In 2016, the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) and the University of North Texas College of Music (UNT COM) began a groundbreaking collaboration. The partnership aimed to provide high school students unique opportunities to earn college credit in music.
A Promising Start: Music History Course (Fall 2016)
In the fall of 2016, AISD and UNT COM launched their first dual-credit offering: Music History. UNT COM professor Dr. William McGinney taught the course as a Wednesday night class at Arlington High School. Students in this class earned 3 hours of humanities credit. They were exposed to an academically rigorous curriculum that appealed to many students, particularly those pursuing careers in music and fields like medicine.
With seven students enrolled, the course set a precedent for how dual-credit programs could bring college-level music instruction directly to high school campuses, enriching students’ educational experiences.
Expanding the Program: Class Piano I (Spring 2017)
In spring 2017, the program expanded to offer Class Piano I, a course for students interested in developing their piano skills and serving to make space in a music student's first year if desired. Thanks to the new AISD Fine Arts and Dual Language Elementary Academies equipped with piano labs, this course was especially accessible to students. The Corey Academy, located on the southwest side of the district, was an ideal location for this course, as its proximity to the interstate made it convenient for students across the district.
Eldred Marshall, a doctoral student and teaching fellow at UNT COM, taught the course, which attracted five students eager to enhance their musical abilities. The success of Class Piano I demonstrated that this partnership could cater to a range of musical interests, from academic history to performance-based learning.
A Brief Yet Impactful Collaboration
Unfortunately, the dual-credit program did not continue beyond the 2016-2017 academic year due to various circumstances. However, all involved felt the initiative’s impact. It proved the value of K-12 and higher education working together to provide unique, enriching student opportunities. The dual-credit courses not only elevated the students' educational experience but also showcased the potential for future collaborations in arts education.
A Vision for the Future
Although the program was short-lived, its success offers a compelling example of what can happen when institutions unite to expand educational opportunities. Future collaborations could involve neighboring districts or even examine existing models of shared programs—such as those used for Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers—to give more students access to specialized courses like music, art, dance, theater, and more.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of key individuals who pushed the project to fruition. Special thanks go to Dr. Warren Henry of the University of North Texas College of Music, Dr. Rick Garcia, and Rob Myers from Arlington ISD for their unwavering support and efforts in making this partnership a reality.
Conclusion
Although Arlington ISD and the University of North Texas College of Music's dual-credit music courses may have been short-lived, they left behind a legacy of collaboration that other districts can look to for inspiration. By bridging the gap between high school and higher education, we can create opportunities for students to pursue their passions and build a brighter future through music and the arts.
Would you like to learn more about this? Have any questions? Send an email: jeremy@schoolmusicconsulting.com
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