GoldJanuary 04, 2009
Washburne, Christopher 
V2016 Jazz
Be warned that Washburne has a pretty big ego and likes to go off on tangents and talk about his encounters with famous people...a lot. That said, this is a good class, and Washburne is a very good lecturer (although theatrical at times). With Washburne you get the additional benefit of the perspective of a working jazz musician. I came out of the class knowing a lot more than I did going in, and who can complain about listening to great jazz for homework? The readings are very interesting as well, though not entirely necessary. Exams weren't too brutal, but because of the size of the class grading is firm. If you're a musician (especially a jazz musician), this class is an absolute breeze - unless you take Washburne up on his offer of doing a final project instead of the three concert reports the rest of the class has to do (you still have to go to the concerts, but only need to hand in one page). Stick with the concert reports.
Three concert reports, midterm, final. Reading and listening, which will definitely help you out.
August 13, 2001
Washburne, Christopher
V2016 Jazz
Please keep in mind that this review is more than 5 years old.
Coolest professor at Columbia. Maybe even in the Ivy League. Maybe even in the world. Jazz was a really fun class and Latin music's his specialty, so take both jazz and salsa, socca and reggae with him. You will not regret it. However, a lot of people take the class because they see it as an effortless A. But you need to go to class, because (as every other reviewer has said), the tests are entirely based on lectures. Don't even bother to buy the textbooks.
Three concert reports, midterm and final. Fairly lenient grader.
August 06, 2001
Washburne, Christopher
V2016 Jazz
Please keep in mind that this review is more than 5 years old.
I would take organic chemistry if Professor Washburne were teaching it. The class is a lot of fun and you learn a lot. He makes you understand jazz both from a musical perspective and from a historical and sociological point of view. Textbooks are completely useless-- his lectures make up the midterm and final. Know the stuff and you'll get an A. But let me reiterate: Washburne is FANTASTIC. Take anything he offers.
Three short concert reports, midterm, final. Not a tough grader, but you really need to know the music.
May 10, 2001
Washburne, Christopher
V2016 Jazz
Please keep in mind that this review is more than 5 years old.
WOW. The greatest professor I've ever had...knows everything there is to know about jazz, has fascinating stories from years in the business, hilarious, brilliant, passionate, engaging, etc., etc., etc. Take this class now. Take any class this man offers. (And he's a hell of a trombonist to boot!)
3 concert reports (3 pp. each), midterm and final (very reasonable if you've gone to class, impossible if you haven't).
April 28, 2001
Washburne, Christopher
V2016 Jazz
Please keep in mind that this review is more than 5 years old.
If there is one professor who you have to take a class with, it's Professor Washburne. His involvement in the jazz music world brings a level of enjoyment that can't be matched. He loves what he does, and he loves what he teaches... and he makes you love it, too. Make sure you go to class, though... the textbooks are close to worthless, as the midterm and final are based entirely on lecture material.
3 5-page concert reports, midterm, final (lecture based)
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