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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><font size="3">Dear Elementary Music Colleagues ~<br>
<br>
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 <b>TAMU-C Music Education Cohort</b>! Participants earn their graduate degree in four
consecutive summers. <br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
<b>No GRE Exam</b> is required for admittance into the program. Even better news: there are <b>no diagnostic entrance exams in theory or history</b>! All cohort students will take “Introduction to Graduate Study” as a refresher course.<br>
<b><br>
All classes will be offered at the Mesquite Metroplex Center in Mesquite, Texas.<br>
</b> <br>
<br>
<b><i>What is a cohort?<br>
</i></b><i>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. <br>
<br>
<b>What are the advantages?<br>
</b>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. <br>
</i><br>
<i>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.<br>
<br>
3. Because this is a summers-only program, students will be able to assimilate their new learning during the interposing academic years. <b><br>
</b></i><br>
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!<br>
<br>
<b>For more information, visit www.tamuc.edu/music, scroll down to MUSIC EDUCATION, then click on MASTER OF MUSIC.</b> I am looking forward to hearing from you!<br>
<br>
Sincerely,<br>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><font face="Calibri">Darla Meek, MM | Lecturer and Music Education Coordinator<br>
</font></b><font face="Calibri">Department of Music<b> </b></font><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">|</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Texas A&M University-Commerce<br>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="mailto:Darla.Meek@tamuc.edu">Darla.Meek@tamuc.edu</a><br>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">P. O. Box 3011 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">|</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Commerce, TX 75429<br>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel. 903.886.5294 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">|</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Fax 903.468.6010<br>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.tamuc.edu/music </span></p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><font size="3">“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!”<o:p></o:p></font></span></i></p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><font size="3">April Payne, Garland ISD<o:p></o:p></font></span></i></p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><font size="3">“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."<br>
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<o:p></o:p></font></span></i></p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><font size="3">Patricia Smith, Royce City ISD<o:p></o:p></font></span></i></p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><font size="3">“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.”<o:p></o:p></font></span></i></p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><font size="3">Theresa Whatley, Garland ISD</font><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
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