The Kansas State University Music Department is excited to offer the following graduate-level courses during Summer 2010, 2011, and 2012 as part of the masters degree program in Music Education. These classes are designed to appeal to music educators at all levels who not only wish to improve their knowledge in a variety of skills, techniques, and concepts and earn their choice of continuing education credits, but may also wish to apply them towards the completion of their masters degree. We are dedicated to Music Education IN the state of Kansas, FOR the state of Kansas in a hands-on, practical way. This page is designed to provide as much information as possible regarding graduate application and entrance, enrollment, and course of study. If you have any further questions regarding the summer graduate program, please contact Dr. Frank Tracz, Director of Summer Graduate Studies in Music.

Summer, 2009-2011 Course Descriptions | Program Overview | Application and Admission | FAQ About Graduate Study in Music | Course of Study & Advising | Housing & Parking

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SUMMER 2010 GRADUATE CLASS INFORMATION

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SUMMER 2011 GRADUATE CLASS INFORMATION

SUMMER 2012 GRADUATE CLASS INFORMATION
Rotation & Schedule to be determined

OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT
WHILE YOU ARE IN MANHATTAN FOR
SUMMER GRADUATE STUDIES

Bring your instrument along and join us after your class dismisses
for the day in rehearsal and performance with the
MANHATTAN MUNICIPAL BAND, directed by Dr. Frank Tracz.
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, with performances on Tuesday
evenings in the Larry Norvell Band Shell in Manhattan City Park

Contact Dr. Frank Tracz for more information

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Kansas State University's graduate program in music is designed to furnish specialized professional training supported by competence in those fundamental areas needed by all musicians. We are dedicated to providing educational opportunities and resources toward the betterment of our public school music programs and their instructors. We also believe in providing multiple options and opportunities for educators "in the field" to complete their advanced degree in a manner which is best suited to the individual. Emphasis is placed on the personal growth and development of the student toward individual goals, as well as on applicability, practicality, flexibility, and accessibility.. The program is large enough to provide ample variety, yet small enough to allow personal attention to each student, and summer graduate curriculum is taught by K-State music faculty that are acknowledged authorities in their areas of study. The faculty brings a diverse set of studio, pedagogical, academic, and ensemble experiences that all combine to offer a balanced and enriching experience for our students.

One of the most tangible hands-on resources that students will find at Kansas State is the music division at Hale Library. The music stacks contain a growing reference and research collection fully adequate to master's level work, as well as an extensive collection of recordings. The Special Collections Division holds a number of rare items, from 16th century prints to one of the two largest collections of the manuscripts of Gail Kubik, world-renowned 20th-century composer. The Graduate Music Seminar-Study Room offers a place in the Music Department in which materials may be placed on reserve for easy, convenient availability to graduate students.

The established curriculum for the masters degree in music education is a 36-40 credit program which contains a certain level of flexibility between degree-seeking students, their major advisor (Dr. Frank Tracz), and their graduate committee in regards to rehearsals and performances, masters report, aural exams, and remedial work (if necessary).

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1. Degree Track
   
2. Non-Degree Track

Deadlines: There are no actual deadlines set forth by the Graduate College in regards to application and enrollment for summer graduate study, but the Music Department has established a timeline by which we would like to see students complete those tasks.

Transfer Credits from another institution: Graduate credit with a grade of B, or better, may be transferred from other accredited institutions. All decisions regarding acceptance or denial of credits from a prior institution will be made by the Director of Graduate Studies in Music. Transfer of more than 6 hours requires special action; in no case may more than 10 hours be transferred.

Transfer of Credits from "Special Student" Status: Generally, but not necessarily, an application for admission to the Graduate School in the Department of Music implies the student's intention to work toward an advanced degree. Students who do not plan to work toward an advanced degree, however, may be admitted as special (non-degree) students. Those who later wish to enter the degree program must undergo a full review. Ordinarily, no more than 9 semester hours earned as a special student may be transferred into a regular degree program. Transfer of credits from non-degree to degree status is handled by the Director of Graduate Studies in Music.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GRADUATE STUDY IN MUSIC

Q: ARE THERE DEADLINES FOR APPLICATION TO THE GRADUATE COLLEGE OR FOR ENROLLMENT IN SUMMER COURSES?
A: There are recommended timetables for your application to the Graduate College and course enrollment, and there is a deadline for the execution of online enrollment, using KATS. Please see the Application & Admission section above for detailed information regarding those timelines.

Q: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO COMPLETE THE MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAM?
A: It really depends on how full a load you are willing to carry during each given summer. Theoretically, if you take the full-time load, the masters degree in music education can be completed in three summers, with some off-campus work done during the regular school year. The details of the course of study can be seen below, and should be discussed in an advising meeting with your major advisor (Dr. Frank Tracz)

Q: WHAT LEVEL OF COMMITMENT WILL BE REQUIRED OF ME TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE COMPRESSED FORMAT OF THESE SUMMER COURSE OFFERINGS?
A: There's no hiding the fact that there is work involved with completing these courses successfully. The number of face-to-face contact hours is actually about the same as if you were to take these courses over the span of an entire semester, but they have been compacted into a much more compressed timeframe. Classes typically meet each day from approximately 8:30am to 5:00pm, with breaks for lunch, etc.* There will undoubtedly be material that you are expected to digest each night, as well as on-campus assignments or projects. Once you have expressed an intent to enroll in one or more courses, you will receive a packet of materials which will include information regarding schedule and room assignment, as well as possible advance preparation that may be expected. This may take the form of listening to recordings and/or reading articles, all posted on our course web-sites on K-State Online.In addition, certain courses may require that you work on a project after the completion of your on-campus studies, to be submitted to that professor by a pre-designated deadline.

Q: WILL EXTRA HELP BE AVAILABLE TO ME WHEN I NEED IT?
A: ABSOLUTELY!! Again, our goal is only to facilitate your successful completion of graduate studies in music. To that end, the teaching faculty in the Music Department at Kansas State University is at your service to answer questions on anything from entrance to commencement and everything inbetween. Dr. Frank Tracz is Director of Summer Graduate Studies in Music, and can help with most of your questions regarding application and admission, as well as inquiries about forms and deadlines.

Q: WHO WILL BE MY MAJOR ADVISOR THROUGHOUT THE DEGREE PROGRAM?
A: The major advisor for all students accepted into the masters degree program in music education is Dr. Frank Tracz, Director of Bands. He will guide you through your degree process and answer most questions regarding course selection, etc. At a certain point during your degree-seeking studies, you will also assemble a graduate committee, headed by Dr. Tracz, that will also consist of Dr. Anthony Pursell, Assistant Director of Bands, and one other professor, to be agreed upon by you and Dr. Tracz.

Q: IS THE SUMMER PROGRAM ACCREDITED BY NASM?
A: YES! NASM -- or, the National Association of Schools of Music -- is our national accrediting agency, and we are pleased to say that the summer graduate program in music at K-State is in full compliance with the accredidation guidelines set forth by NASM.

Q: WHAT SORTS OF THINGS CAN I DO TO ADEQUATELY PREPARE FOR THE SUMMER EXPERIENCE?
A: Once you've enrolled, you should receive advance materials, either in the mail or electronically from your professor(s) that will indicate the course schedule(s), and may also ask that you read and/or listen to specific materials and be prepared to discuss them once their class begins. Our goal is to make use of the university's online resources (K-State Online, for example) as much as possible to provide you access to materials while off-campus. Beyond this, you might simply find some articles, reviews, recordings, texts, etc. that pertain to the subjects that you will be studying and do some general "brushing up" on your own. We would encourage you to contact our teaching faculty if you have questions regarding preparation, or would like to inquire about suggested supplemental materials.

Q: HOW MANY COURSES/CREDITS CAN REASONABLY BE TAKEN IN THE COURSE OF A SINGLE SUMMER?
A: This is very subjective, and the answer is really dependent on your summer schedule, how quickly you aim to finish the masters degree (if that is your goal), and how much material you think you can handle in this condensed format. We would encourage you to get as much information as possible from the faculty that will be teaching these courses and would also recommend that you schedule advising appointments, either in person or over the telephone, with Dr. Tracz to help you make these decisions.

Q: DOES THE UNIVERSITY PROVIDE HOUSING FOR SUMMER STUDENTS? WHAT IS THE COST AND AVAILABILITY?
A: There are a variety of housing options for students who will be on campus for a short stay, such as is required of our summer courses. Visiting students have both on-campus and off-campus housing choices. On-campus housing is arranged through the university's Housing and Dining Services, and off-campus housing options include a wide variety of hotels and motels in the Manhattan area. For more detailed information, scroll down to the Housing & Parking section near the bottom of this page.

Q:WHAT SORT OF K-STATE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME AS A STUDENT?
A: Once you are accepted as a student at Kansas State, and have established your individual e-id and password (see Application & Admission above), you will have all of the rights and privileges afforded to any other K-State student. This includes access to K-State Online, which, as described on their homepage, is a course management system designed to deliver an interactive web-based classroom to students. K-State Online extends and enhances K-State course instruction enabling students with time and geographic restrictions to take advantage of the flexibility of learning over the Internet. You will also have library privileges at Hale Library, which houses a wealth of information and resources for your reference and study, and access to our many online databases, such as the Music Index, New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians, and more. On a smaller, and more specific scale, we also have a variety of printed and recorded materials in a music resource room here in the Music Department.

Q: WHAT IS MANHATTAN LIKE DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS? -- PARKS, RECREATION, HOUSING AVAILABILITY, ETC.
A: Manhattan, Kansas is a town of nearly 45,000 residents and a wonderfully warm and friendly environment. Manhattan has plenty to do and see during your spare time, with many excellent restaurants, plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, the Sunset Zoo, sightseeing and museums, and ample shopping.  With an inspiring view of the prairie, Manhattan is a great place to spend a portion of your summer months. For more comprehensive information and other links of interest, visit manhattan.org.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROGRAM OF STUDY? WHEN IS IT GENERATED? WHAT HELP WILL I GET IN ITS FORMULATION?
A: To paraphrase directly from our Graduate College web page: Every master's student must file a Program of Study (POS) with the Graduate School. This program is a formal list of courses the student intends to complete to fulfill the requirements of the degree and should consist solely of courses directly related to the master's degree....students must do so upon the completion of 9 credit hours. A student should prepare the program of study in consultation with the major professor and supervisory committee. The program must be approved by all committee members and the head of the academic unit. It is then submitted for approval to the Dean of the Graduate School. You will have very active guidance in the completion and submission of your POS from Dr. Tracz to make sure you not only understand the process, but also that you complete it in a timely and appropriate manner. Much more comprehensive information regarding the Program of Study can be found online at http://www.ksu.edu/grad/guidelines/m-pos-tx.htm

Q: WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE WAY OF FINAL OR EXIT EXAMS? WHEN ARE THEY SCHEDULED? WHO ADMINISTERS THEM? WHAT IS THE FORMAT?
A: The exit exams for the masters degree in music education is more of a masters report, to be formulated between you and Dr. Tracz. Generally, the written portion of your report contains your collection and interpretation of information involving the repertoire from your graduate conducting recital. This is a performance that is also assembled by you and Dr. Tracz, and depending on individual circumstance, may very well involve a home performance with your public school ensemble. The written report will include historical and analytical discussion of the pieces on your recital, as well as your own findings in regards to programming, pedagogical context, and rehearsal and conducting concerns. A deadline for submission of your written report to your committee members will be agreed upon by you and Dr. Tracz, and a second date, approximately 2-3 weeks after this submission, will be set for the aural portion of your report. At your aural "defense," you should simply be prepared to hold an intelligent and comprehensive discussion for approximately one hour on the materials included in your written report with the members of your committee. There will NOT be any surprise questions thrown at you, nor will you be presented with any unannounced "flaming hoops" to jump through. The intent of the report is to wrap up your graduate studies at K-State in a comprehensive, applicable, and humane manner.

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COURSE OF STUDY AND ADVISING

As was indicated earlier on this page, your major advisor in the Music Education degree program will be Dr. Frank Tracz, Director of Bands. You should correspond with him on a regular basis as you progress through the summer program for advising in regards to course selection, sequence, electives, etc. The established course of study for the masters degree in music education is listed below. Please feel free to contact Dr. Tracz with questions regarding enrollment, course rotation, etc.

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HOUSING & PARKING WHILE ON CAMPUS

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Dormitory rooms are available on a night-by-night basis through the K-State Housing and Dining Services at very reasonable rates, and you can even purchase meal tickets. All of the residence halls are air-conditioned and conveniently located on campus within walking distance of recreational facilities and campus activities. Rooms are available for double or single occupancy (only two adults are allowed in a double-occupancy room).

Each room has a twin bed, desk and chair, storage drawers and closet space. A telephone for local calls is provided in each room. Long-distance calls can only be made with a calling card or by calling collect.Guest service includes two towels, washcloth, plastic cup, sheets, blanket, pillow and pillowcase. Complimentary soap is available at the front desk.Each corridor has a community bathroom. Males and females are not assigned to the same wing (except families) or allowed to use the same bathrooms.A television room, laundry room, vending machines, message board and periodic front desk operations are a few of the conveniences offered in the residence halls. You may also use e-mail terminals located in the hall lobby. Mail is available at the residence hall front desk.

The award-winning dining services provides a variety of convenient and healthful food choices. Entrees and most accompaniments are served cafeteria style. Beverages, breads, soups, salads, cereals and desserts are self-serve. At breakfast, a fruit and yogurt bar and Breakfast Bar are featured. Dessert and salad bars are available at both lunch and dinner. Meals may be purchased on a cash basis at the dining center.

Room Rates* per night are:
$19/person for a double occupancy room
$26/person for a single occupancy room

Meals* can be purchased for:
$3.50 - each breakfast
$4.75 - each lunch
$6.75 - each dinner

* subject to change

More details, including contact information can be found by visiting the K-State Housing and Dining Services web site (http://www.housing.k-state.edu/guests/res_guests.php)

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
There are many hotel choices in the Manhattan area, but the most convenient is the Ramada Plaza Hotel - 1641 Anderson Ave. The Ramada is only about a five-minute walk to the Music Building, has the Gold Fork Restaurant attached right to the building, and is only minutes from the Aggieville buisiness and restaurant district.

You can contact the Ramada Plaza at 785-539-7531, or visit them online at http://www.ramadaplazamanhattan.com/hotelhome/

PARKING
To park on campus you will need to purchase a temporary parking permit. A permit may be purchased at Parking Services in Edwards Hall (on north Denison Ave.) or at the information booth on 17th Street near the K-State Student Union parking lot.

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http://www.ksu.edu/grad/catalog/music.html

For more information regarding enrollment for summer courses contact:

Dr. Frank Tracz
Director of Bands
ftracz@ksu.edu
(785) 532-3816