Laina Dawes

I learned a variety of concepts that are used in ethnomusicology and due to the scope of different countries and cultures covered, gained an ability to closely examine, analyze and compare how different music genres are related to certain social, economic and political issues within a country. I learned how to talk about music in an academic manner, and gained some music-related vocabulary.

A few discussion posts, 1 like really short creative writing short essay thing, final opera project (super chill grader).

Dr. Murer is a good professor and made the course interesting. Also there is no problem with not coming from a musical background and there is a lot of leeway with the topics you can write about. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2023 Course: AHMMUN3321_003_2023_3-MUSICSOFINDIA&WESTASIA : AHMMUN3321_003_2023_3 - MUSICS OF INDIA & WEST ASIA Instructor: George Murer

The class is interesting, not too demanding in terms of assignments. Great class if you need to fulfill a Music or Global Core requirement.

I had Laina Dawes in the Fall of 2025. I'm not sure if this was her first time teaching music hum, but it sure seemed like it. If you want a free A (or even an A+!), I definitely recommend this course. Laina herself is a really really kind person and she has a really unique taste in music which definitely adds new perspectives to the course. If you want to learn about any kind of music, music theory, proper musical terminology, I would stay far away from this class. Truly don't think I learned a single thing in this class... my music knowledge may have actually declined after taking it. There were many times where she was referencing the wrong instrument, the wrong vocal line, or didn't know the very concept she was lecturing us on. So then we watched a youtube video instead... in class. Genuinely loved this class because I had my devices at my fingertips, but I heard this semester they prohibited devices. I think I would lose my mind if I couldn't do anything else while listening to her lectures (lectures, yes, because it is less of a discussion and more like a lecture. no complaints from me because I hate participating). TLDR: take this for an easy A(+), avoid if you want to learn literally anything.

Essays are not graded harshly. You should be able to get an A without too much hassle, which is what you want out of a global core. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: AHMMUN3321_004_2021_3-MUSICSOFINDIA&WESTASIA : AHMMUN3321_004_2021_3 - MUSICS OF INDIA & WEST ASIA Instructor: George Murer

4 discussion posts leniently graded, 1 presentation summarizing an article, a few other short writing assignments

Prof. Dawes is a very sweet lady and this class is very chill. However, she does not know what she is talking about in the slightest. She is highly unqualified in her knowledge of music and actively asserts that she does not play an instrument, cannot read sheet music, and has a poor understanding of the general course material and the nuances behind what she is "teaching". That being said, because she doesn't know what she is doing, the class is extremely easy. Free A. Would not recommend for anyone who actually wants to understand music, considering she is borderline spreading misinformation.

Lots of writing: discussion posts (out of 3 pts), one in-class presentation on any topic in music of your choice, reflections on the course content, and 2-part final where you have to construct your own opera libretto. No memorisation or exams, and the mean for most assignments was a 24/25.

A typical Music Hum class, Prof Dawes is passionate about the course. You can tell she is genuinely curious about what she teaches, and is open to students adding to discussion, questioning what she says, and learns with the students if necessary. Her classes are mostly her talking at you.