Introduction to Graduate Studies
Date
February 9-May 1, 2026
Online
Hybrid. Weekly one-hour Zoom sessions on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. CT
Course Code
MECA: 7206A | MMEd: 562
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2
Tuition
$1194
Course Description
In this introductory course, class members become familiar with the overarching goals of graduate study in music education. Towards this end, contemporary issues in music education will be viewed through the lens of students’ personal goals and specialities. Tools for broadening and deepening knowledge will be sharpened while learning foundational skills entailed in academic scholarship. The work begun in this class will prepare students to use best practices, research, and credible authorities to support professional claims and decisions. In addition, this course will help students identify topics and techniques to use in carrying out a MMEd Capstone Project.
This is a hybrid course. There will be a weekly, one-hour Zoom session on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM CT. Students unable to attend are required to watch the recorded class session.
*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
Dr. Roseanne Rosenthal recently began her second tenure as President of VanderCook, having previously served in that capacity from 1989-2004. She received a Bachelor of Music degree from SUNY Fredonia, and her Master of Science and Doctor of Education degrees from Syracuse University under the direction of Dr. Cornelia Yarbrough. She taught instrumental and general music in upstate New York for many years prior to arriving at VanderCook. A past president of the Illinois Music Educators Association, Dr. Rosenthal is on the editorial boards of both the Journal of Research in Music Education and the Reviews of Research in Human Learning and Music. She has published and presented numerous research articles pertaining to music teacher education and music learning, participates in the Motor Learning Research Forum, and has served as chair of the NAfME Music Education Research Council. Between presidential terms, Dr. Rosenthal taught coursework in methods of music teaching, research, technology and education psychology at VanderCook.