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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

MMEd

Master of Music Education

Earn your Master's Degree at VanderCook!

The VanderCook College of Music Master of Music Education (MMEd) degree allows licensed music teachers the opportunity to earn their MMEd without interrupting their full-time teaching schedule.  Candidates can complete graduate courses during the summer months only or choose to work throughout the academic year while completing courses designed to provide new skills, strategies, and resources that can immediately be implemented in the classroom.

How Do I Apply?

Complete your MMEd degree at VanderCook while continuing to teach the students you seek to inspire. 

View the MMEd application procedure and apply now!

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited college or university or a minimum of 60 credits in undergraduate music coursework.
  • A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0.  Applicants may be required to take the GRE exam in addition to the regular application requirements if GPA is below the minimum threshold.
  • A minimum of one year of teaching experience in music, or its equivalent.
  • Submit all required application and audition materials:

– Online application
– Essay
– Current résumé
– 3 letters of recommendation
– Official transcripts and previously earned credits
– Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and related requirements (International applicants)

Contact VanderCook Admissions

For more information about the admissions process, financial aid and more, contact us. 

How is the MMEd degree program structured?

Candidates interested in completing coursework and earning their master’s in music education have the ability to take traditional classes, as well as online coursework throughout the full academic year.

The MMEd is designed for students to receive a practical knowledge base through a comprehensive program of study that includes core classes for specific tracks and a wide variety of electives.

MMEd Program and MECA Dates

2024-25 Session:

  • June 10 – August 2, 2024: Summer MECA session
  • June 17 – July 26, 2024: MMEd 6-week Summer Session  (first 3 weeks online; last 3 weeks onsite*)
  • September 16, 2024: Fall MECA/MMEd online session begins
  • February 10, 2025: Spring MECA/MMEd online session begin

2025-26 Session:

  • June 9 – August 1, 2025: Summer MECA session
  • June 16 – July 25, 2025: MMEd 6-week Summer Session  (first 3 weeks online; last 3 weeks onsite*)
  • September 15, 2025: Fall MECA/MMEd online session begins
  • February 9, 2026: Spring MECA/MMEd online session begin

*Additional symposium/workshop/clinic sessions will supplement summer onsite sessions!

Choose your specialization – Fulfill track requirements with music education coursework supplying a general knowledge base and a project-based curriculum completing your program of study.

  • Four MMEd Tracks in Band, Choir, Orchestra, and General Music require at least one summer of onsite work with other core area courses completed through onsite or online 500-level (core) courses.
  • A fifth Professional Pathway designed to meet the professional needs of music educators in unique circumstances, which may be completed entirely online or in combination with onsite coursework and ensemble experiences.

Flexible Programming Options – Continue your current teaching schedule while completing degree requirements.

  • Flexible programming enables completion of degree in as few as 2 or a maximum of 7 years
  • Six-week summer residency consists of 3 weeks online followed by 3 weeks onsite instruction
  • Online options with synchronous and asynchronous offerings allow students to complete core requirements throughout the full academic year (fall, spring and summer)
  • Up to 12 graduate elective credits from the MECA Continuing Education program can be applied towards the MMEd

Comprehensive Graduate Programming – Candidates completing our comprehensive program of study and its exit requirements obtain a highly sought-after master’s degree in music education.

MMEd program consists of 36 credit hours towards completion:

  • 10 Hours: Graduate Core and Methods
  • 12 Hours: Graduate Music Studies
  • 14 Hours: Graduate Elective Credit  (Completed through a combination of 500-level courses and up to 12 credits of MECA courses)

Interesting, Informative, and Practical Electives:

  • Align electives with your track (ex. Jazz Arranging, Musical Theatre Methods, instrument-specific techniques course)
  • Choose electives from a wide variety of professional education, music history or arranging electives
  • Electives can include up to 12 graduate credits offered through the MECA Continuing Education program

Sample Program Structures:

A: All graduate degrees offered at VanderCook allow for flexible course completion. The MMEd degree can be earned in as little as two years or as long as seven years (it is completed in three years, on average.)

Learn more about how to apply for the Master of Music Education degree program.

A: The MMEd program offers a variety of online and onsite coursework to meet the needs of working teachers. While the Professional Pathway can be completed fully online, this is only recommended in unique circumstances as our onsite courses provide extremely valuable experiences that are not offered in an online platform.

A: No, we offer several graduate programs, including the Master of Music Education with Certification (MCert) and the Teacher Certification Entitlement Program (TCEP). The Music Education Center of America (MECA) Continuing Education Program is also available.

Student Resources

2023-2024 College Catalog

Performance Opportunities

You will perform over 20 times a year!

As a member of the Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, String Orchestra, Collegiate Chorale, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band, you will perform over 20 times a year on campus and throughout the city of Chicago.

Schedule a Campus Visit or Audition

Contact Admissions at
312.788.1120 or

The Midwest Clinic

VanderCook co-founded The Midwest Clinic: an international band and orchestra conference held in Chicago with more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries.  Throughout the history of The Midwest Clinic, VanderCook is the only college Symphonic Band invited to perform every year.

Chicago at Your Fingertips

Attending VanderCook gives you instant access to many of the city’s most famous and important cultural landmarks, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and the Lyric Opera – all just minutes away from campus by bus, train or bike. All undergraduates receive a Ventra card for unlimited access to CTA trains and buses during the fall and spring semesters.

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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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