VANDERCOOK COLLEGE OF MUSIC
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
The College
VanderCook College of Music traces its roots back to the early 1900s when Hale A. VanderCook opened his downtown studio. By the late 1920s, the studio had developed into what would become one of the first three institutions to offer a degree in instrumental music education. The development of music education in the United States is closely linked to VanderCook's development as an institution.
VanderCook's hands-on curriculum is a practical and fundamental approach to learning. Having only one major, music education, VanderCook students are allowed a greater opportunity to focus on their education. The success of the College is determined by both the advancement of its students and the success of its graduates.
While students are taught all aspects of music, the main focus remains on music education. This is the point at which VanderCook students excel above all others. Their dedication to both education and performance helps make them aware of all areas of music. More than 95 percent of the graduates make their career in the field of music education. VanderCook continues to have a 95 to 100 percent job placement rate.
VanderCook College of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
VanderCook also offers a Master of Music Education degree and a Master of Music Education degree with teaching certification.
Location
The College is in the South Loop area of Chicago on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, close to the heart of the city's magnificent musical and cultural centers. VanderCook students have the opportunity to hear the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, and many other musical performers. Transportation to and from campus is readily accessible with public transportation stops located on campus and a shuttle bus, which runs between campus and the train stations. The city of Chicago is an important extension of the VanderCook campus.
Majors and Degrees
VanderCook College of Music offers one major at the undergraduate level, music education. Upon completing the appropriate course of study, vocal or instrumental, undergraduate students are awarded the Bachelor of Music Education degree.
Academic Program
VanderCook College of Music trains students in both a musical course of study and in general academic areas. The curriculum is practical, emphasizing the proven fundamentals of music education developed by founder H. A. VanderCook. In addition to studying voice, all students learn to perform and teach seventeen different types of instruments and upon graduation are prepared to teach band, choir, and classroom music.
The academic year, which begins in the fall, is based on a semester system. Students may enter in either fall or spring. (Summer terms are for graduate students only.)
Academic Facilities
The College is housed in a two-story building located on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology. The building contains classrooms, an academic library, a music library, a listening laboratory, practice rooms, a recital hall, a conference room, an instrument repair laboratory, and various offices. VanderCook's newly renovated Electronic Music Center contains computer workstations and MIDI hardware that use the latest in computer technology and music software. In addition, VanderCook students have complete access to the student services provided by the Illinois Institute of Technology such as dormitories, the library, the gymnasium, and the recreation center.
Costs
Tuition in 200304 was $15,290. Room and board, provided by the Illinois Institute of Technology, totaled $6200, and fees were $370.
Financial Aid
Each student is considered on an individual basis for financial aid. Merit-based scholarships are given for musical talent and are based on competitive auditions. Academic scholarships are also available to qualified students. Scholarships are renewable based on musical growth and participation and also cumulative grade point average. Illinois residents may apply for the Monetary Award Program and Federal Stafford Student Loans are also available.
Faculty
At VanderCook College of Music, all undergraduate classes are taught by either full-time or part-time faculty members who have many years of in-depth, practical experience in the field of music education to share with their students. Faculty members are dedicated to giving individual instruction, made possible by a 6:1 student-teacher ratio.
Admission Requirements
VanderCook College of Music seeks musically proficient students who have demonstrated talent and who desire to become the finest music educators.
Candidates for admission must submit an application and essay along with high school transcripts, ACT or SAT I scores, and three letters of recommendation. Following the application, students should schedule and audition and interview with the Director of Admission.
Transfer students must submit both high school and college transcripts. VanderCook is authorized under federal law to enroll international students. These students must submit TOEFL scores and the I-20 form.
Application and Information
Applications are accepted up to four weeks prior to the beginning of a term, subject to the availability of space.
Information or an application may be obtained by contacting:
