Kodály Certification Program



July 15 – 26, 2024 (two weeks)

Change the way you think about teaching music forever!  Participate in training sessions in Musicianship, Pedagogy, Kodály Materials, and Choral Music-Making. We will be offering all three levels, leading to a Certificate in Kodály Music Education upon successful completion of Level III – a powerful professional development opportunity and career enhancement. One level may be completed each summer. The courses are also eligible for Teacher Recertification Points in many school systems (please check with your district for verification). We are very proud to be an officially OAKE-endorsed (Organization of American Kodály Educators) program.


What is Kodály?

The great Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodály believed that singing is the primary musical response of children. Beginning with folk songs, children are introduced to the world of art music, from which they develop skills, insight, singing, and analysis to sustain them throughout a lifetime of music appreciation and music making. The study of the Kodály method explores this unique approach to teaching music to children through song and movement.


Level Courses

The Level courses I, II and III are the core courses of Kodály Training. Participants are able to take one two-week level course per summer. Courses are packed full of information, hands-on experiential learning activities, homework assignments (pre-course assignments and on-site assignments), and a participant presentation on the final Friday. Participants who successfully complete Level III will receive an official Kodály Certificate from Mason.


Supplemental Courses

An outstanding selection of Orff Schulwerk and Kodály supplemental courses designed to enrich and extend the experiences, skills, and knowledge gained during Certification are offered the week prior to the Levels courses.


Credit and Non-Credit Options Available

At Mason, you have the choice of taking Kodály courses as a “FOR-CREDIT” participant and receiving 3 graduate credits for each level (applicable towards the Masters in Music Degree) or enrolling as a “NON-CREDIT” participant. While each has different requirements and costs, both paths lead to certificate awards upon successful completion of Level III!

SoM Masters Hybrid Orff Kodaly Program

On-Campus Housing

Choose to stay in convenient apartment style accommodations during the Orff and Kodaly teacher training Supplemental and Levels weeks.

Students will be assigned to an apartment with up to 2 additional roommates. All students will have a private bedroom and shared living room, bathroom, and kitchen in the apartment. Linens (sheets, blankets, pillows, towels), toilet paper, and internet access are included.


Kodály Faculty at Mason

The 2023 Kodály Level course faculty at George Mason University are:

  • Ginger Albertson (Pedagogy)
  • Robbin Marcus (Materials/ Research)
  • Beth Anne Young (Choral Studies)
  • Susie Fergus (Musicianship)

Beth Anne Young, Program Director
music-workshop@comcast.net