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<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Dear Elementary Music Colleagues,<br>
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The East Texas A&M University School of Music presents an exciting option for teachers who want to earn a Master of Music with emphasis in Music Education: the
<b>E</b><b>TAMU Graduate Music Education Cohort</b>. Participants earn their graduate degree in four consecutive summers while still working full-time.<br>
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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>
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</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The program offers a combination of coursework in music education (pedagogy, movement, instruments, conducting), music history, research, philosophy, theory, and performance study. Students
also complete an independent study project on a subject of their choice within the realm of elementary music. All classes are held face-to-face during the month of June.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Features of the program:</span></p>
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<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No GRE Exam</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
is required for admittance into the program. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you have taken Kodály or Orff Schulwerk courses, you may earn credit for those hours even if you did not take them for graduate credit at the time.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">All classes will be held at the beautiful Dallas site located at 8750 North Central Expressway.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit the website here: </span><a href="https://www.tamuc.edu/programs/music-mm-summer-cohort/" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in; color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https</span>://www.tamuc.edu/programs/music-mm-summer-cohort/</a></li></ul>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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3. Because this is a summers-only program, students will be able to assimilate their new learning during the interposing academic years. <b><br>
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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. The students are working professionals, just like you, who 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>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Read what some of our graduates have to say about the program:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">“Earning a graduate degree was the best decision I ever made. It enhanced my academic knowledge, increased my self-esteem, and developed my skills as a leader. I learned how to effectively communicate with others,
problem solve, manage my time, work collaboratively, and be adaptable to change. All of these qualities prepared me to be a successful music educator and inspired me to become an instructional leader. I now serve a broader population of students and continue
to work hard every day to make a positive impact in their lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Kaleen Hernandez, class of 2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">“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></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">April Payne, class of 2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">“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></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Patricia Smith, class of 2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">“Completing my master's degree in music from Texas A&M Commerce has been a transformative experience for me. I have significantly enhanced my skills as a teacher, musician, and student. I have made lifelong friends
and built a strong community of fellow musicians.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></i></p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Leslie Dodge, class of 2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Just reply to this email for more information. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I am looking forward to hearing from you!</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><br>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sincerely,</span></span><br>
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<span class="firstname-container" style="">Darla Meek</span><span class="degree-container" style="">, MM</span><span class="pronouns-container" style=""> (she/her/hers)</span></p>
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