VanderCook College of Music

Welcome to VanderCook College of Music!

We are excited that you are exploring the next steps in your journey as a music educator and performer. VanderCook has focused exclusively on music teacher education for over a century. Our unique curriculum prepares the whole music educator, emphasizing performance as well as instructional methods. 

VanderCook College of Music’s degree programs offer a thorough, comprehensive course of study rooted in collaborative music making and hands-on, project-based learning in a conservatory-like atmosphere. Skills will be learned and developed starting the very first semester of study through real-world teaching and performing experiences, maximizing your expertise by the time you become a highly sought-after alum in the job market.

VanderCook’s Bachelor of Music Education (BMEd) degree will fully prepare you to teach band, orchestra, choir and general music and our Bachelor of Music in Performance & Pedagogy (BMped) will train you to become a highly skilled performer and private lesson instructor.  VanderCook boasts one of the largest and most diverse graduate music education programs in the world through its Master of Music Education (MMEd), Master of Music Education and Certification (MCert) and Teacher Certification Entitlement (TCEP) programs.

You can also visit the Undergraduate and Graduate pages on our website to learn more.

Our Mission:

The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

Accreditation:

VanderCook College of Music is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Our teacher certification program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Application Requirements:

As a part of your Acceptd application, you will need to submit the following materials:

Undergraduate/MCert/TCEP Candidates:

• Written essay (writing prompts are included in the guidelines within the application)
• Transcripts:
  • High school seniors - Unofficial transcripts - upload in Acceptd (Official Transcripts will be required post high school graduation)
  • Transfer students - Official high school and college transcripts (send via transcript service or request a physical copy to be sent to VanderCook at 3140 Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616)
  • TCEP/MCert candidates - Official college transcripts (send via transcript service or request a physical copy to be sent to VanderCook at 3140 Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616)
• Three references (references will complete a questionnaire and upload letter through Acceptd after application is submitted) 
• Audition (online or in-person - see below for details)
• FAFSA Information - VanderCook Code 001778
• Current resume - MCert/TCEP candidates ONLY

Graduate - MMEd Candidates:

• Written essay (writing prompts are included in the guidelines within the application)
• Official college transcripts (sent to us from all previous institutions through transcript service or request a physical copy to be sent to VanderCook at 3140 Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616)
• Current resume
• Three references (references will complete a questionnaire and upload letter through Acceptd after application is submitted) 

Audition:

Within your Acceptd application, you will be asked to select your audition preference. We welcome you to audition live in-person on campus or submit an online/video audition along with your application. All programs except for MMEd require an audition. You can also visit the VanderCook Audition Guidelines webpage to learn more.

Admissions Deadlines (Undergraduate):

• January 1, 2025 - Deadline for Spring 2025 submission

• May 1, 2025* - Decision Day - Prospective students must commit to VanderCook - Scholarships reduced or rescinded after this date

• August 12, 2025 - Final deadline for Fall 2025 submission 

Admissions Deadlines (MCert/TCEP):

• January 1, 2025 - Deadline for Spring 2025 submission

• August 12, 2025 - Final deadline for Fall 2025 submission

Admissions Deadlines (MMEd):

• September 12, 2024 - Deadline for Fall 2024 submission

• February 6, 2025 - Final deadline for Spring 2025 submission

• June 12, 2025 - Deadline for Summer 2025 submission

• September 11, 2025 - Deadline for Fall 2025 submission

If you have questions regarding your program, application, or admissions process, please contact us at admissions@vandercook.edu or 312-788-1120. We are happy to answer your questions and help you learn more about VanderCook College of Music.

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.