This class was interesting, but you do have to put in the work. To pass the tests, you need book knowledge, mainly lecture knowledge (could read the slides), and remembering the sounds of different music - which she will give you a link for to listen to. I don't think I would've got an A- without paying attention in class (I started falling asleep after the first midterm and that's why I got an A-). You have to write some papers (pretty easy though) and the discussion is chill. Honestly, though the tests stressed me out a bit, I enjoyed the class + guest performances we had almost every lecture!