Who participates in a Kodály Institute?
Many different types of students participate! The Colorado Kodály Institute is designed for students who want to become the best musician they can be and the best teacher they can be!
Participants in our program have included: elementary classroom music instructors, middle school ensemble instructors (i.e. choir), independent music instructors, community choir directors, and even students with a performance background who wish to pursue music teaching in the future. Additionally, secondary music instructors (i.e. Band) and even special education teachers have found Kodály teaching to be useful.
Prerequisites include:
- successful completion of an undergraduate degree in music or music education*
- performing ability on an instrument
*Current undergraduate students who have reached Upper-Division status may also be considered. Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree but hold music teaching experience may be considered under special circumstances and will be asked to take an Entrance Music Proficiency Exam prior to acceptance.
Where will the classes be held?
The classes will be held at 1400 Remington Ave. Fort Collins, CO on the CSU campus. The building is known as the University Center of the Arts, formerly the Fort Collins High School.
Where can I park?
During the summer, daily parking permits are available for the Z lot behind the University Center for the Arts. There is also some street parking available in the back and on the sides of the UCA.
How do I register for the program?
Register here.
What about lodging?
There are dorms available for rent during the summer. They operate similarly to hotel rooms and you may choose to room with another Levels student in the program. Some students choose to stay in an Airbnb rental or opt to reserve a weekly stay in a local hotel or motel.
What items do I need to bring to the Institute daily?
You will need to bring a laptop each day. Additional suggested items include pens, pencils, a highlighter, white-out, note-taking material, a large three-ring binder with tab folders, a tuning fork, a small ruler, a sweater for cold, air-conditioned classrooms, a water bottle, a jump drive (for homework assignments), sticky notes, index tabs, and healthy snacks. You will also need to bring the books required for the Level coursework you are taking. For this reason, a rolling crate or briefcase is very helpful.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided by the school, however, there will be several days on which we invite you to purchase a lunch order from a local eatery and we will pick it up to bring to the UCA. Students may also bring a sack lunch. Unfortunately, microwaves and refrigerators are not available.
How much time should I allot for homework?
Due to the short length of the courses, there is a substantial amount of homework assigned every night. You will want to make childcare arrangements and avoid scheduling other activities in the evenings. Each level represents 5 graduate credits and students will therefore be expected to focus almost entirely on your coursework for two weeks straight.
At the conclusion of the program, can I expect to graduate with my certificate?
Kodály Certification is awarded through 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.
Are there any course obligations during the school year?
Yes, although the majority of obligations are fulfilled during the two-week Summer Institute, Level 1 and 2 students are required to make a video recording of themselves teaching students using Kodaly principles. Specific instructions, an evaluation rubric, and a deadline will be provided by your instructor. Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to prepare and perform one piece of solo repertoire on their principal instrument (can be voice as well) or as part of a chamber music group in the Summer Concert. Coaching is provided during the first week of the Institute. Students pursuing the M.M of Music Education with Kodály Emphasis have separate requirements during the school year from students in the Certification track.
Can my family/friends come to the closing concert?
Yes! Please invite your friends, family, colleagues, principal, children, etc. We would love to share your accomplishments and a little bit of the Kodály teaching principles with your family and friends! There is nothing better, after an exhausting two weeks, than to have your loved ones present to see you perform and graduate from your level.
The concert is free, open to the public, and will be video recorded.
I need to leave early on the last day, is that a problem?
Unfortunately, your attendance during the ENTIRE Institute is crucial and essential. If you were to miss a half of day, it would be equivalent to missing almost a week or more of a regularly scheduled class. Because our program is endorsed by the Organization of American Kodaly Educators (OAKE), we are held to follow their curriculum standards strictly and this includes the number of coursework hours. Please plan to be present and prepared every day of the Institute. We pack in amazing amounts of information during these 2 weeks and we don’t want you to miss out on any of it!