Music Faculty

Stacey Larson Dolan is the Chief Academic Officer, Undergraduate Dean and Associate Director of Bands at VanderCook.  At VanderCook, Dean Dolan teaches a variety of music education and conducting courses, as well as bands at both the undergraduate and graduate level.  Prior to 2004 and her appointment at VanderCook, Dean Dolan taught at the middle school and high school level in both private and public education.  She was on the design and teaching staff for the National Champion Lake Park Marching Band for twelve years and was the creative director and conductor of the Bensenville Young Musicians Mentor Band from 1995-2007.

Originally from Itasca, IL, Dean Dolan has acted as a guest conductor, presenter and clinician for hundreds of bands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and China.  Honor band experiences include the Tianjin International School in Tianjin, China, the Tri-State Honor Band in Morehead, KY, the Music For All Summer Symposium, ILMEA, PMEA, OMEA, and dozens of local guest conducting and adjudication experiences. She was the recipient of the IGSMA Barbara Buehlman Young Conductor Award and the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award, has received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from both Itasca School District #10 and VanderCook College of Music.  Mrs. Dolan has been published in the Instrumentalist and her professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, NAfME, AIMS, NBA, and CBDNA. Mrs. Dolan graduated with Music Education degrees from Millikin University (BMed), VanderCook College of Music (MMed) and is currently ABD for her EdD from University of Northern Colorado.  Her research areas of interest include music teacher education, social emotional learning, Care theory, teacher assessment and diversity & inclusion in music ensembles.

To learn more about Dean Dolan’s journey in music education:

Stacey Larson Dolan on Women in Education

Stacey Larson Dolan speaks on her career journey from starting the flute in fifth grade to higher education.

Stacey Larson Dolan speaks on the basics of running a music classroom.

Stacey Larson Dolan speaks on how she works to achieve balance in her life.