PRINCETON, NJ -- Music educators will now be able to pursue a Master of Music Education degree at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in four summers of study.

"This program has been established in response to the many music educators who recognize the value of a Westminster education and who want to earn a Master degree from the choir college while maintaining full-time employment during the academic year," said Robert Annis, Westminster's director and dean.

The program will also offer New Jersey teacher certification to non-certified musicians who enroll for a fifth semester of student teaching.

One outstanding feature of the program is the opportunity for participants to design their own focus. Focus areas may include such disciplines as choral music, Orff certification, Kodaly certification, music technology, Kindermusik, or New Jersey teacher certification.

The program is divided into three areas: 12 credits in music education, 12 credits in choral music and core music study, and 12 credits in the area of focus.

Students will participate for two summers in Westminster's renowned Summer Choral Festival. Past conductors of this festival have included Joseph Flummerfelt, Doreen Rao, Dale Warland, and Paul Salamonovich. Students will also study with Westminster's faculty and guest faculty who teach in the college's summer session program.

"With this new MME degree, Westminster will be a leader in innovative graduate programs for music education students," said Frank Abrahams, chair of Westminster's music education department. "Our intent is that students will study in the summer and then apply what they have learned when they return to their jobs in the fall. This will provide immediate application -- an important aspect of teacher education programs.

"The ability to design one's own focus is a unique feature of the program, and provides flexibility and relevance for each student enrolled. It takes advantage of Westminster's choral core as well as the offerings in Westminster's summer session. I am delighted that Rider University shares in and supports the vision of music education at Westminster."

Applications for the 1997 summer program are now being accepted. For more information contact Westminster's admissions office at 1-800-96-CHOIR or (609) 921-7100 ext. 210.