Vocal music teachers who direct or coach their high school musical must be able to choose, model, and teach a healthy belting singing technique to their students. This weekend course will address the anatomy and functions of the singing systems in belt, classical, and mixed singing styles. Through group and mini-lesson formats, class attendees will sing and model age-appropriate exercises to encourage healthy belting techniques in their students. In addition, a master class format will be offered and participants are encouraged to bring two or three students to perform. 
"I am teaching students who are at risk. What does that mean?" The purpose of this course is to learn and try to understand students who are at risk, live in low socioeconomic environments, or have special needs in order to give them appropriate music instruction. Course content will include a discussion of poverty and how it relates to the music room, students with special needs (including recommendations for modifications and accommodations), ideas for classroom management, and classroom activities that build character and promote positive social skills. This session is helpful for any music educator who teaches students from a low socio-economic background or who have special needs. Participants should dress comfortably for
group activities. OPEN ENROLLMENT
Alternative and eclectic styles have energized both string students and teachers. The many technique-extending demands of the music are helping students find their musical voice and establish relevance in the modern music scene. Join us for a weekend of hands-on immersion into the new eclectic styles method books, compositions, and supplements. OPEN ENROLLMENT
Response to Intervention (RTI) is an educational initiative designed to develop school-wide, multi-level instructional and behavioral systems for preventing school failure progress monitoring, as well as data-based decision making for instruction, movement within the multi-level system, and disability identification (in accordance with state law). The initial focus of RTI has been in the areas of reading and behavior. While some aspects of RTI are not specifically designed with the music teacher
in mind, many of its core principles, including the behavioral component, can be used as a powerful tool to strengthen and support a comprehensive
school music program. 
This course will explore the Orff approach at a basic level. Students will learn how to read Orff scores, understand Orff terminology, and develop lessons in the Orff style. Plan on lots of activity, including singing, playing instruments, playing recorder, and movement. Please dress comfortably and bring a soprano recorder. OPEN ENROLLMENT
Now more than ever, funding shortfalls are impacting school districts. Music programs are facing budget cuts and need to find alternative sources of revenue. This class will focus on how to build and foster relationships within the school community to maximize support for your program. Topics will include fundraising strategies, music booster groups, community engagement, grant writing, and maximizing your school budget resources. This course will benefit band, choir, orchestra, and general music programs at all levels. OPEN ENROLLMENT
For more than 20 years, Tommy Igoe has been blazing a trail in the music industry as a sideman, bandleader, and educator. His Birdland Big Band is the hottest band in the world's biggest music market, and Tommy leads the band's sold-out shows with the same passion and energy that has made him one of the world's top drummers.
"Finally, I'm getting a SMART Board! Uh oh, now what?" This class will explore the wide range of possibilities for the use of SMART Boards in the music classroom. Participants with little or no SMART Board experience will learn about the possibilities to enhance student learning, based upon recent research and best practices. All participants, including experienced SMART Board users, will investigate and share their discovery of resources that would be applicable for music classrooms.
From choosing an instrument and forming a group, to selecting repertoire and rehearsing for public performance, there are students in your school who are experiencing instrumental music at a high level independent of the traditional school large ensemble. How can you as a music educator support, coach, and nurture these students to make wise choices and maximize their efforts?
This weekend will explore the various ear training techniques used to develop the "seeing ear" and the "hearing eye." Time will be spent sorting through the maze of methods for teaching aural skills, and the new developments in ear training based on recent cognitive research. OPEN ENROLLMENT
This course explores teaching techniques and approaches that can help build better tone quality, articulation, range, and intonation among brass students. Basics of Brass Methods will be reviewed with an emphasis on five key teaching points: (1) song and wind, (2) always teach musically, (3) develop the inner ear, (4) teach productive and rewarding practice habits, and (5) complex actions are best achieved through simple orders from the brain. Whether you are working with young students in their first years of playing or with advanced high school musicians, this course will give you practical approaches to building a sonorous, blended brass sound in your ensemble, as well as the opportunity to raise any and all questions you have about teaching brass
instruments. OPEN ENROLLMENT
Within an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy, learn K-12 general music/choral activities, games, strategies, tips and techniques that maximize the learning of music concepts in minimum lesson time. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably for movement. OPEN ENROLLMENT
This class is designed for students of various levels to expand their guitar-playing and teaching skills. Both beginners and the experienced players will be accepted into the class. At the beginning of the class, there will be brief skill assessments and discussion. This is with the specific intent to use everyone's time as effectively as possible. Beginners need to go slowly; intermediate players need to explore new materials and methodologies. 
This course gives teachers an introduction to SmartMusic 2012 learning software and an overview of the SmartMusic Gradebook (included with a SmartMusic Educator Subscription). Topics include: Navigating SmartMusic, exercises, repertoire (band, string, method books, vocal, solos, jazz, concert band, and orchestra), making a recording, using Finale to create SmartMusic files, new vocal sight reading, and vocal assessment options. Participants will have their own computer station for hands-on learning and assignment preparation. The class provides hands-on experience combined with sequential step-by-step instruction for teachers as they introduce SmartMusic into their music curriculum by setting up a gradebook class, scheduling assignments, grading, and documenting student progress. Workshop handouts and several class projects are provided for each participant. ENROLLMENT LIMITED TO 20
Learn how to create, edit, and print musical scores, arrangements, and teaching materials in this practical introduction to Finale for instrumental, choral, and classroom music teachers. Learn new Finale 2012 features and shortcuts that will help you work efficiently and increase your productivity. Participants will receive hands-on sequential step-by-step instruction in a lab setting.
This course will provide students with a variety of warm-up strategies for the school band designed to develop better individual and ensemble tone, technique, balance, and blend. The tuning portion of this class will focus on the pitch tendencies of individual instruments, physical adjustments, and ear training exercises. Included in this class will be a unit using the Yamaha Harmony Director. OPEN ENROLLMENT
Don't miss one of VanderCook's most popular classes! Watch your instrument repair bills shrink after learning the basics of woodwind and brass instrument repair. Please bring instruments to repair and wear old clothes. This class is open to both beginning and advanced students. LIMITED ENROLLMENT 
This course is an introduction to music technology tools that will be useful in the music classroom. Tools covered include notation software recording; editing and mastering software and equipment; digital music utilities such as online metronomes; and music educational software for theory, ear training, music history, etc. This is a hands-on, project-based course using current hardware and software. Tools for both PC and Mac will be covered.
Utilizing both e-learning chapters available at
www.bandfo.com and e-mail correspondence with the instructor, students will complete a thorough study of the concepts and procedures required to create, evaluate, and standard term using Pyware 3D. This course will accommodate those designing corps, traditional, and show band styles of visual presentation. Each student will receive a one-year subscription to the elearning tutorial program at www.bandfo.com. Beginning and advanced students are welcome to enroll. Students should contact the instructor at craig@bandfo.com prior to enrolling to discuss their level of proficiency. LIMITED ENROLLMENT
Students develop skills and techniques for arranging compositions for the concert band/wind ensemble, and become familiar with the instrumentation, devices, techniques, and types of scoring that can be used. Students will prepare one full arrangement as part of this course. Students must have a full version of Sibelius or Finale music notation software. All project submissions, grading, and returns will be done electronically. Basic skills in the use of Finale or Sibelius are a prerequisite for this class. Chat sessions will be held every Wednesday, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. from February 8th to April 25th. ENROLLMENT LIMITED TO 10 
This course will explore various topics relating to teaching theory at the middle and high school levels, which will include topics related to the AP Theory test. Material on both the fundamental and advanced levels will be addressed. Concepts concerning written theory and aural skills, materials available, and the creation of lesson plans will be covered. All students must attend the aural skills weekend scheduled for March 24-25, 2012, at VanderCook (additional registration for this weekend is not required). Tuition for this course includes the cost of the aural skills weekend. ENROLLMENT LIMITED TO 10 
With research showing one in ten students owning an iPad, music educators are more and more facing the need to integrate iPads into their classroom teaching. The purpose of this class is to provide music teachers with an introduction to making music on the iPad, including creating, recording, editing, and sharing student creations. LIMITED ENROLLMENT
This course is a study of the techniques of orchestration with special attention to the string section. Students will learn to write string arrangements for elementary, middle, and high school players, and will learn to assess
the quality of arrangements by others. ENROLLMENT 
This course focuses on individualized guidance to assist you in the selection of a marching band show concept, as well as its development and production. This class will assist you in the selection and refinement of a viable show concept tailored to the abilities of your students and your aspirations for their growth. Topics will include:
This course is for the study of arranging for the marching percussion section. Students will learn to write for the full marching percussion sections, both battery and pit. You will learn how to orchestrate parts, write cadences, and create a full percussion score using various techniques. The final project in this course could be used for your group's next marching season. This class is open to both percussionists and non-percussionist directors. ENROLLMENT LIMITED TO 10
This course will explore various topics relating to teaching theory at the middle and high school levels, which will include topics related to the AP Theory test. Material on both the fundamental and advanced levels will be addressed. Concepts concerning written theory and aural skills, materials available, and the creation of lesson plans will be covered. All students must attend the aural skills weekend scheduled for March 24-25, 2012, at VanderCook (additional registration for this weekend is not required). Tuition for this course includes the cost of the aural skills weekend. This course satisfies the residency elective requirement for the master of music education degree at VanderCook College of Music. ENROLLMENT LIMITED TO 10 
Students develop skills and techniques for arranging compositions for the concert band/wind ensemble, and become familiar with the instrumentation, devices, techniques, and types of scoring that can be used. Students will prepare one full arrangement as part of this course. Students must have a full version of Sibelius or Finale music notation software. All project submissions, grading, and returns will be done electronically. Basic skills in the use of Finale or Sibelius are a prerequisite for this class. Chat sessions will be held every Wednesday, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. from February 8th to April 25th. This course is a requirement for students in the band track who are completing the master of music education degree at VanderCook. ENROLLMENT LIMITED TO 10 
This course is an introduction to music technology tools that will be useful in the music classroom. Tools covered include notation software recording; editing and mastering software and equipment; digital music utilities such as online metronomes; and music educational software for theory, ear training, music history, etc. This is a hands-on, project-based course using current hardware and software. Tools for both PC and Mac will be covered. This course satisfies the residency elective requirement for the master of music education degree at VanderCook College of Music. LIMITED ENROLLMENT
Earn graduate credit from VanderCook College of Music by attending performances, educational clinics, and exhibits at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Regional Conferences. Students must attend 12.5 clock hours of clinic sessions and concerts for one graduate credit, and 25 clock hours for two graduate credits. A notebook summarizing and critiquing all sessions, concerts, and exhibits, including copies of all handouts, concert programs, and other supporting materials, must be submitted to VanderCook by April 12th, 2012. For notebook guidelines please contact Rick Palese at (312) 225-6288 ext. 248, or by e-mail at rpalese@vandercook.edu. OPEN ENROLLMENT
This hands-on workshop will assist with repair and maintenance of your Orff and classroom instruments. Please bring any general classroom instruments you wish to work on. Repair of resonator boxes (including pins and suspension cords), drums, autoharps, and hand-held instruments, as well as fabrication of small instruments, mallet fabrication, and repair may be covered. Standard concert percussion instruments may also be addressed. Topics will vary based on the interest of the participants and the instruments and equipment brought in for repair.
HOME | VANDERSTORE | CONTACT US |
©2011-2012 VanderCook College of Music
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At VanderCook, continuing education courses are about more than just earning
graduate credit. You will take away new strategies and concepts, returning to your
students with renewed passion. Don't miss your opportunity to spend time with
other music teachers and learn from respected colleagues from around the world.
The Music Education Center of America (MECA) Continuing Education program
offers graduate courses for teachers seeking practical knowledge and skills that
can be used in their classroom. Up to 12 credits earned in MECA classes can
be
applied to a master of music education degree at VanderCook College of Music.
Take a moment to browse the following offerings to see if there's a course that's
right for you. If you'd like, join our mailing list to
receive occasional updates on
new courses as soon as they are announced, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
For
information about the program, accommodations, instructor biographies, or
VanderCook College of Music, call (312) 225-6288 x248, or e-mail
meca@vandercook.edu, or visit
www.vandercook.edu/meca.
ACCREDITATION
VanderCook College of Music is an independent, not-for-profit, degree-granting
institution, fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of
Music. VanderCook's teacher certification programs are approved by the Illinois
State Board of Education.
SECTIONS IN THIS DOCUMENT
Click here to download the course registration
form.
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WEEKEND COURSE SUMMARY:February 11-12 February 18-19 February 25-26 March 10-11
March 17-18 March 24-25
March 31 - April 1 April 14-15 April 21-22 |
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6502 Healthy Musical Theater Singing Techniques 1 graduate credit
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February 11-12 |
6812 Strategies for Teaching Music to At-Risk and Underserved Students1 graduate credit
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February 18-19 |
6002 Survey of Eclectic String Styles 1 graduate credit
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6702 Interventions in the Music Classroom: Lessons Learned from RTI1 graduate credit
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This course will present a healthy dose of traditional RTI training, as well as provide the music educator with practical and effective intervention tools to utilize in the classroom. Topics discussed will include: adapting and using the RTI model to identify and assist struggling music students, building open and trusting communication within the music team, music classroom management, and developing low-impact tools to collect and report data in an arts-based February 25-26 |
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6792 Introduction to the Orff Approach 1 graduate credit
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March 10-11
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6712 Building Financial Support for the School Music Program 1 graduate credit |
March 10-11 |
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6232 Igoe Essentials for the Percussion Curriculum1 graduate credit
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VanderCook is proud to host Tommy in what promises to be a weekend full of groove and fun. In this class, Tommy will present his essential concepts using materials from his top-selling publications: Groove Essentials, Groove Essentials 2.0, and Great Hands for a Lifetime. Tommy's instructional videos have gained worldwide acclaim and are a must-have resource for drummers of all ages and playing levels. If you teach percussionists, this class is for you! Tommy will provide practical and proven methods and resources that are sure to improve and strengthen your percussion curriculum. Students should plan to bring a pair of drumsticks, practice pad, and drum set-style snare drum stand if possible. OPEN ENROLLMENT March 10-11
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6971 SMART Boards in the Music Classroom 1 Graduate credit
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This session will be held in a computer lab setting, where all participants will receive hands-on training with SMART Notebook software. Additionally, participants will gain hands-on experience using the SMART Board. Class projects will focus on curriculum-related and class managements SMART Board activities that can be easily shared with fellow students. Participants are urged to bring any activities that they already use or have produced. ENROLLMENT LIMITED TO 20 March 17-18 |
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6822 Coaching the Student Garage Band 1 graduate credit
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This weekend course will examine the parallels found in the student garage band and the traditional instrumental ensemble as well as include an overview of popular music as it relates to the basic rock band. Through a variety of discussion topics, listening examples and performing activities, music educators will take home tools and strategies for reaching and supporting independent musicians outside of their established programs. OPEN ENROLLMENT March 17-18 |
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6722 An Aural Skills Weekend 1 graduate credit
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March 24-25 |
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6212 Polished Brass: Methods and Techniques for Developing a Better Sounding Brass Section 1 graduate credit
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March 24-25 |
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6802 Making Each Minute Count (If I Don't Have the Time to Teach it Right, How Will I Ever Find the Time to Teach it Over?) 1 graduate credit |
March 24-25
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1 graduate credit |
OBJECTIVES:
OPEN ENROLLMENT March 31-April 1 |
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6952 SmartMusic 2012: Learning Software for Band, Orchestra and Vocal 1 graduate credit
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March 31-April 1
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6962 Intro To Finale 2012 Music Notation Software 1 graduate credit
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Topics include: Score set-up, MIDI keyboard note entry, entering markings and lyrics, page layout, printing parts, easy transpose, scanning, creating exercise sheets, exploring Finale's ready-made flash cards, worksheets and general music classroom tools, percussion notation, creating audio files (to email or burn to CD), and creating SmartMusic practice/assessment files. Required text for the workshop: Building Successful Finale 'Chops' by Mavis Kallestad. This text contains tutorials for all of the projects that will be covered
in the class plus more (text included with class registration). Basic computer skills are required. Please bring a simple project in your area April 14-15 |
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6222 Warm Up and Tuning Strategies for Ensemble Excellence 1 graduate credit |
April 21-22
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TRANSIT
Parking is available in the nearby IIT Visitors Pay Lot A4. The entrance is located on State Street, just south of 31st Street. Free parking is available on Sundays in IIT Permit Lot B4 in front of the VanderCook Building. The CTA Green and Red Line both stop at 35th Street, just a short walk from the VanderCook building.
AUDITING
Any course may be audited for no credit. There is no tuition discount for auditing.
CANCELLATIONS
Refunds of tuition, less the non-refundable deposit, may be requested up to noon on the Friday prior to the beginning of the course. Students canceling enrollment in a single weekend course, course 7102, or the ACDA restrospective courses will be refunded their tuition less $20, while those canceling enrollment in online MECA or band instrument repair courses will receive a refund less $95. VanderCook reserves the right to cancel any course due to insufficient enrollment, in which case all deposits will be refunded.
ACCREDITATION
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information please contact Rick Palese, director of continuing education, at 312-225-6288,
ext. 248 or email meca@vandercook.edu.
Click here to download the course registration form.