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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.

  • Summer MECA Registration is Open!

    Become inspired this summer while earning graduate credits in courses designed to rejuvenate you for the new school year. Take classes online, on-campus, or off-campus!

    All MECA Continuing Education courses qualify as electives for VanderCook’s Master of Music Education degree.  

  • NEW! Master of Music Education (MMEd) Format

    Complete your degree in summer residency, fully online, or a combination of the two.  Explore our new options!

    Degree Programs

    BMEd

    Bachelor of
    Music Education

    BMped

    Bachelor of Music
    in Performance and Pedagogy

    MMEd

    Master of
    Music Education

    MCert

    Master of Music
    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

    June 5, 2023

    Fully Online Model MMED Courses Begin

    Life on Campus

    mies campus VanderCook
    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

    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

    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.

    © 2023 VanderCook College of Music. All Rights Reserved.
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