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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

  • Music Education:
    A Sound Investment

    For over 100 years, VanderCook College of Music has specialized in turning musicians into the world’s finest music educators. Discover why VanderCook is among the most highly recommended music schools in the nation.

  • Visit & Audition Days

    Registration open for Spring campus Visit & Audition Days.  Make plans now to visit our campus and experience all that VanderCook College of Music has to offer!

  • 2023-24 Online Masterclass Series

    Register NOW for a FREE Online Masterclass where you will have the opportunity to work with VanderCook faculty and learn valuable skills and techniques!

  • On-Campus Summer MECA

    Workshops for the band, choir, orchestra, and general music teacher!

    Explore your summer at VanderCook! 📚 Get ready for an enriching summer experience with our on-campus courses!

    Degree Programs

    BMEd

    Bachelor of
    Music Education

    BMped

    Bachelor of Music
    in Performance and Pedagogy

    MMEd

    Master of
    Music Education

    MCert

    Master of
    Music Education
    and Certification

    TCEP

    Teacher Certification
    Entitlement Program

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    Top 0
    Nationally Rated "Best Hidden Gem Music Education Schools"
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    Upcoming Events

    March 26, 2024

    Student Conductor Concert (Band, Choir, Orchestra)

    Life on Campus

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    Our campus is located just minutes from downtown Chicago’s world-renowned music culture.  Prospective students can shadow a current VanderCook student to gain insight about student life on campus, learn more about VCM, and get helpful information about applying for admission. Learn more about visiting VanderCook!

    Meet our Faculty

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    Doug Bistrow

    Applied Bass
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    Michael Becker

    World Music, Music History
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    Dr. Bonnie Campbell

    Applied Clarinet
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    Stacey Larson Dolan
    (MMEd '98)

    Undergraduate Dean,
    Associate Director of Bands

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    Manju Durairaj (MMEd '03)

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    National Chapter of Excellence!

    VanderCook’s NAfME collegiate chapter was  selected as the
    2020 Chapter of Excellence in the music program category.
    The chapter was recognized on June 25, 2020 during the virtual NAfME Reimagined National Leadership Assembly. Congratulations to the chapter’s e-board for all of their dedicated work and leadership!

    Matthew Hendricks, President
    Taylor Muñoz, President Elect
    Hope Miner, Secretary
    Khristopher Granados, Treasurer
    Marie Williams, Historian
    David Martinez, Warden
    Christopher Matthews, Undergraduate Representative

    Business Partners

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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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