aren't a huge music buff, but he lets you know exactly what is going to be on the test so one night of cramming is all that is needed. Also grades papers really easily. Definitely take any class with him!

Survey of Jazz. Very passionate about music. Must take notes. The book was unnecessary, everything was in his (boring) but well-outlined powerpoints. Gives extra credit. Takes sporadic attendance in his smaller lecture classes (esp. if it looks empty) and will dock your grade if you happen to miss those days. Not a heavy work load, either.

Robbie is a pleasure to work with, and it's impossible to leave this class without developing a genuine interest in and respect for jazz. The man is so passionate, and his random rants really display his genuine love of his field.

I liked his lectures, and he clearly loves what he teaches. As the grades go, make sure to cite! He gave me an A+ on the final paper and I did it the day before. Very nice, interesting class (World Music). I got a C on the final but still got an A in the class.

One of the best professors at Vanderbilt. Extremely passionate about the importance of music. I took Survey of Jazz and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was so much more than music appreciation. Fry uses the music as a lens with which to study the social and political climates throughout history. Take Fry at some point.

Fry is the nicest dude ever and the class is super easy. Study a little before the tests and you'll get an A. The short writing assignments are super easy, make sure u do citations for 10/10. Final paper is graded so easily. Definitely take

Fry is a fantastic professor, and the fact that he's so passionate about the material makes the class all the more interesting. It's definitely an easy A, but it can be fairly time-consuming between all of the small assignments you have to complete. He's also strict with attendance, so go to class. A fascinating course, definitely recommend.

A very interesting class, especially if you're into music. Five essays, but the grading is fairly easy if you do a good job. The tests (one midterm and the final) are very easy and are basically just memorization.

Professor Fry is really enthusiastic and makes the class interesting. Not monotone which is a plus. The 5 assignments he gives are easy if you write thoughtful reflections; he doesn't expect perfect essay form or anything. Just make sure you take the first mid-term seriously, as you only have the mid term and a final to count towards your grade.

Excellent teacher; very enthusiastic! Encourages class-discussions, has high energy lectures, but laid-back personality. We read more articles than use the text book. Five interesting writing assignments, mid-term, final exam, and project. The tests are tough, so be sure to do the review sheets he posts online. Very enjoyable class.

He is the nicest and most passionate professor. Even in such a big class he keeps students interested. Wants people to do well and gives students many opportunities to boost grades. Very few assignments and midterm and final were straightforward

Such as easy class (all the athletes take it!). A few BS assignments during the semester, and for the midterm and final he posts a review. He's very helpful during office hours and is very interested in the subject. Easy A.

He is awesome and passionate. It's also a big lecture so you don't have to pay attention. I learned a lot and did well even though I spent most classes reading my own novel for fun. Class is about 40% athletes so you know it's good.

Put in effort and you will do well.

Be warned that THIS CLASS IS NOT AN EASY 'A''A-'! The relaxed atmosphere of lecture gives you a distorted perception of how involved the papers and tests are. If you want to get A's on these tests, you have to write out 16 pages single space (as prompted by his study guide) of random facts and memorize them.

DO THE READINGS

One of the best classes I have taken. Dr. Fry is extremely passionate about music, so much so that I cared without any prior knowledge. Half of the lectures were filled with listening to great music, and he provided a comprehensive study guide before the midterm and final. As long as you pay attention to him, you will do fine. Highly recommend it!

Super interesting class and Dr. Fry is definitely really passionate about jazz. You can get away with not doing the readings as long as you include them in your papers. Attendance at lecture is mandatory but it's interesting if you want to pay attention but not necessary if you want to zone out. Goes out of his way to find outside opportunities

Fry is the absolute bomb. My favorite prof last semester, fry is funny, intelligent, crystal clear and willing to help any of his students. Because of him, survey of jazz was my favorite course where I really learned a lot of content that I didn't anticipate to retain. Absolutely recommend to anyone, even people who aren't musicians.

@RobbieFry is a professor who absolutely LOVES geeking out about music with his students. He assigns several (fairly-softly-graded) papers a semester, along with a final project. If you do the readings (about 20 mid-sized pages a week) and go to class with an open mind- you will do fine. (test tip: they test your ability to think, not memorize).

Super passionate and knowledgeable. Very personable and caring. Make sure you take notes all semester long so you are ready for the midterm and final. 5 short papers about your personal encounters with music and a long paper/ethnography project due at the end of the semester.

My favorite class so far at Vanderbilt. Dr. Fry loves what he teaches about, and it is so fun to watch. I adore him. The content of the class is really cool. There is a midterm and a final which are all short answer questions. If you write everything you know with examples you should be fine. This class is easy and fun! TAKE IT.

Cool guy. I didn't go to office hours, but he seemed to be open all the time. We did some really fun stuff in class, very engaging lecturer. There are only 7 assignments the whole time, in addition to attendance, though, so be careful there. Make sure you come to class. Even though it was a well-sized lecture, he sent around an attendance sheet.

This class will be very fun for those who like jazz. Papers are easily graded (just quote some from the book). Midterm questions are almost the same each year. If you make a study guide and study the tests are so easy (but the study guide will be like 15 pages). Just take notes from the lecture but you don't really need to concentrate.

Robbie is an excellent professor. Extremely enthusiastic about the subject to the point where I, taking this class without much choice, feel confident and excited about the material. Lectures are interesting, so though he takes attendance, it's fun to be in class anyway. Easy and understanding grader/professor.

Robbie is super passionate about music and wants to share that with students. Kind, compassionate and wants to support you. Tests and papers require a lot of writing (need quotes/sources!) but have may ways to give a "correct" or good answer. Need to do some work to get an A, but very interesting class with a cool prof

Robbie Fry is one of the most passionate professors at Vanderbilt. He really cares about the subject he is teaching and is so happy when students engage with the material. The class consisted of four essays (3-5 pages each), two exams, and a non-cumulative final. As long as you skim readings and include quotes in your essays/exams, you'll get an A!

Professor Fry is freaking amazing. This was my favorite class during the semester and he made me care about the material. He cares and knows a lot about his content, he has a lot to say and interesting examples to get the class engaged. He tries to help you as much as possible and is willing to do whatever to help you succeed.

Prof. Fry is a really chill guy and super passionate about music. He doesn't always know exactly how he wants his class to go, but it's mostly because he cares more about the material and learning than course logistics. Overall, very accessible and caring if you need to talk about the material or assignments. Three tests and four 3-page assignments

Prof. Fry is a nice, cool guy. Lectures are interesting but scattered. I showed up to class and took notes and I was fine. Write everything you know on assignments.

I love Dr. Fry! He is, without a doubt, my favorite professor at Vanderbilt. He gives great lectures and really cares about what he's teaching. He is extremely understanding and will help you out as best as he can (without being a pushover). Such a funny guy and an amazing teacher. I HIGHLY recommend him.

Great professor. Class wasn't stupidly easy but got by with minimal work. I only read the specific readings that the papers were about. 4 papers and two open note midterms. Simple and interesting axle credit - would totally recommend. Fry is also legitimately cool, we talk about Thundercat and Kendrick Lamar.

Really love this guy. Like the class is incredibly lax -- a good bit of writing -- but it all goes hand in hand with the textbook he assigns. Tests were take home and were pretty easy, and if you didn't do well I believe he had opportunities to go back and look at your grade with valid criticism. Extra credit exists too.

Hes very knowledgeable about what hes teaching, and it is quite apparent that he cares about his students. If you dont like writing that much, I dont recommend this class; however, if you dont mind it, then I 100% recommend it. Attendance is crucial for your grade. Overall, great professor

Very easy professor and an easy A. All exams are take-home and the questions are all from his study guides. As long as you do the work and answer all of the questions on his study guides, you will ace the exams. Attendance is mandatory.

robbie is an absolute homie, but the class is so boring. i dont really know what i expected with this class, but its fairly easy and you can tell robbie loves his job. its four 4 paper papers, and three essay tests (5 shorter essays). if you dont like jazz music, dont take it. if you do and need an American History credit, take it.

Prof. Fry loves the blues and it showed in his lectures. We had 4 written papers (3-5 pages) 3 exams that were virtual and outside of class were all essay focused, no multiple choice. Attendance was mandatory but he only took it a few times.

Professor Fry is very passionate about his job and it shows in his lectures. He is very knowledgeable about music and I felt comfortable asking him questions during class. The class is not difficult but that doesn't mean you can slack off for an A. For the essays, there is a rubric but it is not very clear which is my only issue with the class.

Super caring about his students and absolutely loves what he does. Lectures are interesting and exciting, and he clearly wants his students to succeed. Only a few open-book online tests and some written assignments that are not graded harshly. If you read the material he assigns and use his study guides, you will be just fine in his class.

Dr. Fry is a super sweet guy and very knowledgeable about music. However, his class is very boring. We listen to music occasionally, but it is mostly lectures. There are three relatively easy written assignments and two short answer exams where you get the questions before. Not a super difficult class, but pretty boring. Love Dr. Fry though

Dr. Fry is so passionate about ethnomusicology and teaching, and his lectures show that. He is a bit slow with grading, and feedback is not very personalized. Do the readings, and you will succeed; skip them, and you will struggle. Make sure to go to his extra credit opportunities; they really do help out your grade a ton!

took this for axle, this needs to be a W class ngl. ~4 essays, ~3 exams. each exam (+ final) has 5 Q's, one of them is given beforehand. all of them are long response Q's. i noticed he gave higher scores for longer/yappier responses...? i bought the txtbk, but tbh not needed. his slides have like 5 words, so pay attention and take notes in class

Dr. Fry is beyond passionate about what he freeflows lectures with simple slides. If you pay attention in class, then the 3 papers and 2 non-cumulative tests are easy. Keep a detailed notes document, skim the readings, and then listen in class. But jazz was interesting, great TA, and enjoyed lectures for the most part.

Dr. Fry is a great professor. I would recommend taking his courses! His grading standard is straightforward. In-class exams. He frequently references his passion for music and is a good reminder of what you are here for. He is always prepared for class and is engaged. A few papers to be completed throughout the semester. Off-campus solo trips.

Robbie is a super great professor, only 4 essays over the semester and 2 open note exams. Very chill grader, would recommend any of his courses!

This class is super interesting and Fry is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable on rock history. There's 4 papers, but they're all personal and reflective. Class has readings but they're super interesting, often interviews with artists. His lectures are engaging and he really cares about sharing this music with students.

Free ass class, spent every lecture playing games or getting busy work done. You dont have to do any of the readings, tests are open note so you can prepare a great study guide... 4 papers are easy to score 90's on. How much time you spend on the paper is up to you. Offers hella EC. If you dont get an A in this class youre dumb.