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Music Education

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  2. College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
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  5. Music Education

  • Related Resources

  • Organization of American Kodály Educators
  • Plains States Kodály Organization (PSKOR)
  • International Kodály Society
  • Kodály Society of Canada
  • Holy Names University Kodály Center: The American Folk Song Collection

Nebraska Kodály Certification Program

We are excited to announce dates for the 2023 Kodály levels courses at UNO: June 19-30, 2023

About the Kodály Certification Program & Courses

Kodály levels courses at UNO are designed to provide participants with strategies for teaching music based on the philosophies and practices of musician-composer-educator Zoltan Kodály—commonly known as “Kodály” nationally and internationally. The Kodály approach to music teaching and learning is appropriate for pre-school children through students in middle school grades and has applications for high school and adult education, particularly in choral settings. The focus of Kodály is music literacy, achieved through listening, singing, reading, writing, and creating music. Kodály pedagogy emphasizes developing music literacy through the indigenous music of the culture, beginning with folk songs.

The Kodály courses at UNO are approved by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) – the national association governing Kodály pedagogy in the United States – and meet the hour requirements and content standards required by OAKE as well as university requirements. Classes include instruction in pedagogy, solfége, folk song research, conducting and choral singing. In addition, special topics covered may include, but are not limited to, folk dance, music listening and world music topics in music education.


Typical Course Schedule

Each Nebraska Kodály Certification level requires a minimum of 60 clock hours of in-class work and various out-of-class assignments requiring additional student time. Classes typically meet from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily for two weeks (M-F), with breaks for lunch and breaks between class sessions. All Kodály levels courses are offered for graduate credit or non-degree credit.


Course Descriptions

Level I courses (pedagogy and solfége) focus specifically on pedagogy for pre-K through grade 2, including singing, movement, hand signs and solfége, and the development of music reading and writing skills. Planning and delivery of instruction as well as curriculum development for early grade music instruction are included. Choral singing and conducting are included in the Level I curriculum.

Level II courses focus specifically on pedagogy, repertoire, and materials for grades 3 through 4 or 5, with a review of K-2 techniques, pedagogy and repertoire as appropriate. In addition to concentrated work in singing, movement, hand signs and solfége, and the development of music reading and writing skills, Level II students engage folk song research and analysis. Choral singing and conducting are included in the Level II curriculum.

Level III courses focus specifically on pedagogy, repertoire, and materials for grades 5 and above with a review of K-4 techniques, pedagogy and repertoire as appropriate. In addition to concentrated work in singing, movement, hand signs and solfége, and the development of music reading and writing skills, Level III students engage folk song research and analysis. Choral singing and ensemble conducting are included in the Level III curriculum.

The Level IV course, Kodály Advanced Studies: Application, is designed for students who have completed Kodály certification (levels 1-3). The course assists students in continual development of individual musicianship, mentoring, and research skills. The mentorship portion of Level IV assists students who have an interest in becoming a Kodály instructor.


Student Outcomes

Kodály Instructor Preparation

  1. Students will select an area of study (pedagogy or solfa)
    1. Students will “shadow” an instructor within the chosen area of study to gain in-depth knowledge on instructional delivery methods and strategies
  2. Culminating Project that Advances Knowledge of the Kodály philosophy
    1. Statement of Purpose
    2. Overview
      1. Outline for achieving goals
      2. Approximate Time and Duration of Activities
  3. Expected Outcomes: description of final document or activity that evidences personal knowledge advancement and success
    1. Overview of your learning
    2. How this project/research might aid the instructor and/or contribute to other participants’ learning
  4. Present an overview of your project to the students enrolled in levels 1-3 during the second week of classes

Note: Duties may include mentoring participants in levels 1-3 and assisting course instructors.


Contact Dr. Shelly Cooper, Director of the Nebraska Kodály Certification Program, with any questions at sccooper@unomaha.edu or at 402.554.4897.

Click here for information on how to apply!

Related Resources

  • Organization of American Kodály Educators
  • Plains States Kodály Organization (PSKOR)
  • International Kodály Society
  • Kodály Society of Canada
  • Holy Names University Kodály Center: The American Folk Song Collection

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