Kodály Teacher Education for Music Educators
Celebrating over 40 years of excellence!
Change the way you think about teaching music forever! Participate in training sessions in musicianship, pedagogy, Kodály materials, and choral music-making at the Kodály Certification Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. George Mason offers all three levels, leading to a Certificate in Kodály Music Education upon successful completion of Level III, a powerful professional development opportunity and career enhancement. One level may be completed each summer. The courses are also eligible for Teacher Recertification Points in many school systems (please check with your district for verification).
We are very proud to be an officially endorsed by OAKE (Organization of American Kodály Educators) program.
What is Kodály?
The great Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodály believed that singing is the primary musical response of children. Beginning with folk songs, children are introduced to the world of art music, from which they develop skills, insight, singing, and analysis to sustain them throughout a lifetime of music appreciation and music making. The study of the Kodály method explores this unique approach to teaching music to children through song and movement.
Level Courses
The Level courses I, II and III are the core courses of Kodály Training. Participants are able to take one two-week level course per summer. Courses are packed full of information, hands-on experiential learning activities, homework assignments (pre-course assignments and on-site assignments), and a participant presentation on the final Friday. Participants who successfully complete Level III will receive an official Kodály Certificate from George Mason.
Prompt, daily attendance is expected. Please do not schedule appointments or other commitments during this time – successful completion is based on required contact hours. Graduate-level work is to be expected. Full participation in all classes and completion of all assignments is required to receive full certification of course hours.
Supplemental Courses
An outstanding selection of Orff Schulwerk and Kodály supplemental courses designed to enrich and extend the experiences, skills, and knowledge gained during Certification are offered the week prior to the Levels courses.
Credit and Non-Credit Options Available
At George Mason, you have the choice of taking Kodály courses as a “For-credit” participant and receiving three graduate credits for each level (applicable towards the masters in music degree) or enrolling as a “Non-credit” participant. While each has different requirements and costs, both paths lead to certificate awards upon successful completion of Level III!
If you would like more in-depth information about the program, email Dr. Charles Ciorba, the program director, to set up an online meeting.
On-Campus Housing and Parking
Choose to stay in convenient apartment style accommodations during the Orff and Kodaly teacher training Supplemental and Levels weeks.
Students will be assigned to an apartment with up to two additional roommates. All students will have a private bedroom and shared living room, bathroom, and kitchen in the apartment. Linens (sheets, blankets, pillows, towels), toilet paper, and internet access are included.
Kodály Faculty at George Mason
Beth Anne Young
Program Director
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Beth Anne Young, is a Choral and Classroom Music Specialist. Recently retired from the public schools, she was a middle school choral and classroom music specialist for the majority of her teaching career. Beth Anne is currently the Choral Director at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island Beth Anne worked at the Longy School of Music as a Choral Methods Instructor and as a Supervisor of Student Teachers in the Master of Music Education Program. Beth Anne is the Director and Choral Studies Instructor for the Kodály Levels Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
She has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in Choral Conducting. She completed both her Orff and Kodály Certification at George Mason. Beth Anne has presented workshops about the Kodály- Inspired Choral Setting at MMEA, and at Regional and National OAKE Conferences. She currently serves on the OAKE Teacher Education Committee and is on the Executive Board of BAKE (Boston Area Kodály Educators) serving as the Treasurer.