Music educators may become interested in the Kodály concept at all stages of their career. Those just beginning may be looking for a structure or some sort of 'recipe' to ensure successful music lesson. Those with more teaching experience may be dissatisfied with current results or looking for some new ideas, repertoire or techniques to enhance current practice. Still others may have seen or heard about Kodály ideas in practice and are simply interested to know more. Regardless of your motivation or experience, if you are serious about the Kodály concept, you may soon discover that it is not a prescription, but a journey - a journey that challenges your ideas of what music education is, a journey that impacts your own musicianship and then ultimately your students' musicianship.

Becoming knowledgable and skilled in the Kodály approach commonly involves three aspects (i) research, (ii) becoming part of a Kodály community, and (iii) completing some professional training.

1. Research

There is a growing body of literature published on the Kodaly concept. This web site is a great place to start for information on the philosophy and principles of Kodály teaching and for information on the person, Zoltan Kodály. For further information, you might like to investigate our links to other Kodály sites on the web.

In addition to internet resources, we have included a list of recommended publications on the Kodály approach. For those just beginning, the books of Lois Choksy are an invaluable resource on nearly every aspect of Kodály teaching. Lastly, any research into the Kodály concept should not be restricted to what others have to say about it, but needs to be supplemented by reading what Kodály himself had to say about music education. Kodály spend much of his professional life writing, giving lectures, supporting and encouraging his students and colleagues. His ideas are truly inspirational and, at times, thought provoking.

2. Joining a professional network

The success of the Kodály concept, has led to the establishment of professional associations, societies and interest groups internationally. You can find a list of some of these on our links page and you can find others by checking directories in your local area. For Australian residents, we have included a list of our state branches and their respective contact details.

The value in joining such associations should not be underestimated. By becoming a member of such associations, you support their work and help them promote the Kodaly's principles of education. Also, you will have the opportunity to meet many other like-minded music educators who, ultimately, can be a tremendous support and resource for you.

3. Professional Training

The Kodaly movement has long been characterised by a strong emphasis on teacher training - primarily because of Kodaly's belief that teacher musicianship was paramount and that only the well-trained musician should teach music to even the youngest children. As a result, workshops, seminars and teacher professional-development have become strong focusses for many kodaly-based associations. These provide excellent starting points for teachers just beginning in the Kodaly approach or those seeking a refresher. Other workshops may help the teachers to extend their knowledge of appropriate repertoire, games and songs.

In addition, a number of Tertiary Institutions, in Australia and internationally, are now offering graduate courses in Kodaly-based methodology and musicianship. You can find a list of some of these on our links page.