[FineArtsDirectors] PLEASE FORWARD TO ELEMENTARY MUSIC AND SECONDARY CHORAL TEACHERS

[Darla Meek]

Dear Elementary Music and Secondary Choral Colleagues ~

The Texas A&M University Department of Music presents an exciting new option
for teachers in the metroplex who want to earn a Masters of Music in Music
Education:  the TAMU-C Music Education Cohort!
 
This program is the first of its kind in North Texas.  It was created
specifically for elementary music teachers and secondary choral directors in
the D/FW area.  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 32-hour program offers a combination of coursework in music education
(12 hours), music history, research, philosophy, and theory (15 hours),
performance study opportunities  (2 hours), and electives (3 hours).
Students also complete an independent study project on a subject of their
choice within the realm of elementary or choral music.
 
No GRE Exam is required for admittance into the program.  Even better news:
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.  Generally, the eight-credit-hour block
of classes during the summer will cost $1982.94. 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.


Yes, a graduate degree is a big undertaking. And we 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!
 
We will be limiting the class size so that participants will have more
individualized attention. There¹s no reason not to take the first step right
now.  We are 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
 
Randall Hooper, DMA
Director of Vocal Activities
TAMU-Commerce
903.886.5284 office
903.468.6010 fax
P.O. Box 3001
Commerce, TX 75429-3001

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