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About Kodály
About Kodály
Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) was a visionary teacher, composer and philosopher whose work has influenced musicians and music educators around the world. Following his folk song collecting trips with Béla Bartók in Hungary in the early 1900s, Kodály conceived of a monumental idea: that music could be taught artistically using the traditional folk songs of a culture. Gathering talented, creative teachers around him, Kodály developed a philosophy of music education based on the radical idea of universal music literacy.
Singing is "the essence" of the concept. The voice is the universal instrument, free and accessible to all; it can be considered our own instrument. As Kodály said, "If we ourselves sing often, this provides a deep experience of happiness in music. Through our own musical activities, we learn to know the pulsation, rhythm, and shape of melody. The enjoyment given encourages the study of instruments and the listening to other pieces of music as well." Kodály-inspired teachers believe that all children--barring rare physical limitations--can match pitch; tone deafness is simply a myth.
Experiencing music cannot begin too early. Music is the birthright of every child. The child’s first connection to music comes through the voices of the parents. Once, when Kodály was asked when music education should begin, he replied, "Nine months before the birth of the mother."
Traditional folk music provides the best and most natural material for becoming a literate musician. Everyone has a mother tongue—the language spoken at home. The traditional folk music of that language provides the source from which the basic elements of music literacy can be drawn. Following the study of authentic folk songs of the native culture(s), we can then explore of the music of other cultures and connect traditional music with all styles of composed music.
Music literacy is like language literacy. Kodály once said, “We should read music in the same way that an educated adult will read a book: in silence, but imagining the sound." He believed that musical literacy, like language literacy, is the right of every human being.
Using a sequential approach. Kodály-inspired teachers consider the culture and age of the student when developing a sequential curriculum, teaching easier melodic and rhythmic concepts and skills first, and building on their musical knowledge. We use developmentally appropriate literature, foster to their learning styles (physical, visual, and aural), and allow students experience music extensively before introducing notation and musical terms.
Quality music is the best material for teaching. Kodály believed that only the best music by the greatest composers and the most beautiful and representative folk music of the culture should be used. He said, "Let us take our children seriously! Everything else follows from this...only the best is good enough for a child.”
Note: Thank you to NCAKE for generously allowing us to use the information on this page.
About OAKE
About OAKE
The Organization of American Kodály Educators was founded in 1975. OAKE strives to promote Zoltán Kodály’s concept of “Music for Everyone,” through the improvement of music education in schools. Its mission is to enrich the quality of life of people in the United States of America through music education by promoting the philosophy of Zoltán Kodály.
The members of OAKE are committed to championing diversity, welcoming all people, and advancing inclusivity and equity for all. Inspired by Zoltán Kodály’s unyielding assertion that music belongs to everyone, we affirm that music is a fundamental aspect of shared human experiences. As such, we pledge to promote active music making merged with intentionally respectful practices as the basis of comprehensive music education.
Why Join OAKE?
Why Join OAKE?
There are MANY benefits to joining OAKE, and it only takes a few minutes to join online. A membership will save you money on CAKE's workshop series. When you join OAKE, you are able to join a local chapter at no additional cost. When submitting your application form, select CAKE as your chapter affiliate!
OAKE Members enjoy many benefits with their membership including:
The Kodály Envoy: A quarterly journal of articles, reviews, and informational items sent quarterly to all OAKE members with a subscription. Subscription to the Envoy is included in all membership levels except the free Student membership.
Online Membership Directory: A searchable listing of OAKE members and their contact information.
Annual OAKE National Conference: Each year a different division hosts our national conference. These inspiring, musical, and educational events are the highlight of the year! OAKE members are entitled to a reduced registration fee for the national conference.
National Conference Choirs: OAKE members are entitled to submit their students to audition for the National Conference Choirs.
Annual Regional Conference: Each year the National Conference is not hosted in our Midwest Division MKMEA hosts a regional conference. OAKE members are entitled to a reduced registration fee for the regional conference.
MKMEA Conference Choir: OAKE members are entitled to submit their students to participate in the MKMEA Honor Choir. No audition required.
Divisional Newsletters: Each of the four OAKE Divisions distributes an online newsletter containing articles, practical ideas, news, and information about their activities and their Chapters.
Jenö Ádám Scholarship: Members may apply for scholarship for Kodály studies in the United States or abroad.
OAKE Leaf Fund Awards: Financial support for charitable and educational purposes related to the Kodály philosophy.
Publications: Members receive reduced prices on OAKE publications.
Membership in Local Chapters: OAKE has more than 40 local Chapters nationwide that hold exciting and meaningful workshops and events throughout the year. All OAKE members can attend these workshops at membership rates.
Voting Privileges and the Right to Hold Office: Active and retired OAKE members are eligible to vote and hold office.
These benefits only scratch the surface of what our organization can provide for you as a member.
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