October 21, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation in support of Ashley Sova. It is my opinion that Ms.
Sova has all of the qualities necessary to be not only an excellent educator but also a leader who will greatly
contribute to choral music education in the state of Arizona.

As a student in my Secondary Choral Methods Course last spring, Ms. Sova excelled academically, clearly serving as a
leader to her peers both in and out of the classroom. She earned nearly perfect scores on every assignment and
completed the course at the top of her class. Ms. Sova is talented, bright, and driven, all necessary skills for a music
educator but she also exhibits an empathy and sensitivity rarely seen in students her age. I believe her intellect, drive,
and care for students will make her a well-rounded and effective music educator.

As a performer, Ms. Sova not only sang in the top undergraduate ensemble, Symphonic Choir, but also regularly
participated in opera productions, performed as a featured soloist, assisted with the Wildcat High School Outreach
Choir for two years, and is currently singing in the University Community Chorus during her student teaching
semester. In each of these performing arenas Ms. Sova has excelled and shown great interest and growth as both a
student and a performer.

In addition to singing in the Wildcat High School Outreach Choir, Ms. Sova also assisted the ensemble for two years.
Outside of student teaching, I can think of no better teacher preparation experience than working with this choir.
The ensemble is diverse in many ways, including experience and skill-level, a challenge that most secondary choral
educators will face in the classroom. Ms. Sova, sought out this opportunity and always completed the tasks requested
of her with great skill including: assisting with administrative tasks, running warm-ups and sectionals, teaching
musical from first-read to performance, and conducting the final performance.

Currently, Ms. Sova is completing her student teaching semester with Julia Higgins at Esperero Canyon Middle
School. Though it took some convincing, I believe she has a natural talent for working with this age group and her
student teaching experience has only helped affirm that belief. Ms. Sova has the unique mix of ability and desire that
singers at the middle school level need to be successful. She has taken this experience very seriously, always seeking
feedback from her master teacher, her student teacher supervisor, and mentors at UA. Ms. Sova’s desire to be the
best teacher she can be, for all students, assures me that she has a long career ahead of her, and that she will
undoubtedly have a positive impact on choral music in the state.

It is my distinct pleasure to give Ms. Sova my recommendation.

Should you wish to discuss Ashley Sova further please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alyssa J. Cossey, DMA

Assistant Professor | Choral Music and Music Education
Email: ajcossey@email.arizona.edu | Phone: (626) 222-3628