Curricula

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Milestones in the Music Education Curricula

  • 1926, Bachelor of Public School Music
  • 1939, Bachelor of Music Education
  • 1956, Master of Music in Music Education
  • 1967, Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

Bachelor Degrees

The essential aspects of the present day Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree can be seen from the very beginning, with two years of music theory, a year of music history, expectations for participation in ensembles and applied lessons, methods courses in education and specific courses in music teaching.

  • 1926 to 1939: the bachelor degree was referred to as a Bachelor of Public School Music. In 1939 the degree was renamed to the Bachelor of Music Education degree.
  • 1940-1965: the degree had two versions, one for General Music and one for Instrumental Music.
  • 1966-1991: the degree returned to a non-tracked degree.
  • 1992-2015: in addition to the non-tracked bachelor degree, two Jazz Emphasis versions (Instrumental and Vocal) were offered to allow majors whose primary area was jazz to use their jazz ensembles as their primary ensembles. 
  • The present day requirements for the 128-credit non-tracked Bachelor of Music in Music Education appear here.

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  • 1926 Bachelor of Public School Music

    From 1926 to 1939, the bachelor degree was referred to as a Bachelor of Public School Music.

    The table of courses for the degree in Public School Music from the 1926 University of Miami Bulletin lists courses for each year, not by semester.  Note that in Year Four, Music Appreciation indicates first and second semester variations. 

    First Year
    Course (credit)
    Piano instrument (1)
    Sight-singing, ear training, dictation (2)
    First year English (3)
    Modern Language (2)
    Music Appreciation (3)
    History of Civilization (1)
    Eurythmics (2)
    Physical training (including singing games) (3)
    Hygiene (1)
    Total: 18
    Attendance at one weekly lecture, concert, or recital of the University.

    Second Year
    Course (credit)
    Piano instrument (1)
    Methods, Music for the Grade School (3)
    Elementary Harmony (2)
    Eurythmics (2)
    Language (2)
    Music Appreciation (Material and method of presentation for the grades): (3)
    English ballad and verse (2)
    Physical training (including folk dances) (3)
    Total: 18
    Attendance at one weekly lecture, concert, or recital of the University.

    Third Year
    Course (Credit)
    Voice (2)
    Advanced Harmony (2)
    History of Music (2)
    Methods, High school music (3)
    Chorus conducting (2)
    Principles of teaching (2)
    Observation and Practice Work (3)
    Dancing and Elementary Dramatic Technique (2)
    Total: 18
    Attendance at one weekly lecture, concert, or recital of the University.

    Fourth Year
    Course (Credit)
    Voice (2)
    Child Psychology (2)
    Orchestral Instruments (Character and function of instruments and the development of School of Bands and Orchestras) (2)
    Orchestral conducting (2)
    Music Appreciation [First semester (High school music), Second semester (Music Memory Contest)] (2)
    Practice teaching (6)
    Counterpoint (2)
    Total 18

  • 1927-1939 Bachelor of Public School Music

    Fairly rapid changes from 1926 curriculum were the disappearances of Eurythmics and Physical Education (1932), Dancing (1934), Dramatics (1938), Modern Language (1940), and the 2 years of piano and voice for everyone (1934). The degree swelled from 120 credits to 132 by 1928 and hovered around that count until Modern Language was dropped, shrinking the degree back to 120 hours.

    Freshman Year
    Subjects (Credits)
    Appreciation of Music 1, 2 (4)
    Education 1 (3)
    English 1, 2 (6)
    Harmony 1, 2 (4)
    Modern Language (6)
    Musicianship 1, 2 (2) 
    Physical Education 1, 2 (2)
    Piano 9, 10 or Violin, Cello 9, 10 (2)
    Sight Singing 1, 2 (2)
    Total (31)

    Sophomore Year
    Subjects (Credits)
    Education M45, M46 (4)
    Education M49, M50 (4)
    Education M53, M54 (4)
    Eurythmics 1, 2 (2)
    Harmony 3, 4 (4)
    Modern Language (6)
    Musicianship 3, 4 (2)
    Piano 11, 12 or Violin, Cello 11, 12 (2)
    Sight Singing (2)
    Total (30)

    Junior Year
    Subjects (Credits)
    Conducting 3, 4 (orchestral) (2)
    Counterpoint 1, 2 (4)
    Dancing 1 (1)
    Education M51, M52 (4)
    English 3, 4 (6)
    Eurythmics 3, 4 (2)
    History of Music 1, 2 (4)
    Psychology 1, 2 (4)
    Voice 9, 10 (4)
    Total (31

    Senior Year
    Subjects (Credits)
    Conducting 1, 2 (choral) (4)
    Dramatics 1, 2 (4)
    Education M47, M48 (4)
    Education M55, M56 (6)
    Orchestra 5, 6 (4)
    Psychology 3, 8 (6)
    Total (23)

    Education M45, 46: Methods of Teaching Music Appreciation in the Elementary School
    Education M47, 48: Methods of Teaching Music Appreciation in the High School
    Education M49, 50: Methods of Teaching Music in the Elementary School
    Education M51, 52: Methods of Teaching Music in the High School
    Education M53, 54: Observation and Practice Work
    Education M55, 56: Practice Teaching

  • 1940-1965 Bachelor of Music Education

    In 1939 the degree was renamed to the Bachelor of Music Education degree.

    From 1940-1965  the degree had 2 versions, one for General Music and one for Instrumental Music. The information below is from 1964.

    Requirements for all music majors:

    General Preparation (Basic courses in the University College)
    1. Composition and Humanities 101, 102, 201, 202 (12 credits)
    2. Natural Sciences 101, 102, 201, 202 (12 credits)
    3. Social Sciences 101, 102, 201, 202 (12 credits)

    111 Music Theory I
    112 Music Theory II
    121 Music Theory Laboratory I
    122 Music Theory Laboratory II
    211 Music Theory III
    215 Keyboard Harmony I
    216 Keyboard Harmony II
    311 Form and Analysis
    312 Orchestration
    313 Tonal Counterpoint
    321 Music History and Literature Survey I
    322 Music History and Literature Survey II 
    One year of chorus unless excused by the Dean.

    Requirements for Music Education majors

    Applied Music must total 30 credits.
    Theory 415, 416
    2 credits from 317, 318, 417, 418 (Conducting courses)
    Music Education courses
    307, 308 Music in the Elementary School
    431 Secondary School Vocal Methods
    432 Secondary School Instrumental Methods
    Education courses 101, 419, 260, 304 or 407, 456
    Psychology 207

    Students in music education may pursue either of two courses, one preparing for general supervision and the other instrumental supervision. The 30 credits allotted for applied music should be so arranged that, upon graduation, the student will be able to perform acceptably as a singer or on one instrument, which will be designated as the major instrument. He should have sufficient knowledge of the piano to play accompaniments, should be able to sing reasonably well, and should also know the fundamental principles of at least one representative of the various groups of the orchestra and band, such as strings, brasses, woodwinds and the percussion instruments. A student who expects to teach music in the public schools of any state other than Florida must consult with his adviser to insure that certification requirements for the particular state are properly fulfilled.

  • 1966-1991 Bachelor of Music Education

    Degree requirements had gradually increased to 141 credits by 1970. The degree returned to one degree plan from 1966-1991.

    This 1979 degree plan resembles the present day degree (non tracked). 

    FRESHMAN YEAR
    First Semester
    MTC 111 Music Theory I (2)
    MTC 121 Music Theory Laboratory I (1)
    MED Techniques (2)
    Principal Instrument or Voice (2)
    Piano* (1)
    Ensembles (2)
    English Composition (3)
    EDP 101 Introduction to the Study of Education
    Total (16)

    Second Semester
    MTC 112 Music Theory II (2)
    MTC 122 Music Theory Laboratory II (1)
    MED Techniques (1)
    Principal Instrument or Voice (2)
    Piano* (1)
    Ensembles (2)
    English Composition (3)
    Social Science (3)
    PSY 101 General Principles of Psychology (3)
    Total (18)

    SOPHOMORE YEAR
    First Semester
    MTC 211 Music Theory III (2)
    MTC 221 Music Theory Laboratory III (1)
    MTC 215 Keyboard Harmony I (1)
    Academic Elective (3)
    Principal Instrument or Voice (2)
    Piano* (1)
    Ensembles (2)
    Humanities (3)
    EDP 260 Educational Psychology
    Total (18)

    Second Semester
    MTC 212 Music Theory IV (3)
    MTC 216 Keyboard Harmony I (1)
    Academic Elective (3)
    Principal Instrument or Voice (2)
    Piano* (1)
    Ensembles (2)
    Academic Elective (3)
    Social Science
    Total (18)

    JUNIOR YEAR
    First Semester
    MTC 311 Form and Analysis (3)
    MED 542 Teaching General Music, K-12 (3)
    MAP 317 Basic Conducting (1)
    MED Techniques Class (1)
    Principal Instrument or Voice (2)
    Ensembles (2)
    MLT 321 Music History and Literature Survey I (3)
    Science (3)
    Total (18)

    Second Semester
    MTC Arranging/Orchestration Elective (3)
    MTC 313 Tonal Counterpoint (3)
    MAP 318 or 418 Choral or Instrumental Conducting (1)
    MED Techniques Class (1)
    Principal Instrument or Voice (2)
    Ensembles (2)
    MLT 322 Music History and Literature Survey II (3)
    Science or Mathematics(3)
    Total (18)

    SENIOR YEAR
    First Semester
    MED 543 Choral Instrumental Music in the Secondary School (3)
    MED Techniques Class (1)
    Principal Instrument or Voice (2)
    Ensembles (2)
    MED 340 Marching Band Fundamentals or Approved Elective (1)
    EDU 419 Elementary Education (3)
    EDU 304 Secondary Education (3)
    EDP 571 Teaching Reading in the Content Area (3)
    Total (18)

    Second Semester
    MED 433 Senior Seminar in Music Education (1)
    EDU 456 Student Teaching in Elementary and Secondary Schools (9)
    Total (10)

    *Or secondary instrument if piano is the principal instrument

    All brass, woodwind and percussion principals are expected to participate in Marching Band (MAP 170) for two semesters.

  • 1992-2015 Bachelor of Music Education

    From 1992-2015, in addition to the standard bachelor degree, 2 Jazz Emphasis versions (Instrumental and Vocal) were offered to allow majors whose primary area was jazz to use their jazz ensembles as their primary ensembles. The plan also permitted flexibility in attending jazz and music education forums and to take jazz theory courses.  However, difficulties in navigating course conflicts eventually led to its removal.

  • Present Day

    Present day undergraduates have Muscianship courses, Music History, STEM courses, Education courses (Classroom Management, Foundations, Teaching Reading in the Content Area, Teaching English as Second Language), 5 Core methods courses (General Music, Vocal, Instrumental, Modern Band, Special Learner), Techniques courses, and ensembles and studio lessons based on their primary instrument/voice.

    The present day requirements for the 128-credit Bachelor of Music in Music Education appear here.

Master of Music in Music Education

  • 1952: students pursuing a Master of Education degree could "present a concentration in music education." 
  • 1956: the Master of Music degree in Music Education was established.
  • 1973-86: 3 Emphases offered in Elementary-General Music, Instrumental Music and Vocal Choral Music.
  • 1986-2000: a String Pedagogy Emphasis was added.
  • 2000: Emphases replaced with tracks reflecting the capstone experiences (thesis, recital, project, string pedagogy). 
  • 2013, tracks removed to increase course selection flexibility.

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  • 1956-1969

    The requirements presented in 1956 UM Bulletin (below) remained through 1969:

    Music Education may be selected as a major for the Master of Music degree. Specific requirements for Music Education majors are: (1) Education 600 and 665 and two of the following: Education 521, 609, 610, 615; (2) the music “core courses”: G561, G562, 671-672, and two of the following: G539, 631, 632; (3) 8 graduate credits in applied  music of which 4 must be on the major instrument, 2 on an approved minor instrument, and 2 from the following G541-546: (4) a thesis for which no more than 6 credits may be granted (691-692).

    Prior to admission to candidacy for the degree, the student must:

    A. Demonstrate by examination suitable knowledge and skills as follows; (1) harmony—written, aural and keyboard; (2) sight singing and melodic, harmonic and rhyhmic dictation; (3) orchestration and conducting; (4) the history and literature of music and study of musical form, analytic or applied.
    B. In the case of the general supervisor, have studied and give evidence of acceptable accomplishment in: (1) piano to the extent that he is able to perform acceptably works of the difficulty of the following: Bach: some two and tree part inventions; Haydn: Sonata in E-flat, No. 3 (Schirmer); Mozart: Sonata No. 1 in F major, or No. 15 in A major (Schirmer); Chopin: some preludes; (2) voice to the extent of acquiring a knowledge of breath control, principles of enunciation and pronunciation as applied to singing, tone placement and the essentials of interpretation He should demonstrate a knowledge of recitative and the ability to sing one or more of the less exacting arias of opera and oratorio and several standard songs from memory; (3) one orchestral instrument in each section of the orchestra; that is, one woodwind, one brass, and one string instrument.
    C. In the case of instrumental supervisor, have studied and give evidence of acceptable accomplishment in: (1) an orchestral instrument to the extent of meeting requirements for junior standing in the Bachelor of Music curriculum with that instrument as a major; (2) all the instruments of the orchestra; (this implies merely a working knowledge of each instrument); (3) piano to the extent of ability to play easy accompaniments, folksongs, and chorales.

    • G561 Acoustics, 2 credits
    • G562 Psychology of Music, 2 credits
    • G671-672 Music History Seminars, 2 credits each
    • G539 Band Materials and Methods, 2 credits
    • G631 Instrumental Methods and Materials in Music Education, 2 credits
    • G632 Vocal Methods and Materials in Music Education. 2 credits
    • G541-546 Ensemble courses in band, orchestra, chorus, 1 credit each

  • 1969-1972

    In the 1969 Bulletin, the candidacy requirements were simplified to read:

    Prior to admission to candidacy for the degree the student must:
    A. have completed at least 12 semester hours of courses in the major area,
    B. demonstrate satisfactory understanding in the fields of Music Literature and Theory, and present satisfactory Graduate Record Examination score in Music'
    C. (1) demonstrate performance skill in at least two areas, one with recital standard of excellence and the other at a level satisfactory for performance in a major ensemble.
    (2) basic piano proficiency which provides functional use of the keyboard for accompanying and sight reading
    (3) demonstrate proficiency in sight singing and ear training.

    Then, in 1970, the candidacy requirements were removed from the Bullletin.  The degree requirements were adjusted to slightly increased the credits in music education to 10 and reduce the Applied music requirement from 8 to 4 credits. Another change was allowing 6 credits of approved electives instead of requiring 6 thesis credits.

    Specific requirements for Music Education were:
    (1) 10 credits in Music Education; MED 541, 562, and 640 are required; 2 credits must be selected from MED 539, 542, 632, and 638; 2 credits must be selected from MED 641, 645, and 653.
    (2) 4 credits are required in Music Theory and Composition; M TC 611 and 2 credits of elective credit.
    (3) two courses are required in Music History and Literature, MLT 671- 672.
    (4) 4 credits are required in Applied Music.
    (5) 6 credits in Research 600 (Thesis) or 6 credits of approved electives, and
    (6) a minimum of 2 credits in approved ensembles.

  • 1973-1986

    Starting in 1973 the Master of Music degree in Music Education presented 3 Emphases: Elementary General Music, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Choral Music.  The requirements were mostly the same across the emphases, but allowed for differences in the amount and kind of applied music or core methods courses that could be taken.

    Elementary-General Music Emphasis:
    (1) six credits in Applied (four credits conducting; two credits ensemble)
    (2) four-six credits in Music History and Literature
    (3) four credits in Theory-Composition
    (4) six-seven credits in Music Education (MED 541 636, 542, 653)
    (5) six credits in optional thesis or approved electives
    (6) four credits in electives outside School of Music.

    Instrumental Emphasis:
    (1) eight credits in Applied; four credits principal applied; two credits ensemble; two credits conducting workshop
    (2) four-six credits in Music History and Literature
    (3) four credits in Theory-Composition
    (4) six-seven credits in to Music Education (MED 541, 636, 638, 645)
    (4) six credits in optional thesis or approved electives
    (5) two credits in electives outside School of Music.

    Vocal Choral Emphasis: 
    (1) eight credits in Applied; three credits principal applied; two credits ensemble, two credits conducting workshop
    (2) four-six credits in Music History and Literature
    (3) four-six credits in Theory-Composition
    (4) for six-seven credits in Music Education (MED 541, 636, 632, 641)
    (4) six credits haw in optional thesis (RES 600) or approved electives
    (5) two credits in electives outside School of Music.

    Also appearing in 1973 was the Certification option in Music Education: If a student had a B.M. degree and certification in Music Education and a Master's degree was desired then approximately 45 credits were required. Specific requirements were
    (1) EDP G511, 260, EDU 304, 419; Student teaching six credits
    (2) MED 307, 308, 543
    (3) 19-23 credits in graduate music courses.

  • 1986-1999

    The 1986 Bulletin presented a fourth emphasis, String Pedagogy, adding to the options of Elementary General Music, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Choral Music. This option specified hours in applied string lessons:

    String Pedagogy Emphasis:
    (1) six credits in Performance (4 credits in principal instrument; three credits in other strings)
    (2) four-six credits in Musicology
    (3) three credits in Music Theory-Composition
    (4) eleven credits in Music Education (MED 640 or 645, MED 6S0; MED GS62; MIP GS47; MED 693)
    (5) two-four credits in approved electives

  • 2000-2012

    In 2000, the degree shifted away from the subject area emphases (General Music, Instrumental Music, Vocal Choral Music, String Pedagogy) to options that focused on preparing for either a thesis, recital, project, or string pedagogy.

    Major Area
    3 credits MED662 Music Learning & Curriculum 
    3 credits MED663 Research Methods in Music 
    3 credits MED664 Music Assessment 
    2 credits MED665 Seminar in Music Education
    3 credits MED7XX Thesis/Recital/Project

    Other Studies in Music
    6 credits Electives MXXXXX Musicology and Music Theory Courses

    Electives 
    10 credits MXXXXX Approved Curricular Track Selected From Below

    Thesis Track
    3 credits MXXXXX Musicology, Music Theory, Lesson/Ensemble 
    7 credits MXXXXX Approved Electives

    Recital Track
    2 credits MXXXXX Ensembles
    7 credits MXXXXX Private Lessons
    4 credits MXXXXX Approved Electives

    Project Track
    3 credits MXXXXX Musicology, Music Theory, Lesson/Ensemble
    7 credits MXXXXX Approved Electives     

    String Pedagogy Track
    2 credits MXXXXX Ensembles 
    4 credits MXXXXX Private Lessons
    3 credits MIP549 String Repertoire & Pedagogy
    2 credits MED647 Seminar in Instrumental Music Education
    2 credits MXXXXX Approved Electives 

  • 2013-Present

    Degree requirements were simplified in 2013, removing the tracks and maximizing the number of electives. 

    Major Area (15 credits)
    3 credits MED 660 History & Philosophy of Music Education
    3 credits MED 662 Music Learning & Curriculum
    3 credits MED 663 Research Methods in Music
    3 credits MED 664 Music Assessment
    3 credits MED 710/715 Thesis/Project

    Other Studies in Music (9 credits)
    9 credits Courses in MTC, MCY, MMI, MSJ, MIP, MVP, MKP

    Electives (9 credits)
    9 credits Approved Electives

    MM students have typically completed projects or theses and the recital option was discontinued.

    The present day requirements Master of Music in Music Education description appear here

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

This announcement appeared in the Music Educators Journal, Vol. 54, No. 5 (Jan., 1968), pp 6.

"The University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, started its first doctoral program in music in September 1967. The University of Miami is the thirty-second accredited institution in the United States to offer a Ph.D. program in music. According to department chairman Thomas C. Collins, the program will be kept small--down to ten students-for the next three years. Financial aid will be available to qualified students.” 

 

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  • 1968 Doctor of Philosophy

    The 90-credit Ph.D. curriculum incorporated Master's coursework:

    Area Credits
    Master's Degree 30
    Dissertation 15
    Professional Education courses 8
    Applied Music
    Principal Performance Area 8
    Secondary Performance Area 4
    Ensembles 3
    Electives (*New Courses) 22
    TOTAL 90

     Music Education Courses

    • G561 Acoustics, 2 credits
    • G562 Psychology of Music, 2 credits
    • G671-672 Music History Seminars, 2 credits each
    • G539 Band Materials and Methods, 2 credits
    • G631 Audio-VIsual Aids in Music Education, 2 credits (MM requirement)
    • G632 Vocal Methods and Materials in Music Education. 2 credits
    • G541-546 Ensemble courses in band, orchestra, chorus, 1 credit each
    • *633 Supervision and Administration of Music in Higher Education, 3 credits
    • *634 Supervision and Administration of Music in Secondary Education, 3 credits
    • *635 Supervision and Administration of Music in Higher Education, 3 credits
    • *636 Seminar in Research, 2 credits
    • *637 Music in Society, 2 credits
    • 693-94 Special Projects, each semester, 1-3 credits
    Courses from the School of Education
    • 601 Essentials of Educational Research, 4 credits
    • 609 Psychological Bases of Education, 2 credits
    • 610 Sociological Bases of Education, 2 credits
    • 615 Philosophical Bases of Education, 2 credits
    • 620 Curriculum Planning, 3 credits
    • 621 Seminar in Curriculum and Supervision, 2-6 credits
    • 663 Educational Statistics, 2 credits
    • 664 Advanced Statistical Methods, 3 credits
    • 671 Organization and Administration of the Elementary School, 2 credits
    • 672 Organization and Administration of the Secondary School, 2 credits
    • 685 Problems in in Administration, 2 credits

    Courses from Computer Science

    • 272 Computer Programming, 3 credits
    • 372 Computer Applications, 3 credits

  • Present Day

    The present day requirements Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education description appear here.

    The essential structure of the PhD has remained stable over the decades. Changes to course offerings from time to time have reflected faculty expertise (e.g., present day offerings in International Education, Social Issues in Music Learning, Cultural Diversity in Music Education, Community Music Programs). 

    In 2014, the Qualifying Exams (taken after most coursework has been completed) shifted from a written essay exam questions with an oral defense to preparing 3 publishable quality papers with an oral defences.

Other degrees

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  • 1988-2015 Specialist Degree in Music Education

    The Specialist in Music Education was a terminal degree requiring 33 credit hours beyond the Master's degree. The program emphasizes course work rather than research, and was designed for music teachers who desired post-master's work that resulted in recognized professional credentials. The culminating project for the degree was a curriculum project that dealt with some aspect of preschool, elementary, or secondary music education. The Specialist in Music Education degree was independent of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Music Education, and admission to the program does not imply admission in the Doctor of Philosophy program.

    Admission Requirements

    1. Certification as a music teacher.
    2. Completion of the master's degree with an outstanding record from an accredited institution.
    3. A minimum of three years of successful teaching experience.
    4. Acceptable performance on the Graduate Record Examination.
    5. Teaching videotape.
    6. Admission interview.

    Requirements

    • 9 Credits in Education: EPS553 Introductory Statistics (3 credits), EPS605 Psychological Bases of Education (3 credits)
    • 9 Credits in Music Education: MED660 History and Philosophy of Music Education (3 credits) MED664 Music Assessment (3 credits) MED680 Doctoral Seminar {l credit)
    • 9 Credits Approved Electives 
    • 6 Credits  MED735 Curriculum Project

  • 2020-2025 Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education

    Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) at the Frost School of Music was designed for individuals who held a prior music degree (not in music education) and provided them with a plan of study so they could subsequently pursue Florida K-12 music teaching certification. In this accelerated program, students completed courses required to pursue music teaching certification in the state of Florida. Following graduation, alumni could then apply for a Temporary Certificate and seek a teaching position in a Florida school. through the State of Florida. After completing one year of supervised teaching completing a Professional Development Certification Program, and passing certification examinations, individuals could apply to the Florida Department of Education for a Professional Certificate. 

    It was envisioned by the faculty that this shortened (30 credits) degree would attract students who were willing to shift their student teaching experience to on-the-job training and finish their studies in one year. The program did not garner interest and was discontinued.

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