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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

VanderCook College of Music

Campus Life

Just minutes from downtown Chicago’s world-renowned music culture, VanderCook College of Music is located on the northwest corner of the campus of the highly ranked Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). VanderCook students have full access to the entire IIT campus but still benefit from the small college atmosphere.

Our students may live in campus housing, utilize campus dining services, visit health services and workout facilities, participate in intramural sports, hang out at the Student Center, and pledge the Greek fraternities and sororities.

VanderCook also welcomes full-time IIT students to participate in classes, lessons, and ensembles at VanderCook during the fall and spring semesters. More information can be found here.

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Meet Our Students

"I couldn’t be happier to be part of such a great family."

“I heard about VanderCook from my band director. I transferred to VanderCook my second semester of freshman year because the school I was attending did not have a strong music education program. Ever since, I couldn’t be happier to be part of such a great family who cares about me and wants me to be the best teacher I can be.”

– Alivia Brooks, Flute, BMEd

“I chose VanderCook because it will make me the most well-rounded teacher."

“I had a lot of opportunities when it came to college. I chose VanderCook because it will make me the most well-rounded teacher. You leave certified to teach K-12 general music, choir, band and orchestra. You also learn all the instruments so you can help your future students. This puts you in high demand. VanderCook is a family, and it was the best decision I’ve made.”

– Lucas Bauer, Voice, BMEd

"I can't begin to imagine what my life would be like without music."

“My most memorable moment here was performing with the Jazz Band and soloing on cello. My three brothers were there, and it was cool to see how the music impacted them. Now they all play instruments.”

– Christian Anderson, Cello, BMEd

Student Organizations and Greek Life

National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) – Among the world’s largest arts education organizations, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators, and hosts professional development for students and teachers.

American String Teachers Association (ASTA) – ASTA members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides many services including instrument insurance, an award-winning scholarly journal, discounts on resources, professional development, and a network of colleagues throughout the string profession. 
 
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) – This nonprofit music-education organization promotes excellence in choral music through performance, composition, publications, research, and teaching. In addition, ACDA strives through arts advocacy to elevate choral music’s position in American society.
 
National Band Association (NBA) – The NBA is the largest band directors’ professional organization in the world. It promotes the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music.
 
Phi Mu Alpha (PMA)  PMA (“Sinfonia”) is the world’s oldest and largest national fraternal society in music. For more than a century, Sinfonians in nearly every field of study and professional endeavor have transformed music in America.
 
Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) – This worldwide fraternity supports women musicians of all ages, races and nationalities. SAI promotes innovative educational programs in music, cultivates excellence in musical performance, promotes programs and activities related to the importance of music in our lives, and recognizes technological advancements in music.
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3140 South Federal Street
Chicago, IL 60616-3731
(312) 225-6288

The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

© 2024 VanderCook College of Music. All Rights Reserved.
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