FREE Online Masterclass Series
Join our amazing faculty for the VanderCook College of Music Fall 2025 Online Masterclass Series! Students and educators will learn a variety of instrumental and vocal techniques and acquire skills that will assist them in their pursuit of excellence as performers and/or educators.
Register today by clicking on the links below!
*All events are at 7 PM Central Time via Zoom.
Fall 2025 Masterclasses
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Productive Practice Habits
From getting organized and setting goals, to the psychological aspects of learning a piece of music. Simple, yet powerful ideas, from the perspective of a tubist, to get more out of your practice sessions on any instrument.
Masterclass Postponed to Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Finger-style Arpeggios for Classical and Acoustic Guitarists
Arpeggios are an essential technique in both finger-style and classical guitar repertoire.
In this one-hour master class/workshop, we will explore techniques to increase arpeggio speed and volume and improve arpeggio accuracy and tone. We will play exercises, studies, and excerpts from pieces that you can incorporate into your daily arpeggio practice.
Monday, October 21, 2024
Get REEDY for Concert Band Season!
The oboe reed is a mystery to many! Everyone's mouth, air stream, and oboes are different and it's rare that the reed you purchase online will work perfectly for you.
Learn about how the oboe reed works and how to make adjustments so you can play on the best reed for YOU this school year!
Monday, October 28, 2024
10 Steps to Success: Strategies Any Musician Can Use to 'Level Up'
What can an artist in the medium of music do to accelerate their progress?
This class will focus on tips to propel your music making forward. Clarinet will be the demonstration instrument, but the ideas and principles highlighted will apply to all musicians.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Solo Singing Authentically in Different Genres
Discover how to bring your most genuine voice to every performance, no matter the style!
This dynamic masterclass explores the vocal techniques, stylistic nuances, and performance practices that define a variety of musical genres, from classical and jazz to pop, musical theatre, and beyond. Through live demonstrations and genre-specific exercises, participants will learn how to adapt their vocal approach while maintaining authenticity and vocal health.
Ideal for singers looking to expand their versatility and connect more deeply with diverse musical styles.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
The Clarinet: Sound Advice
Whether you're just beginning your clarinet journey or looking to refine your tone and technique, this masterclass offers practical tips and insights to help you play with greater confidence and clarity.
Led by an experienced clarinetist and educator, Dr. Bonnie Campbell, participants will explore embouchure development, breath support, articulation, tone production, and troubleshooting common issues.
This is your chance to receive expert guidance and sound advice for becoming a stronger, more expressive clarinetist. Bring your instrument and your questions!
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Cool Tricks with Your Bow: Spiccato, Ricochet, and Other Advanced Bowing
Take your string playing to the next level with this hands-on masterclass focused on advanced bowing techniques that add flair, texture, and excitement to your performance.
Explore the mechanics and artistry behind spiccato, ricochet, sul ponticello, and col legno. We will also address tone and bow distribution.
Whether you're preparing for a solo, audition, or ensemble performance, you’ll gain practical tools to expand your expressive range and wow your audience. Perfect for intermediate to advanced string players and educators looking to unlock new dimensions of sound.