‘Combat Piano’ for Choral Directors
Date
September 14-December 4, 2026
Online
2 synchronous sessions TBD by participant consensus
Course Number
MECA: 8016C | MMEd: 511*
Credits
MECA 3 | MMEd: 2*
Tuition
$1,224
Course Description
This course is designed specifically for music teachers who find themselves stepping into unfamiliar territory—such as instrumental directors tasked with teaching choir or a choir teacher wanting to brush up on piano skills. “Combat Piano for Choral Directors” provides a comprehensive refresher on essential piano techniques and offers practical strategies for supporting choral students effectively. Key topics covered include:
- Playing choral warmups with confidence.
- Using adaptive strategies to accompany your choirs.
- Musically supporting your choir students even without the presence of a regular accompanist
*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
Sarah Giordano is an instructor at VanderCook College of Music, where she teaches the following courses:
- Secondary General Music Methods
- Musical Theatre Methods
- Combat Piano for Choral Directors (offered through the MECA program)
- Beginner Choirs, Big Impact: Inclusive Teaching & Repertoire for Emerging Ensembles (offered through the MECA program)
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Giordano serves as a VanderCook master’s project advisor and is an active choral clinician, adjudicator, and accompanist in the Chicago suburbs.
With over 24 years of experience as an educator and musician in the Chicago suburbs, Ms. Giordano spent two decades as a middle school general music teacher, choir director, and drama director. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Choral Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate in Music Education at Boston University.
Ms. Giordano is passionate about musical theatre and actively directs, music directs, and serves as vocal director for various youth, professional, and community theatre programs. Her youth theatre productions include Frozen JR, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition, The Pirates of Penzance, and Godspell. On the mainstage, her credits include Spamalot, Guys and Dolls, The Bridges of Madison County, Hairspray, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.