Joel Smith is a Music professor at Northeastern University rated 2.88/5 by 80 students, with 3.38/5 difficulty (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Joel Smith professor reviews and ratings: 2.88/5 from 80 student reviews at Northeastern. TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
(He's at Tufts) Really passive aggressive, not fun to have as the conductor. Often contradicts what he says and can be very much in your face if you mess up an important rhythm, but then explains the rhythms and melodies poorly. Directions and changes to score are often unclear. That said, he's nice outside of class and invites cool guest artists.JAZZBAND 2024-12-15 01:18:23 +0000 UTC
MUSC2208 - definitely NOT recommended for students who have not learned Jazz Theory/Jazz MusicJAZZ1 2022-05-05 04:31:42 +0000 UTC
I really enjoyed Professor Smith's class. Sometimes he seemed a bit like he was showing off with the piano playing, but in general it was a good class, and he was a good teacher. Of course, I had music experience going in, but if you didn't, it might be hard...MUS231 2008-04-27 19:45:04 +0000 UTC
Ehhhh. Doesn't come across as very genuinue. Asks ridiculous "life" questions. Unclear to those new to the subject. Not recommended.MUSTH1 2007-12-12 04:54:19 +0000 UTC
Dude's got this one dred that hangs kinda like a leach that suctioned to his forehead.... Distracting when conducting otherwise, well he's the Bill Lumberg of jazz.JAZZBAND 2008-06-26 13:39:22 +0000 UTC
This class was really interesting but 9am so really hard to get there on time. Sometimes he gets mad if you dont do the reading. Overall easy classJAZZ1 2012-11-09 13:02:49 +0000 UTC
Joel Smith has an average rating of 2.88/5 from 80 student reviews.
Joel Smith's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.38/5 based on student reviews.
Joel Smith has taught MUSC1911, MUSC2208 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.