Advanced Woodwind Methods
Date
September 14-December 4, 2026
Online
Hybrid: Synchronous sessions on Tuesdays from 7:30–8:30 PM CST
Course Number
MECA: 8316C | MMEd: 552*
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2*
Tuition
$1,224
Course Description
This is a graduate-level course designed to provide appropriate techniques and methodologies for differentiating instruction to correct problems associated with teaching woodwinds. Candidates will compare and contrast intonation tendencies, analyze fingerings needed in various musical situations, justify and apply pedagogical solutions to improve student learning, and demonstrate advanced writing skills for purposes of scholarship and communication.
All Zoom sessions will be recorded in the event participants cannot attend. Live synchronous sessions will occur once a week on Tuesdays from 7:30–8:30 PM CST.
September 15, 2026
September 22, 2026
September 29, 2026
October 6, 2026
October 13, 2026
October 20, 2026
November 3, 2026
November 10, 2026
November 17, 2026
December 1, 2026
*This course is available at two levels:
-
MMEd Program Students: If you’re enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook, register for the 500-level course in the student portal.
-
MECA Continuing Education Students: If you’re not in the MMEd program but wish to earn graduate credit, register for the 7000/8000-level course.
The difference in credits earned and tuition costs reflects the varying tuition rates between the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you’re unsure which section is right for you, feel free to reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
Instructor
Dr. Corey Ames received his Doctor of Education in Leadership degree from American College of Education. He received his Bachelors of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music (’07) and his Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University.
Dr. Ames currently teaches 5–8 band at Deer Path Middle School in Lake Forest, IL. Prior to Deer Path, Dr. Ames was Director of Bands and Music Theory at Loyola Academy High School and a Private Clarinet Instructor in Lake County, IL. Dr. Ames is a national board certified music teacher and served as a virtual instruction coach for the Illinois School Board of Education.
In 2010, Dr. Ames was selected to be the assistant music director for the Illinois All-State Theatre production of Urinetown. In addition to teaching responsibilities, Dr. Ames directed the Village of Libertyville Band and is a music adjudicator and clinician in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Ames has performed on clarinet as a member of the Northshore Concert Band, Waukegan Municipal Band, Saginaw Eddy Concert Band, and the former Honsinger Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Dr. Ames is an 8-time quarterfinalist for the Music Educator Grammy and a recipient of the NAMM Support Music Merit Award and Best Communities for Music Education Recognition.
His research interests lie in intrinstic motivation and group flow. In 2024 Dr. Ames presented at the Creativity Conference at Southern Oregon University “Conducting Flow: Connections Among Musicians, Leaders, and Millennials.”
Megan Pionke Ames is a Grammy Award nominated music educator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. Ms. Ames has served for 18 years in Grayslake District 46 as band director at Park Campus School. Under her direction, the Park Campus bands have achieved several superior ratings at IGSMA State Organizational contest, been awarded as a recipient of the NAMM Best Communities of Education Support Music Merit Award and has had several graduates pursue music through college. In addition, Ms. Ames served as Assistant Marching Band Director and Jazz Choir Accompanist for Grayslake Central High School. Ms. Ames is a highly sought after director and clinician in the greater Chicagoland area.