Matthew Mcdonald is a Music professor at Northeastern University rated 3.28/5 on Rate My Professors by 25 students, with 3.0/5 RMP difficulty and 50% who would take them again (RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated October 2026).
Matthew Mcdonald professor reviews and ratings: 3.28/5 from 25 RMP ratings at Northeastern (50% would take again). RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
This Professor clearly loves music and has a vast knowledge of music theory! Sometimes the grading criteria for assignments was unclear and there is lots of homework, but the tests are not too difficult. He is also funny in class and is always sending us music related opportunities!MUSC1202 2026-06-09 22:41:23 +0000 UTC
Taking this class is my biggest regret. If you are not a film or music major don't take it. Just trust me.FILMMUSC 2023-12-03 20:15:02 +0000 UTC
Overall do not recommend this class if you are not a music/film major. Thought it sounded interested but VERY boring. Assignments were too difficult and lectures were boring and dull. Prof McDonald himself is nice and clearly knows a lot but does not teach well to those that don't have experience in film or music classes. Weekly discussion posts.FILM1113 2023-11-10 16:27:32 +0000 UTC
Professor McDonald is clearly passionate about this topic and works to make the lectures interesting and up to date. When we transitioned to online classes, he was definitely my most thoughtful professor, and constantly reached out to make sure we were doing well. He cares about his students and I would highly recommend this class!MUSIC1113 2020-04-30 20:26:39 +0000 UTC
I thought I would enjoy this class because its film music, and the topic is really interesting, but Professor McDonald is so boring! It was really hard to sit through all his lectures. And the class was huge, so it was hard to create a relationship with him. I wouldn't take the class again but if you really like the content I'd say go for it.MUSC1113 2020-04-10 14:27:54 +0000 UTC
easy class as long as you do the required assignments and are somewhat good with words, a bit interesting as well.MUSCFILM 2012-12-21 18:52:31 +0000 UTC
The worst of the worst!!! Do not take this class if you think this class is going to be easy. You can't miss any materials in the class b/c you gona be tested on things you've never heard in the class. He has very loose style of teaching but hardcore exams. Each counts 40% of your total grade. non-sense.FILMM115 2010-06-03 19:36:40 +0000 UTC
Took film music with him. HORRIBLE. don't know why he gets such rave reviews. two exams, each 40% of your grade. studied for two nights with his given study questions & read chapters, asked questions about films we did not watch. CAN'T believe he gets such rave reviews. AWFUL. I think it's because the class has way more students than it should haveMUSC1111 2010-02-22 22:45:26 +0000 UTC
I had him for Film Music class. This guy is hilarious. He's a really nice and easy teacher. If you do the online quizzes and the Turn-It-In's on time, you will get an easy A. This was one of the few fun classes I got to have so I looked forward to it everyday.MUSU113 2009-04-04 10:26:57 +0000 UTC
McD is the best! He can teach me music theory any time.MUS101 2008-06-02 16:06:02 +0000 UTC
No CommentsCIN251 2008-04-09 15:14:07 +0000 UTC
By far one of my favorite professors. Lectures are clear and well-paced. He spends multiple lectures going over topics. He thoroughly answers questions and ensures students understand the concepts. If you need more support outside of class, he is often available. He's very passionate about music and wants his students to succeed.MUSC1202 2025-01-08 21:18:07 +0000 UTC
This guy is the man! His class is enjoyable, and the work is pretty easy. You have to read an article every week and write a 250 word response, all of which takes about 25 minutes. You also have to take a 5 minute quiz every week and write a paper at the end of the year. Good class to take if you need an arts and humanities electiveFILMMUSC 2009-09-01 23:49:45 +0000 UTC
Had him for film music, best class and professor at Northeastern I've had so far. The material is interesting and the work is incredibly easy if you pay attention and do the work, I don't know how people don't get A's in this. Plus you screen awesome movies so I see no room for complaints, Matthew is the man.FILM1113 2010-04-30 17:35:56 +0000 UTC
The class is extremely boring and hard. Avoid him. In his class, time stands still. Attendance not mandatory, however you should not miss any if you want to get at least a BMUSIC1113 2010-04-01 01:13:42 +0000 UTC
Matthew Mcdonald is rated 3.28/5 on Rate My Professors from 25 ratings. 50% of RMP reviewers said they would take them again.
Matthew Mcdonald's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.0/5 on Rate My Professors.
Matthew Mcdonald has taught MUSC1202, MUSC2351, MUSC2311, MUSC3541, MUSC1113, MUSC1111 at Northeastern.
Data updated October 2026.