Kodály Learning Aims and Course Levels

Choral Studies I, II, III

* M.Ed. - 2 credits each, Certificate Program

In Choral Studies I, II, and III, you will study basic score analysis, rehearsal techniques, and sequencing the choral rehearsal. Vocal health and pedagogy are emphasized, including diction, phonation, resonance, posture, and breath. Conducting lab will include the study of: posture and stance, patterns, the anacrusis, attacks, releases, and establishing and maintaining tempo, and additional advanced conducting techniques. If enrolled in Choral Studies I, II, and III, you will study, prepare, and conduct music especially appropriate for children's choirs at the elementary level. All students perform in the AKI Choir and Closing Concert, singing choral masterpieces from all periods, arrangements of music of various styles, and recent compositions.

Conducting I, II, III

* M.Ed., Certificate Program - 1 credit each

In Conducting I, II, and III, you will study Explore score study, choir rehearsal techniques, and conducting. Topics covered will include gesture and stance, gesture and technique, repertoire selection, and score study. Conducting lab is required. All students perform in the AKI Choir and closing concert, singing choral masterpieces from all periods, arrangements of folk music of various styles, and recent compositions.

Kodály Materials I, II, III 

*M.Ed. - 3 credits each; Certificate Program - 1 credit each

In Materials I, II, and III, you will study, memorize, and learn a wide variety of songs, singing games, and dances that support the musical elements and scope and sequence studied Pedagogy I, II, and III. You will learn the historical, cultural, and ethnomusicological principles of song analysis and performance. Each year, you will organize, study, and analyze new songs, warm ups, and partwork. This retrieval system is required by OAKE and serves as the final thesis project for the Master of Education in Kodály Music Education degree. At AKI, you will create an online, Kodály-inspired song index and retrieval database system that organizes your hand-selected materials for the teaching of musical elements (based on the needs of your students). Each year, you will attend an Annual Dance Night, and study accompaniment techniques on string instruments including Appalachian dulcimer (I), recorder (II), acoustic guitar (II), and ukulele (III). Students will need to bring their own folk instruments, a personal laptop, and should have basic knowledge Sibelius, Finale, or other notational software in order to notate and transcribe songs.

Kodály Pedagogy I, II, III

*M.Ed. - 2 credits each; Certificate Program - 1 credit each

In Pedagogy I, II, and III, you will develop an understanding of the sequential, child-developmental approach to Kodály-inspired music education. You will be introduced to the philosophy of Zoltán Kodály, and learn how to apply those practices in your teaching and your lesson and curriculum planning. Teachers will learn to scope and sequence musical elements and repertoire and assessments for beginner, intermediate, and advanced musicians (K-5, or MS/HS), developing modifications, differentiation strategies, and engaging activities to meet their students’ needs.  The use of wide variety of songs and musical experiences will lead children to musical literacy through in-tune singing, aural discrimination, rhythm skills (via movement), solfa, and beat-function rhythm syllables, forming the foundations of music notation and reading.

Musicianship I, II, III 

*M.Ed. - 2 credits each; Certificate Program - 1 credit each

Musicianship I, II, and III sequentially develops your personal musicianship through the study of music in a variety of meters and tonalities, including pentatonic, diatonic, chromatic, and modal melodies. Students will develop their ability to use pedagogical tools such as movable-do solfa, beat-function rhythm syllables, and Curwen hand signs to hone their skills in the areas of: sight singing, ear training, inner hearing, dictation, musical memory, improvisation, music theory, harmonic analysis, composition, transposition, partwork, and singing and playing.

*M.Ed. - 9 credits; Certificate Program

ED 900 Advanced Studies in Music Education - 3 credits

Students will do an in-depth study of Music Learning Theory, including theory, aptitude testing, practical applications in the classroom, and assessment.

SE 800 Teaching Students with Special Needs - 3 credits

Students will learn strategies and materials for teaching exceptional students and strategize applications for their own classroom. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing learning and behavioral characteristics, and on meeting those challenges in an educational setting.

ED 600.401 Foundations of Educational Research - 3 credits 

Students will examine various approaches to research in education, including historical/experimental methods, the survey, case study, and philosophical inquiry. The course will focus on quantitative and qualitative methodology. Students will be encouraged to develop a basis for evaluating and understanding research in the field and to familiarize themselves with the literature in their chosen areas of concentration. Acquisition of state-of-the-art information searching and accessing strategies is an integral part of the course objectives.

Choir (No fee, No credit)

All students perform in the AKI Choir and Closing Concert, singing choral masterpieces from all periods, arrangements of folk music of various styles, and recent compositions.