
FREE Online Masterclass Series
Join our amazing faculty for the VanderCook College of Music Spring 2026 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.
Spring 2026 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, February 19th, 2026
How To Train Your Flute

Just like Hiccup learns to understand and cooperate with Toothless in How to Train your Dragon, flutists must learn to work with their instrument, not against it. In this imaginative and practical session, we will explore how to “train” your flute through creativity, patience, and consistency.
Participants will discover how to develop a trusting relationship with the instrument by mastering tone control, air direction, and smooth register transitions. Through guided exercises and demonstrations, we’ll learn to tame intonation quirks, strengthen embouchure flexibility, and build expressive confidence.
By the end, you will see your flute not as a challenge to conquer, but as a loyal companion ready to soar with you in performance. Bring your flute and your inner dragon trainer, and get ready to take flight!
Tuesday, March 24th, 2026
From Breath to Brilliance: Using Formants to Shape a Professional Vocal Tone

Discover the building blocks of a healthy, vibrant vocal sound. This masterclass explores how breath, vowels, and resonance work together to create a tone that is free, brilliant, and consistent. Singers will gain practical tools to improve clarity and ease across their range.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Elements of Brass Embouchure

This masterclass will address the structure and function of embouchure as it applies to brass instruments. Discussion will range from anatomy to the psychology of performance.
