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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

Designed for Your Needs

Continuing Education

Music Education Center of America

At VanderCook, continuing education is about more than just earning graduate credit. Our graduate-level courses are designed to present practical knowledge and skills that teachers can use in their classrooms immediately.

The MECA Continuing Education Program offers a variety of graduate courses designed for your needs as a band, choral, string or general music teacher. These practical courses are immediately useful and can be a first step to a master’s degree, or a vital part of your professional development. All MECA courses qualify as electives for VanderCook’s Master of Music Education Degree.

Since its founding, VanderCook’s practical curriculum has trained teachers with strong character, skill in the process of teaching, and respect for music’s role in our culture.

Rejuvenate yourself for the school year. Learn from nationally recognized teachers, composers, conductors and performers while treating yourself to the delights of the city of Chicago. We look forward to seeing you at VanderCook!

Late Spring Courses

Our FOUR ONLINE late spring courses are available for registration! (2 credits each for 6 weeks!) These courses will run from March 27th to May 5th.
 
Late Spring Courses
 
  • Beginner Strings, Retention, and Community in the Orchestra with Dr. Yvonne Davila-Cortes
  • Songwriting Practicum for Teachers with Marc Evan Diaz
  • Teaching and Learning Using GarageBand in the Music Classroom with Rick & Amy Palese
  • Children’s Literature and Poems in the Music Classroom with Thom Borden

Orff Schulwerk Registration

Spend two weeks at VanderCook College of Music, in the beautiful city of Chicago, learning the fundamental principles of the Orff Approach

The Orff levels meet Monday through Friday, July 10 -14 and Monday through Friday, July 17-21, classes are from 8 am-4 pm.

Summer MECA 2023

Registration is open for our 2023 Summer MECA Term. Take a course online, on-campus, or off-campus. 

Save $15 if you register before April 14!

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Anthem Musical Instruments Inc – Silver Sponsor

Student Resources

2022-2023 College Catalog

Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight

Maria Pulido

MECA Student

“The MECA courses at VanderCook have improved my approach to teaching music in a way that is more pragmatic, fun, and creative. The MECA program has helped rejuvinate my passion for teaching children”

Inspiring
Motivating
Comprehensive
Pragmatic

VanderCook’s 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 classrooms immediately.

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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