Professor
Olivia Bloechl
Most Helpful Review
This class is a GE, but you should definitely reconsider taking it if you have very little knowledge about music theory. Some people did well w/o that prior knowledge, and some people get hung up on the little details that aren't important to the overall understanding of the piece she is discussing. This class is definitely intensive, with readings and intense listenings every week. There are two listening quizzes, a midterm and a final; I feel like she is very up front with you on what she wants, and from there on it's up to you to analyze and do some research to catch up if you don't understand. The TA's help alot if you have questions on pretty much anything. I would definitely take this class again, as Prof. Bloechl is a good teacher, but, as with any professor, some of you will love her and some of you will hate her methods.
This class is a GE, but you should definitely reconsider taking it if you have very little knowledge about music theory. Some people did well w/o that prior knowledge, and some people get hung up on the little details that aren't important to the overall understanding of the piece she is discussing. This class is definitely intensive, with readings and intense listenings every week. There are two listening quizzes, a midterm and a final; I feel like she is very up front with you on what she wants, and from there on it's up to you to analyze and do some research to catch up if you don't understand. The TA's help alot if you have questions on pretty much anything. I would definitely take this class again, as Prof. Bloechl is a good teacher, but, as with any professor, some of you will love her and some of you will hate her methods.
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Most Helpful Review
I took Baroque and Classical Opera with Professor Bloechl. At first I was intimidated with the class, but I loved it! The professor is pleasant, prepares selections to be played on piano for the class, and has video clips of the operas which I loved watching. She allows a break which allows the class to go by quickly. It is not a boring class by any means. The material is so interesting, the operas are beautiful to listen to, and the readings aren't too overwhelming. You listen to an opera every other week. The midterm and final were fairly graded but the quizzes (two for the quarter) are a little harsh. For exams, be sure to review the readings, the class notes, practice the listening and review the vocabulary and you will do well! The key to this class is making sure you understand the material. If not, go to the TA's or professor for help. This class is a lot of work but well worth it in the end. There are no papers thankfully but this class will keep you busy. Overall, the class was fairly graded, the exams were manageable, the professor was an excellent lecturer, the TA was wonderful, and the class was always interesting. The professor is always welcoming and allows us to ask questions--she is always approachable as are her T.A.'s. I highly recommend this class! :)
I took Baroque and Classical Opera with Professor Bloechl. At first I was intimidated with the class, but I loved it! The professor is pleasant, prepares selections to be played on piano for the class, and has video clips of the operas which I loved watching. She allows a break which allows the class to go by quickly. It is not a boring class by any means. The material is so interesting, the operas are beautiful to listen to, and the readings aren't too overwhelming. You listen to an opera every other week. The midterm and final were fairly graded but the quizzes (two for the quarter) are a little harsh. For exams, be sure to review the readings, the class notes, practice the listening and review the vocabulary and you will do well! The key to this class is making sure you understand the material. If not, go to the TA's or professor for help. This class is a lot of work but well worth it in the end. There are no papers thankfully but this class will keep you busy. Overall, the class was fairly graded, the exams were manageable, the professor was an excellent lecturer, the TA was wonderful, and the class was always interesting. The professor is always welcoming and allows us to ask questions--she is always approachable as are her T.A.'s. I highly recommend this class! :)