Hilary Poriss is a Music professor at Northeastern University rated 4.41/5 on Rate My Professors by 17 students, with 2.8/5 RMP difficulty and 83% who would take them again (RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated October 2026).
Hilary Poriss professor reviews and ratings: 4.41/5 from 17 RMP ratings at Northeastern (83% would take again). RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
She accused me of using AI because my work was "too good," giving me a low grade despite no such policy in the syllabus. I only used translation tools. This is disrespectful to honor students who work hard and had 3.95 GPA. After my academic complaint, she changed my grade but never apologized. Her opinions was often subjective in class too.MUSC2340 2025-02-13 18:06:37 +0000 UTC
Easy elective class to take. She gives 100's on homework as long as something was turned something in, the quizzes are definitely a bit hard but if you create a study guide based off of what she tells you you'll be fine. Easiest professor I had all semester. She is extremely kind and funny and made showing up to class worth it.MUSC1136 2024-12-16 16:14:12 +0000 UTC
Great class. New and designed by her, which made it very flexible. Awesome professor, and super passionate about her specific field. Big thesis paper was massive, but she was willing to help and provided ample time.MUSC2312 2022-05-02 23:25:25 +0000 UTC
Hilldawg is great. Nice class for getting NUpaths out of the way. Dr. Poriss is funny, down-to-Earth, and easy on the grading. Lectures are nice, the class isn't that intense. Quizzes, Midterm and Final are open note, the three projects in the class are easy. Great class great prof.MUSC1001 2022-04-19 19:17:28 +0000 UTC
You will receive what you put into any class with Hilary Poriss. She is a fair grader, clearly states what she wants you to take away from the course and will help you if you need it. She is super positive and class is actually enjoyable as long as you put in the effort. Makes sense-why should a professor care about you if you don't give a damn?MUS301 2013-03-08 04:06:40 +0000 UTC
I love this woman. I came into this class not caring about opera at all, and now I love it. She is so hilarious and good natured and really knows her stuff. I'm not a music major, but she had me wanting to take more music classes with her. I would recommend her to anyone. Such an awesome woman!! Do NOT make spelling/grammar errors though.OPERA1101 2010-11-09 10:11:04 +0000 UTC
study for tests and try hard and you will do well. dont need any music background altho that really helps. if you are bad at writing papers or always make gramatical errors, STAY AWAY!!!! written papers make up 45% of your grade!!! she lets u skip 2classes w/o penalty. class participation is require but not graded. very passionate & funny prof!!MUSC1107 2010-04-06 01:50:17 +0000 UTC
she's really fun and knowledgeable about operaMUSC330 2009-10-29 15:56:59 +0000 UTC
Had her for Opera and HT2. Very easy if you come to class and pay attention. She expects a certain level of respect from students and perhaps people aren't prepared for that. Don't send texts in class, don't come in late, pay attention and you'll do fine.MUSIC312 2009-09-09 23:18:23 +0000 UTC
easy A. im not a music major and just took it to meet a requirement. she is nice, funny, and as long as you come to class, you will do fine. the first quiz might be challenging, but after that it's simple. exams are short and easy and she tells you what exactly will be on them.MUSU101 2009-01-14 15:15:50 +0000 UTC
She is extremely intelligent and passionate about her subject (opera and classical music) but she expects her students to feel the same. Gives lots of pop quizzes and homework and seems to enjoy catching students off-guard. Not easy coursework but required for music majors, so be wary.MUSU312 2008-12-04 18:28:52 +0000 UTC
DO NOTE TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HER IF YOU DONT CARE ABOUT MUSIC. It's the hardest class I've taken at NU and it's a 101. She does not realize that most people taking the class have to take it and don't want to at all, its awful. Totally useless class that takes for to much workMUS101 2008-10-22 20:33:39 +0000 UTC
I though this class was going to be easier than it is, you have to do recognition of listening on quizzes which is hard. No book used, don't even bother getting the one assighned, you have to print out all the liberetto's for the opera's being studied. Nice woman, take good notes and go to class. Can be easy if you put in a little work. No finalMUSU107 2008-04-02 22:31:16 +0000 UTC
No CommentsMUS312 2008-03-24 23:35:09 +0000 UTC
Professor Poriss is awesome! Super engaging lectures and super relevant and fun assignments (feminist music criticism, final paper, interview). Some of the topics are not the most fun (lots of Opera and 1800s musical stuff), but she does a good job of trying to balance that with modern examples. Highly recommend!MUSC2340 2023-12-18 04:09:37 +0000 UTC
Hilary Poriss is rated 4.41/5 on Rate My Professors from 17 ratings. 83% of RMP reviewers said they would take them again.
Hilary Poriss's classes have a difficulty rating of 2.8/5 on Rate My Professors.
Hilary Poriss has taught MUSC1136, INAM5963, MUSC4651, MUSC2340, MUSC1000, MUSC1001, MUSC2312 at Northeastern.
Data updated October 2026.