[AreaMusicTeachers] EARN A MASTERS DEGREE WITH ELEMENTARY MUSIC SPECIALIZATION!

[Darla Meek]

Dear Elementary Music Colleagues ~

The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Music presents an exciting
new option for teachers who want to earn a Masters of Music in Music
Education:  the TAMU-C Music Education Cohort!   Participants will earn
eight hours of credit each summer for four consecutive summers.
 
This 32-hour, summers-only program is the first of its kind in North Texas.
It was created specifically for elementary music teachers.  Students will be
challenged to develop a greater understanding and mastery of the music
teaching-learning processes, to improve personal musicianship, and to become
leaders within the music education profession.
 
The program offers a combination of coursework in music education (15
hours), music history, research, philosophy, and theory (12 hours), and
performance study opportunities  (2 hours).  Students also complete an
independent study project on a subject of their choice within the realm of
elementary music.  
 
No GRE Exam is required for admittance into the program.  Even better news:
there are no diagnostic entrance exams in theory or history!  All cohort
students will take ³Introduction to Graduate Study² as a refresher course.

The schedule of classes is attached.  All classes will be held at the
Mesquite Metroplex Center in Mesquite, Texas, with the exception of two,
which will be online.
 
Generally, the eight-credit-hour block of summer classes will cost $1982.94.
Although the A&M System does not offer financial aid for summers-only
graduate programs, you will find that TAMU-C is one of the most affordable
universities in North Texas.  For all students beginning the cohort this
summer, the tuition for MUS 550: Seminar in Music Education will be waived.

What is a cohort?
A cohort program is a fully planned curriculum with a specified starting and
ending date.  Students are admitted to the program as a group that moves
through the program together, taking courses in a planned sequence.  Because
the program is fully scheduled from the outset, students find it easier to
plan ahead and better manage their schedules between work, home, and study.
 
What are the advantages?
1.  In most degree programs, there are only a few courses that must be taken
in a particular order. While this gives students flexibility, it also means
that students in any given course will be at different stages in the
learning process.   In a cohort program, faculty members know exactly what
courses students in the cohort have taken and in what order. Therefore, the
curriculum in a cohort program is more cohesive with stronger links between
courses. 

2.  Most graduate students are full-time music teachers who are studying
part-time while working and fulfilling family responsibilities. Sometimes it
is difficult for such students to feel as though they are a part of the
university's community. However, a cohort provides a strong sense of
belonging, and creates a network of support that is invaluable long after
the participants complete the program.

3.  Because this is a summers-only program, students will be able to
assimilate their new learning during the interposing academic years.

You should note that, with rare exception, the next opportunity to join the
music education cohort will be the summer of 2016.

Yes, a graduate degree is a big undertaking. And I can tell you from
experience that it is worth every minuteŠ such a massive return on such a
relatively small investment.   Each class makes participants more excited
for the next.  Instead of being relieved to be finished, most students feel
sorry that it is over so soon!
 
Current students are working professionals, just like you.  They are fun,
friendly, and passionate about teaching with excellence. You will leave
overflowing with ideas to use with your students, new skills, and a renewed
sense of the importance of what you do!
 
I am looking forward to hearing from you!
 
Sincerely,

Darla Meek, MM
Lecturer in Music Education
Department of Music Student Teacher Supervisor
Texas A&M University-Commerce
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX  75429-3011
903-886-5294
 

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