VanderCook College of Music

VanderCook College of Music traces its roots to 1909, when Hale A. VanderCook established the institution as a school where professional musicians could learn to function as public school band directors. The early curriculum focused upon techniques for developing skills in conducting, music composition and arrangement, organizing the high school band program, performing music with expression, and principles of musical performance. This early program was offered in an old brownstone on Chicago’s west side neighborhood to groups of six to eight students. A “hands-on” performance-oriented learning environment -- essentially an expanded music teaching studio -- characterized the program.

The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations through the preparation of teachers in the instrumental, choral, and general music disciplines. Our broad-based curriculum is designed to prepare teachers with strong character, skill in the process of teaching, and respect for the essential role of music in our culture.

The college’s reputation as a teacher-training institution grew through the early decades of the 20th century, in part because of correspondence courses in conducting and cornet performance that were marketed nationwide. Also, early monographs on teaching the high school band and musical expression were widely disseminated, as were an extensive series of solos and ensembles for young band students.

In 1928, the college was incorporated as a not-for-profit educational institution and a curriculum designed to prepare music teachers was recognized by the State of Illinois. Largely through the work of Hubert E. Nutt, co-founder of the college, VanderCook became one of the first three institutions in the United States to offer a degree in instrumental music teacher education.

Although the curriculum has expanded, to this day it remains exclusively focused upon music teacher education, the only such institution in the United States. The 3,500 living alumni of the college teach music to school children in most states of the country and abroad.

You are in one of the most important phases of your life, receiving a college education and earning your degree. By committing to become a music teacher, you are choosing to dedicate your life to enriching the lives of future generations through music. Congratulations!

Since 1909, VanderCook has been a leader in the field of music education, and specifically in the practical preparation of the school music teacher. Our institution is solely devoted to preparing men and women for careers as band directors, choir directors, orchestra directors, and general music teachers.

VanderCook boasts an excellent faculty of national acclaim, a hands-on practical course of study, and a warm, family atmosphere. We are located on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, minutes from Chicago's famed Loop. Our students have all the benefits of campus life and all the amenities only found in Chicago - a city with a rich musical and cultural heritage.

Financial aid is designed to bridge the gap between the resources of students and their families and the cost of attending VanderCook College of Music. Although VanderCook’s tuition costs are less than those of many colleges and universities, parents and students may need help meeting yearly expenses.

VanderCook College of Music awards financial assistance to over 90% of its undergraduate students. Our Financial Aid Office will work with you to make your education at VanderCook affordable. At VanderCook, we realize that no two families are the same, and our Financial Aid Office will work with you to create a financial assistance plan to meet your educational expenses. VanderCook's Financial Aid staff help in both the search for financial aid and the application process. Be aware that specific deadlines and refund requirements apply to financial aid applicants and can affect eligibility.

International students interested in enrolling in the Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.Ed) program need both musical and academic competence to attain the degree. The strengths and background of each applicant are weighed on an individual basis in an effort to determine the candidate's potential for success.

Whether you're interested in student enrichment at special events outside of the classroom, or one of the many band, choir and orchestra clinics held at the college, there's something here for you. VanderCook is committed to a practical, hands-on program that prepares candidates to be effective professional music educators and responsbile, well-informed citizens. VanderCook follows a standards-based approach focused on the College's mission, Conceptual Framework, dispositions and outcomes, in addition to state and national standards for certified teachers.

Assessment is an ongoing process aimed at understanding and improving candidate learning. It involves both gathering and using information to modify and improve candidate outcomes.

Assessment is the mechanism used to keep standards high while assuring that candidates acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective music educators. Throughout its century-long history, VanderCook has assessed performance to determine the academic, musical, and pedagogical skill level of its candidates, and continues to be steadfast in the evaluation of its programs.