"Study at the Kodály Institute, Kecskemét, Hungary"

Non-Degree Courses - Syllabus:
description of the non-degree courses | application procedure | examinations & evaluations
introductory course | basic diploma course
general diploma course | advanced diploma course
course in piano pedagogy | course in voice pedagogy | course in lied accompaniment

Financial information & holiday dates for the non-degree courses
in the 2009-2010 Academic Year: in pdf format or Microsoft Word format
in the 2010-2011 Academic Year: in pdf format or Microsoft Word format

The Institute organizes one year non-degree courses for teaching music and training musicians according to Kodály's music pedagogical concept both in theory and in practice. The courses may be extended to two, three or four years according to need.
The academic year begins in September and extends to end of May of the following year. The courses are taught in ENGLISH.
The deadline for applications is March 1 each year.
The Institute offers the following non-degree programs:

  I. Kodály course for music pedagogues/choral directors
  II. Kodály course for singers/pianists
  III. Part-time studies

The course of study is made up of practical subjects serving the complex and intensive development of musical skills, as well as of subjects of general music theory and pedagogy.

THE CURRICULUM CONSISTS OF

Kodály's Life Work: a global overview of Kodály's life work in the areas of composition, ethnomusicology and music education.

Kodály's Pedagogical Philosophy: makes students acquainted with the main principles of Kodály's pedagogical philosophy.

Methodology: study of teaching practice based on Kodály's concept. These studies are complemented by regular observations of lessons in the musical primary and secondary school of Kecskemét, as well as, occasionally, in other institutions.

Musicianship/Solfege and Theory of Music: The aim of these subjects is the complex and intensive development of musical skills, as well as the extension of the knowledge of polyphony, harmony and form on the basis of works in different musical styles.

Folk Music: Students are guided in the collection, analysis and systematization of folk music (songs, games, dances) based mainly on the methods of the Hungarian ethnomusicological school (Kodály, Bartók, etc.). Other ethnomusicological approaches are also discussed.

Choral Conducting and Choral Work: According to Kodály's pedagogical concept, choral singing is one of the most important musical activities in music education based on singing. Besides learning and developing the technique of choral conducting, students extend the scope of their knowledge of the choral repertoire, with particular emphasis on the works of Kodály and Bartók.

Choral Singing: All the students of the year course comprise the choir of the Institute. The aim of the choir is to give choral experience in performing repertoire of a variety of musical styles.

Music Literature: a general overview of European art music, and an introduction to the significant epochs and characteristic features of Hungarian music history. Special attention is given to the works of Liszt and Bartók.

Chamber Music/Chamber Singing: Singing and/or instrumental practice with emphasis on personal artistic responsibility is an important complement to the theoretical studies.

Compulsory Piano and Voice Classes: The aim of this course is to develop basic technical skills. The material is a selection from different musical styles suitable to the abilities and practical needs of the students.

Score Reading: The aim of this course is to acquire a thorough understanding of scores through keyboard playing. Material and requirements will be adapted to the students' previous studies and level of skills.

Piano/Voice Classes for Piano/Voice Pedagogy Course: Areas of emphasis include concert readiness, performance anxiety, stage presence, memory strategy, performance technique and musical projection in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

Choir/Piano/Voice Music Literature: a chronological survey of stylistic developments in Western music literature for choir/piano/voice, from the early ages to the present. Works from the principal genres will be studied and styles of master composers will be analysed in order to gain an understanding of the creative principles and aesthetic values reflected in music.

Piano/Voice Methodology: examination of teaching materials and literature from elementary through intermediate to advanced levels. An overview of Kodály's educational philosophy as related to piano/voice teaching is also included. Course content includes lectures, discussions, performances, readings and research assignments.

Teaching Assistantship/Tutoring: Outstanding students may be advised by the faculty to apply for teaching assistantship in the fields of

- tutoring in Musicianship (Pedagogy Course)
- accompanying the voice major students (Piano Pedagogy Course)
- assisting in warm up, common singing (Voice Pedagogy Course)
- working with the choir of the Institute (Choral Conducting Course) etc.

Hungarian Language is offered as an optional subject.

The training program is supplemented by lectures on various topics and enriched by concerts and excursions.
On special requests the Registrar's Department make arrangements to organize private instrumental lessons.

All details about the different levels and requirements can be found in the
Syllabus for Non-Degree Courses.