[Areamusicteachers] Master of Music Cohort begins THIS SUMMER

[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 with emphasis in Music Education:  the TAMU-C Music Education Cohort!  Participants earn their graduate degree in four consecutive summers.

The SECOND cohort begins this June, so now is the time to apply.   This 30-hour, summers-only program was the first of its kind in North Texas.  It was created specifically for full-time 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, music history, research, philosophy, and theory, and performance study opportunities.  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 “Introduction to Graduate Study” as a refresher course.

All classes will be offered at the Mesquite Metroplex Center in Mesquite, Texas.


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.

Yes, a graduate degree is a big undertaking. And I can tell you from experience that it is worth every minute… such a massive return on such a relatively small investment.  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!

For more information, visit www.tamuc.edu/music, scroll down to MUSIC EDUCATION, then click on MASTER OF MUSIC.  I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Darla Meek, MM | Lecturer and Music Education Coordinator
Department of Music  |  Texas A&M University-Commerce
Darla.Meek at tamuc.edu<mailto:Darla.Meek at tamuc.edu>
P. O. Box 3011  | Commerce, TX  75429
Tel. 903.886.5294  | Fax 903.468.6010
www.tamuc.edu/music


“I am so glad I chose the A&M-Commerce cohort program!  The idea of taking on Master’s work while teaching full time seemed incredibly daunting, but only having classes in the summer really helped to simplify the process.  Also, the relationships I built with my classmates are priceless!”

April Payne, Garland ISD

“I am learning things that have made me a better teacher as well as a better musician.  The classes are well taught, and have high standards.  The teachers are helpful and supportive.  I have enjoyed the graduate classes very much."

Patricia Smith, Royce City ISD

“I chose the cohort program at A&M-Commerce because of its convenient location, schedule, and affordability.  Professors were knowledgeable and kind, and maintained very high expectations throughout the program.  Each summer I left with new ideas and information that impacted my teaching the following year.”

Theresa Whatley, Garland ISD

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