VanderCook College of Music

Dive into “Choral Connections,” a dynamic 4-day intensive designed to bridge the gap between podium gesture and pedagogical outcome. This workshop goes beyond standard repertoire selection to explore the science of musicality, the art of building community, and the practical steps of moving students from rote learning to independent music reading.

Join VanderCook on campus this summer and take your teaching to the next level! https://hubs.la/Q04ly-dp0

On June 9, 2026 Quinlan and Fabish hosted their annual Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Awards. We are proud to announce that 4 of the 6 recipients are associated with VanderCook. Moulee Gupta (MMEd '08)-Carl Sandburg MS-Mundelein, Dan Farris-MECA faculty, Lisa Heemstra (BMEd '00)-Bednarcik JHS-Oswego, Alex Kaminsky - VCM Director of Bands, George Quinlan Jr. presented the awards and is a current VCM Board member. Congratulations!

Even Mozart had a teacher. 🎹 (And honestly, Amadeus probably needed help with his time management).

Great musicians aren't born out of thin air - they're built by incredible educators.

Why VanderCook? Because we are the only independent college in the nation completely dedicated to turning great musicians into legendary music teachers. We'll teach you to play and teach every instrument, so you can go out and find the next Mozart (or just survive middle school band). 🎷🥁

Skip the lecture halls and start your legacy.

Request more information today: https://hubs.la/Q04lg9X00

Our very own One City Program had their annual Spring Concert on May 9th featuring our Percussion, String, and Jazz Programs.

Thank you to all the student who have been preparing all semester for this concert, and our student teachers who have been helping along the way. And a very special thanks to everyone who came to support the students!

On May 1st, our very own VanderCook Mariachi hosted their annual collaboration concert, Night of Mariachi, with Lane Tech High School’s Mariachi Campeones.

Thank you to all the performers for coming and making that night so special and everyone who came out to support!

Attention, music educators! 🎶

VanderCook College of Music's featured late summer online MECA course is: Marching Band Techniques: Back to Basics Review with Dan Farris!

Marching Band Techniques is a course designed to develop skills, obtain knowledge, and study the application of methods, techniques, styles and systems related to the total spectrum of teaching and administering marching bands.

Register today to secure your spot! https://hubs.la/Q04l2wxX0

Save money, learn valuable skills, and take control of your instrument care this summer! 🎶 🔧

VanderCook's MECA Instrument Repair Workshops provide practical training across a wide range of skills, with additional topics shaped by participant interests.

Limited spots available - Register for one, two, or all three summer sessions! https://hubs.la/Q04l25g70

Music Educators — Spend two weeks at VanderCook College of Music, in the beautiful city of Chicago, learning the fundamental principles of the Orff Approach.

This child-centered way of learning music will encourage your students to enjoy music-making while enhancing their awareness of space, time, form, line, color, design and mood.

Learn More and Register Today: https://hubs.la/Q04l1SJZ0

Your future students are waiting for the teacher you are about to become. 🎶✨

Today is the final deadline to submit your application for the Summer 2026 MMEd cohort at VanderCook. Join a community of dedicated music educators who are passionate about refining their craft, sharing ideas, and elevating classroom learning.

⏳ Hit submit today and join us this summer!

💻 Submit here: https://hubs.la/Q04kyM-B0

🎻 Join us on campus in Chicago for an exciting Summer Strings Workshop!

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge of string setup, conducting, rehearsal techniques, and classroom management.

Register today: https://hubs.la/Q04k-lQX0
On-campus housing is available: https://hubs.la/Q04k--QJ0