POPLAR BLUFF - Three Rivers Community College has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Central Methodist University to help prepare a new generation of music educators.  Officials from Three Rivers and CMU recently signed an articulation agreement to establish a two-plus-two program for music students, leading to a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Methodist University.

According to Dr. Mary Lou Brown, chairman of the Math, Science and Technology Division and Three Rivers Coordinator of Teacher Education, the program will allow students to complete an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree from Three Rivers, and then continue to work toward a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Methodist, with all coursework completed on the Three Rivers campus in Poplar Bluff.

The two-plus-two partnership in music education is one of the first in the nation between a community college and four-year university.

"We are proud of this partnership with Central Methodist University and the Swinney Conservatory of Music, and are excited about this groundbreaking degree program," Brown said. "In working out the initial program, there was a real synergy and trust between officials at both schools that will lead to a successful program for our students."

The Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central Methodist has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1950. The Swinney Conservatory of Music was built in 1927 and contains a recital hall, faculty studios, practice rooms and classrooms.

Three Rivers music instructor Cindy White noted the Music Department at TRCC was working toward accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music. Currently, the department includes full-time instructors Cindy White and William White, and adjunct instructors Pam Becker and Tom Allen.

"Students can complete their AAT degree at Three Rivers and take the required music theory and performance classes, and will be able to move smoothly into the bachelor's degree program with Central Methodist," Cindy White said.

"There is a genuine need for new music educators in our area schools. This new program will allow students to stay close to home and complete their degrees and prepare to enter the music classroom," said William White. He also noted that the new program would also fit the needs of students entering church music ministry.

Brown said details of the program are being finalized with the music faculties at both institutions. Plans call for the first Central Methodist music education courses to be offered in the Fall 2009 semester.

Founded in 1854, Central Methodist is the only United Methodist Church-related university in Missouri. Central Methodist's main campus is in Fayette, and in recent years CMU has established campus centers throughout Missouri, including at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff.

The Department of Music at Three Rivers is a multi-faceted program with courses for both choral and instrumental students preparing to enter careers in music and music education and the general student who wishes to understand, appreciate and support music. The department sponsors a variety of concerts, recitals and programs throughout the academic year.

THREE RIVERS NEWS BUREAU

Annabeth Miller, News Director

573.840.9730