THE ZEITLIN LEGACY FUND SUPPORTING TEACHING FELLOWS IN VOCAL JAZZ AND MUSIC THEORY
Some people listen to music. Others live within it — moving through every note, shaping it into something wholly their own.
The Rhythm that Accompanied So Many Memories Bert, you and Mark shared a rare and meaningful connection — with each other, and with the music that gave your life rhythm and joy. Your decision to make Robson Ranch your home all those years ago opened the door to experiencing the
Your generosity has already made a lasting impact. Since its creation in 2019, Zeitlin scholarships have uplifted countless vocal jazz students, offering them the financial support and encouragement they needed to pursue their dreams. Now, we’re pleased to present a new opportunity that honors both your journey and Mark’s legacy — a way to celebrate your shared love for jazz, your personal devotion to music theory and your mutual belief in the power of supporting student excellence.
extraordinary music being created at the UNT College of Music. Your shared passion for music soon evolved into something even more impactful — student opportunities through the Mrs. Bert Zeitlin and Dr. Mark Zeitlin Vocal Jazz Scholarship.
Where Music Begins: Championing Music Theory Education Returning to school was a personal choice rooted in your enduring passion for music theory. You wanted to grow, to understand more and to reconnect with the art form that had shaped so much of your life. Your professors saw that spark in you and they invested in it. They encouraged your curiosity, challenged you to think more deeply and helped you unlock new layers of meaning in the music you love. You’ve shared how studying theory gave you the tools to create deeply personal compositions — music that carried meaning for you and those you love. That’s the kind of power your support can give others. Each year, your support will provide stipends to graduate teaching fellows in music theory — students who carry a heavy instructional load while earning just $14,000 annually. Many work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Your generosity will relieve that burden, giving them time and space to focus on teaching, composing and mentoring undergraduates. Through this gift, you’re investing in the next generation of musical thinkers — students who, like you, will discover just how transformative music theory can be.
“A contribution to the music theory teaching fellows at UNT would have a profound and far- reaching impact across the entire College of Music. As many faculty will attest, student success in the first year — particularly in fluency and mastery of music fundamentals — is one of the strongest indicators of long-term achievement in a variety of music careers. ”To make that happen, we must not only recruit the best teaching fellows but also maintain a robust mentorship program that supports their growth and effectiveness. “The impact of this gift would undoubtedly be felt beyond the MHTE division at both the ndergraduate and graduate levels. We are extremely grateful for Bert — her kindness, her generosity and her commitment to helping others.” Ben Graff Principal Lecturer of Music Theory
Supporting Jazz Students Who Choose to Lead Your original investment in vocal jazz has already shaped the lives of countless students, helping them grow as performers and artists. The Zeitlin Legacy Fund continues that commitment in a new and impactful way by providing annual stipends for one or more vocal jazz teaching fellows — graduate students who’ve chosen not only to refine their own artistry, but also to develop as educators and mentors. They’re integral to the success of our ensembles and academic programs — leading rehearsals, mentoring undergraduates and helping bring performances to life. They lead rehearsals, guide undergraduates and help bring our performances to life. By investing in these emerging leaders, you’re supporting the next generation of jazz educators and performers, ensuring that the passion for vocal jazz continues to flourish through teaching, learning and performance.
“Our goal is that our teaching fellows get a significant opportunity to gain teaching experience while also being full-time students. This is a big challenge for them, but they resoundingly say that teaching experience is invaluable to them and sets our program apart from other comparable programs. The level of hard work they put in during this two-year experience cannot be measured, but it helps them enormously to NOT be racking up debt while they do it. ”Scholarship support is critical for them so they can focus on their work and their studies without having added financial stress. Being able to offer more scholarship funding to them would be helpful and would guarantee that no one ever has to say “no” to an offer of admission for financial reasons.” Jennifer Barnes
Professor of Vocal Jazz Jazz Singers Director
A Note of Thanks! Bert, the Zeitlin Legacy Fund is more than a fund. It’s a living tribute to a life marked by rhythm, harmony and love — a way to keep dancing with music in your heart and Mark always close. It honors the past, empowers the present and inspires the future. Whichever philanthropic path you choose, your support will: • Empower teaching fellows with meaningful stipends, enabling them to focus on education, artistry and mentoring. • Honor Mark’s legacy in jazz and your love of music theory and community. • Uplift future performers, composers and educators who will shape the world through music. Thank you for taking time to consider this meaningful gift. We would be honored to discuss this opportunity further and answer any questions as you consider this generous and personal gift. ANA LEMONS Director of Development College of Music ana.lemons@unt.edu | 940-565-3683
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