How long is the course and what are the class hours?
Each level is two weeks long. It starts on a Sunday night for those checking into the residence hall, and the classes start the following Monday morning. Certification is achieved at the conclusion of the third level. While the Carolina Kodály Institute offers concurrent courses in all three levels each summer, participants earn only one level per year. The weekday starts at 8:00 a.m. and is usually over by 5:00 p.m. Saturday class starts at 8:00 a.m. and is over by 12:30 p.m. The schedule is designed to meet or exceed the minimum number of contact hours required by the Organization of American Kodály Educators for its endorsed programs. There is a dinner at a local restaurant the last Thursday night and a final concert on the afternoon of the last Friday. Students leave right after the concert.
Is it possible to commute?
Yes, a commute is possible for students living in the vicinity. A drive over an hour might make very long days as there is work to do in the evenings.
How much homework is involved?
You can expect a few hours of homework each evening and each weekend day. As there are over 70 contact hours (plus evening homework), this is an intensive course.
What if I have to miss a class?
It is advisable to not miss any classes. If there is a health concern, please do not miss more than one day. The classes move very quickly and it is difficult to keep up if you miss class.
What is Kodály Certification?
Kodály certification involves musicianship, pedagogy (lesson sequencing), folk song analysis (literature and games), choral conducting, choir, and special topics (different topics each summer). Each summer, the students take all of the above classes at their level. Students enter the course at Level I, continue the next summer at Level II and complete the course the following summer at Level III. Students are not considered certified until they have completed Level III. Participants receive a certificate for 7 CEUs at the end of each level.
What is OAKE endorsement?
OAKE is the Organization of American Kodály Educators. Kodály Educators of North Carolina (KONC) is an affiliate chapter of OAKE. OAKE has a program of accreditation or accountability for Kodály teacher certification courses. This insures students are receiving the highest quality of Kodály education possible.
What is it like to live in the residence hall?
Participants indicate that the residence hall is very comfortable. Since the single room rate is only slightly above the rate for double residency, most participants find it more convenient to be able to spread out spread out in a single room. All the female Kodály participants live on the same floor and share one bathroom - males live on another floor. There is a computer lab with a printer and a commons area that has a microwave, TV and couches.
What qualifications are needed to participate in the course?
The course is designed for those teaching music or studying music education. If you are finishing at least your junior year of college as a music major or have a music degree already you are well prepared for Kodály certification training. If you do not have a degree but are working intensively in the field of music, please contact the program director for consultation.
How will Kodály training help my teaching?
If you ask any Kodály student this question, the first answer is: "I increased my musicianship ten-fold!" In order to teach music, we need to be the highest quality musicians possible. The Kodály method is based on sequenced teaching. Regardless of the grade level you teach, your students need a strong foundation at their level. The Kodály philosophy breaks down sequencing, enabling teachers to identify each step necessary for good musical development in children. Choral training is also an important component of the methodology.