The Kodály Institute of Houston
About the Institute
The Moores School of Music Kodály Certification program is a four-level training program that meets for two weeks each summer. During each of the four summers, participants study personal musicianship and conducting, Kodály pedagogy and practicum, folk music and materials, and participate in a choral ensemble. The course of study per summer is as follows: Level I: Pre-K & K, Level II: Grades I & 2, Level III: Grades 3 & 4, and Level IV: Grades 5 & 6. In addition, during the fall and spring semesters, the Institute sponsors workshops by nationally recognized master teachers to provide continued suppport to participants and local teachers.
The UH Kodály faculty members are committed to training participants to bring children joyfully to music and musical literacy through this sequential, experience-based approach. Incorporating all of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the National Standards for Arts Education, the Kodály music concept is proven universally successful.
Summer 2008 Offerings
Kodály Level I Teacher Training
- Instructors: Rhona Brink, Janet Scarcella (program director)
- Guest Instructors: Charles Hausmann, Cecile Johnson
- Dates: Monday - Friday, July 14-29
- Fee: $700 plus materials (fees for graduate credit are as set forth by the University of Houston)
Kodály Level II Teacher Training
- Instructors: Rhona Brink, Janet Scarcella (program director)
- Guest Instructors: Charles Hausmann, Cecile Johnson
- Dates: Monday - Friday, July 14-29
- Fee: $700 plus materials (fees for graduate credit are as set forth by the University of Houston)
Course Components Levels I-IV
Personal Musicianship and Conducting
The development of advanced sight-singing and aural skills using moveable-do solfege, Curwen hand signs, and rhythmic duration syllables This study will include dictation, analysis, transposition and improvisation. Students will demonstrate and practice conducting patterns, gestures and choral rehearsal techniques using folk songs and canons, and quality children's literature.
Kodály Pedagogy and Practicum
The teaching of music utilizing the Kodály philosophy and its application to the American music classroom Teachers will learn and practice techniques to create and use developmentally appropriate musical tools, activities, and teaching strategies that reinforce and assess new music learning and insure success in the classroom.
Folk Music and Materials
The collection and examination of song materials This study will emphasize traditional children's songs, games, rhymes, and authentic folk song literature from our American heritage.
Choral Ensemble
The study, rehearsal and performance of quality choral literature from a variety of style and historical periods in Western art music Ensemble participants will focus on personal vocal and choral development as well as the child voice and children's choirs.
Registration
Students may register for noncredit and receive continuing education credits, or register for graduate credit that will lead toward Kodály Certification and a Master of Music in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis. Enrolled graduate students may earn four credits each summer. Twelve graduate credits may apply to the Master of Music degree. Students applying for the graduate degree must submit an application for graduate admission by April 1, 2008. Students accepted into the graduate program register for credit through the University of Houston registrar. Students needing assistance with graduate registration should contact Douglas Goldberg at 713.743.3314. All other students register through the Preparatory & Continuing Studies Department online or by calling 713.743.3398.
Scholarships
A limited number of half-tuition scholarships are available to teachers thanks to a generous grant from the Education Foundation of Harris County. Currently, teachers must be public school educators in Harris County to be eligible for this scholarship. We are seeking funding for other scholarships at this time, so all interested participants should apply. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis by district. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.The scholarship application is due May 1. This scholarship applies toward Continuing Education credit only. Students interested in applying for graduate credit may be eligible for financial aid through the University of Houston. Please note: the application for graduate admission is due April 1.
- Download Teacher Scholarship Application--Deadline Passed
a.i.m.e. Teaching Interns
The Abiola Initiative in Music Education (a.i.m.e.) provides exemplary music instruction to economically disadvantaged children who would not otherwise experience the beauty and joy of music. We are looking to expand and serve more children. To achieve this, a.i.m.e. will offer full scholarships to a limited number of Moores School of Music students for the Kodály Institute of Houston’s Level I Teacher Training. Students who are awarded this scholarship will also be hired as paid teaching interns for a.i.m.e. in preschool programs near UH. Interns will be under the supervision of master teacher Rhona Brink. All music majors are eligible, though priority will be given to music education majors. Applicants must be available for the training July 14-29, and be available to teach as paid interns in the 2008-2009 school year at least 1 day per week for a minimum of 2 hours in either the morning or early afternoon. The application is due March 28.
The Kodály Philosophy
The Kodály Philosophy is an internationally recognized, highly sequential, and experiential method for teaching music developed by Hungarian composer, musicologist, and educator, Zoltán Kodály. At the heart of the philosophy is the belief that music education is a core subject that is the birthright of every child. It is a complete and comprehensive approach to music education that begins in early childhood. Through singing folk songs and music of master composers, children experience the joy of music in a spirit of play. At the same time, they master skills such as musical reading and writing, singing, part-singing, improvisation, and composition. Students trained in this method exceed the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements and the National Standards for Arts Education.
Kodály Institute 2007 Level I class with trainers Rhona Brink & Janet Scarcella
