Kodály Music Education M.M. (Online with In-Person Summer Session)
2.5
Years to Earn Your Masters
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CSU Online Grad Students have Plans Related to their Career
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Grad Students would choose CSU Online Again
$498M
In research expenditures in FY23
Degree Overview
See how earning your master's in Kodály music education can help you to become a more effective music educator. This program allows you to earn your Kodály certification online, with hands-on training in the annual Colorado Kodály Institute.
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.
See how the skills learned in the program help Alexandria and Kate teach musical concepts with fun and interactive games to inspire their students.
The Learning Experience
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.
Explore Careers
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.
Curriculum
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.
2024 Summer Residency
The next Kodaly Institute residency program is scheduled to take place July 13–27, 2024.
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.
Note: Elective courses vary each semester. You will work with your advisor to choose three credits of approved electives. You may also be required to take additional coursework as determined by diagnostic examinations and/or your graduate advisor.
Kodály Certification
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
Note: The next Kodaly Summer Institute will take place July 2024.
Why Choose CSU?
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.
Bachelor's degree in music from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework
Applicants should be state-licensed music teachers. (Exceptions may be made by department on a case-by-case basis.)
Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.
Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.
Statement of purpose
Summarize your long-term professional and educational goals and how graduate studies will contribute to both.
Three letters of recommendation
Three professional recommendations are required. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.
5-10 page writing sample
A narrative essay about a current issue in the music education field.
30-40 minute music teaching video DVD
DVD should demonstrate your musicianship. Include a typed lesson plan and label the DVD with specific information about what is included in the recording. Audio-only recordings are not accepted.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
Select "Music MM/Music Education - Distance" when choosing the program of study.
Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.
Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.
Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
