Programming with Purpose: Selecting and Teaching Music That Helps Students Succeed

Start the school year with thoughtfully selected concert music, warm-ups, and melody sheets! Concerts and performances are essential to a thriving music program, providing students with opportunities to showcase their musicianship while connecting with parents, administrators, and the larger community. Selecting repertoire with purpose and designing engaging lessons around it requires careful planning and preparation. This course will focus on planning an intentional concert cycle, including repertoire selection, score analysis, warm-ups, skills sheets, and effective teaching strategies. Additional focus will be given to designing lessons and activities that deepen student learning and engagement beyond the notes. Open to all middle school and high school band, orchestra, and chorus directors.

*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.