Choral Arranging
Date
February 9-May 1, 2026
Online
Course Code
7396A | 525
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2
Tuition
$1194
Course Description
This course explores the essential concepts and techniques for arranging choral music at the elementary and secondary school levels, including voice types and ranges; notation; harmonic principles; the importance of text in regards to mood and melodic shape; keyboard accompaniment; homophonic and contrapuntal textures; two-, three- and four-part densities; and adapting an existing arrangement to a different setting. Lectures, discussion, analysis of musical examples, quizzes and arranging exercises are all components of this course.
This course is asynchronous with the instructor available to meet on an individual basis via Zoom or phone call.
*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.
- MECA Continuing Education Students: If you’re not in the MMEd program but wish to earn graduate credit, register for the 7000-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
Thomas Jesse (MMEd ’13) studied music at Michigan State University, earned his music education certification at Northern Illinois University, and his master’s from VanderCook. In his teaching career, Tom has taught K-8 general music, 6-12 chorus, musical theatre, music technology, guitar, acting, and theatre technology. He studied jazz arranging with Jennifer Barnes and choral arranging with longtime VanderCook professor Mary Ann Krupa. He has written arrangements for professional a cappella groups as well as numerous arrangements for women’s chorus, men’s chorus, and middle school chorus. Tom currently teaches 7-8th grade general music, and directs extracurricular chorus, musical theatre workshop and the Speech team at Liberty Junior High School in New Lenox, IL. He sings professionally with FAMEntertainment.