Introduction to Graduate Study
Date
September 14-December 4, 2026
Online
Hybrid. Weekly one-hour chat sessions one evening per week, pending a poll of student availability.
Course Number
MECA: 8436C | MMEd: 562*
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2*
Tuition
$1,224
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 specialties. 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 Project, which is a requirement for earning the MMEd degree.
*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. Roseanne Rosenthal is President Emeritus of VanderCook College of Music and Professor of Music Education. During her career at VanderCook, she served as president twice (1989-2004 and 2017 – 2024) and taught coursework in psychology, research methods, music technology, and methods of teaching. She received a Bachelor of Music degree from SUNY Fredonia, and her Master of Science and Doctor of Education degrees from Syracuse University. She is past president of the Illinois Music Educators Association and has served on the editorial boards of both the Journal of Research in Music Education and the International Journal of Music Education. She has published and presented research articles pertaining to music teacher education and music learning, and has served as chair of the NAfME Music Education Research Council. Although retired from full-time work, she continues to teach in VanderCook’s graduate program and oversees masters’ research projects. Prior to her work at VanderCook she taught K-12 instrumental and general music in upstate New York. She is also an avid clarinetist and volunteers her time as president of the First Friday Club of Chicago.