Kodály Music Education

Earn your master's and Kodály certification online

Take your teaching, conducting, and musicianship to new heights with this unique program that combines an online curriculum with hands-on experience. Designed for elementary, secondary, and independent music educators, this degree features on-campus participation in the annual Colorado Kodály Institute as an exclusive two-week residency each summer.

What makes the program unique

The online curriculum and summer sessions fit nicely into most teachers' schedules, allowing you to earn your master's in music education while continuing to work full time. The courses you will take online cover theory and research, while the on-campus summer institutes offer important interaction and the opportunity to apply the techniques and methods you have been studying. You will learn from faculty – some with more than 30 years of teaching experience – who are:

• Respected researchers in the field
• Leaders in national professional organizations
• Active professional musicians

Upon completion of this program, you will not only have your master's in music education, but through the summer institute, you will have earned national Kodály music teaching certification as well.

What you learn

The curriculum introduces the philosophy and teachings of Hungarian music educator Zoltán Kodály, emphasizing concepts like:

• Enjoyment as a motivating force in learning
• The importance of a sequential music curriculum
• Use of folk song, folk dance, and game literature to teach musical concepts
• Cultural heritage, music, and musical literacy

Gain hands-on experience during the summer

The annual Colorado Kodály Institute includes applied course sessions taught by some of the most prestigious music pedagogues from around the country. The two-week summer session gives you the opportunity to apply the theory and research you have learned in your online courses to real-world scenarios by practicing teaching techniques with local elementary students. By bringing together students and respected music educators, the program provides you with real-time feedback to bring your skills to the next level.

Not quite ready to pursue your master's?

Enroll in the Kodaly music certification summer program instead.

Requirements

Applicants must apply and be admitted by both the Graduate School and the School of Music, Theatre and Dance to begin this degree program.

You are required to complete 15 online graduate-level credits in addition to an on-campus summer residency program each summer. During your final semester of coursework, you must successfully complete a written and oral examination before the master's degree is awarded.

2022 Summer Residency

The next Kodaly Institute residency program is scheduled to take place July 15–30, 2022*.

*Note that Level 2 and 3 students will start on July 15, whereas Level 1 students will start on July 16.

Program Curriculum

Through this graduate degree, you will take a variety of courses that cover topics such as pedagogy and folk song literature, folk song analysis and retrieval, conducting, Solfège/musicianship, and choir.

You may be required to take additional coursework as determined by diagnostic examinations and/or your graduate advisor.

This graduate degree is delivered online and on campus with a residency requirement of three two-week sessions in Fort Collins, Colorado each summer semester. These on-campus sessions include participation in the annual Colorado Kodály Institute as an exclusive two-week residency each summer.

This program gives you the flexibility to get the degree you want without a strict timeline, but still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus program. It is recommended that students allow nine to twelve hours per week for a three-credit course. This will vary depending on your learning and studying style.

Your interaction with the faculty and fellow students depends on the specific course. Online courses do provide you with online office hours and email contact. You also collaborate on projects and exchange ideas with fellow classmates through email and discussion board postings.

Learn best-in-class musical concepts for your classroom

Earn a national certification in Kodály music teaching during the summer. Designed for elementary and secondary classroom music teachers, ensemble instructors, and independent music instructors, CSU’s Colorado Kodály Institute offers you a depth of knowledge around teaching, conducting, musicianship, and music education.

The Colorado Kodály Institute (CKI) is one of the select programs endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators. CKI faculty are among the top experts in the United States, and the University Center for the Arts location, at the foothills of the Rockies, provides an inspiring setting for personal growth.

Kodály Certification is awarded through Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) when a student has successfully completed all three Levels and can demonstrate expertise in their musicianship, conducting, and Kodály teaching. Upon successfully completing Level 1, students may be promoted to enter Level 2. Upon successfully completing Level 2, students may be promoted to enter Level 3. Promotion is determined on an individual basis by the Institute Faculty and Director according to the standards and guidelines set forth by OAKE.

Summertime means learning time

The majority of participants in this program teach either part- or full-time during the school year, gaining relevant experience while pursuing their certification. As a result, they are continually assimilating real-world teaching experiences into their academic coursework.

• Earn National Certification in Kodály music teaching
• Three levels of coursework are required for Certification
• Endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE)
• Study with national experts in conducting, choir, pedagogy and solfege

Sample Curriculum

• Music Pedagogy and Folksong Literature
• Folksong Analysis, Retrieval and Research
• Solfège/Musicianship
• Conducting
• Choir
• Special Topics

Eligibility to be considered for this Certification Program:

• B.M. Music Educaiton degree and State Teacher Licensure
• One or more years’ experience of classroom music teaching experience
• Applicants with a B.M. Music degree or other credentials may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Accepted students can take Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 coursework for credit or noncredit

Apply to the Certification Program

Want to go further with your music education? Learn more about CSU's online master's in music education program.

Summer 2022 Program Dates: July 15-30

Note that Level 2 and 3 students will start on July 15, whereas Level 1 students will start on July 16.

Equipped with both a Master of Music in Music Education degree and national Kodály teaching certification, graduates of this program have a unique edge in the job market. The skills and knowledge you gain earning these qualifications will help you be a leader in your profession, strengthening an entire school district's music program.

Many graduates go on to share their knowledge with other educators through professional conference presentations, workshops, and publications. Considered an advanced, specialized teacher training, national Kodály teaching certification is a highly sought-after attribute in the profession.

Completion of this unique program can also reveal leadership opportunities throughout regional, state, and national music teaching organizations, such as the Organization of American Kodály Educators, and the National Association for Music Educators.

Hear what students are saying about our music education master's degree program and how online courses and hands-on training received through the summer Colorado Kodály Institute helped them become more effective music educators.

Kodály Music Education Students

See how the skills learned in the program help Alexandria and Kate teach musical concepts with fun and interactive games to inspire their students.

CSU's Online Students

Hear from students and faculty to get a sense of what it’s like to study online with CSU, and how a graduate degree can enhance your life.

As a student in CSU’s online Kodály music education master’s program, you learn from the same faculty who teach in our campus program, and earn the same regionally accredited degree as students on campus. Additionally, you can expect a program that offers:

• A Unique Approach to Music Education: Create a music classroom your students don’t want to leave. Learn concepts and skills to help instill an appreciation for music through the incorporation of games, movement, folk arts, and cultural heritage.
• A Hands-On Learning Experience: The two-week Colorado Kodály Institute summer session brings together students and respected music educators to apply theory and research to real-world scenarios. By practicing teaching techniques with local elementary students, you can measure the effectiveness of newly learned methods.
• Convenience and Flexibility: Designed to fit a teacher’s schedule, you are able to take online coursework during the school year, and complete on-campus sessions during the summer — allowing you to work full-time while pursuing a master’s in music.
• The Opportunity to Gain a Competitive Edge: As a graduate who holds a Master of Music and a national Kodály teaching certification, you will possess advanced knowledge of music theory and have a unique skill set, both highly revered in the profession.
• Instruction from Expert Faculty: In addition to being experienced educators — some with more than 30 years of teaching experience — our faculty are leaders in national professional organizations, and active professional musicians.

Learn more about CSU's rankings and accolades.

Application Deadlines

Fall semester	March 1
Spring semester	November 1
Summer semester	February 1

1Review Admission Requirements

2 Prepare Application Materials

3 Complete Online Application

4 Request Transcripts

Check Your Application Status

Information for International Students