<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>PLEASE FORWARD TO ELEMENTARY MUSIC AND SECONDARY CHORAL TEACHERS</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'>Dear Elementary Music and Secondary Choral Colleagues ~<BR>
<BR>
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 <B>TAMU-C Music Education Cohort</B>! <BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
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. <BR>
<BR>
<B>No GRE Exam</B> is required for admittance into the program. Even better news: <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>
The schedule of classes is attached. </B>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. <B>For all students beginning the cohort this summer, the tuition for MUS 550: Seminar in Music Education will be waived</B>.<BR>
<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>
</I><BR>
<BR>
Yes, a graduate degree is a big undertaking. And we can tell you from experience that it is worth every minute… 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!<BR>
<BR>
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>
We will be limiting the class size so that participants will have more individualized attention. There’s no reason not to take the first step right now. We are looking forward to hearing from you!<BR>
<BR>
Sincerely,<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Darla Meek, MM<BR>
Lecturer in Music Education<BR>
Department of Music Student Teacher Supervisor<BR>
Texas A&M University-Commerce<BR>
P.O. Box 3011<BR>
Commerce, TX 75429-3011<BR>
903-886-5294<BR>
<BR>
Randall Hooper, DMA<BR>
Director of Vocal Activities<BR>
TAMU-Commerce<BR>
903.886.5284 office<BR>
903.468.6010 fax<BR>
P.O. Box 3001<BR>
Commerce, TX 75429-3001</SPAN></FONT><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"><BR>
</FONT></SPAN>
</BODY>
</HTML>