Attending the recent Kodály Course in Cape Town has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring professional experiences of my teaching career.
As someone who has spent many years teaching music and working with children's choirs, I honestly didn't expect that a course could still open so many new doors for me. Yet that is exactly what happened. The course introduced me to a whole new world of teaching methods, conducting techniques, repertoire, and creative ways of making music come alive for young children. Every lesson was practical, engaging, and perfectly suited to the developmental level of young learners.
What made this experience even more special was the calibre of the lecturers. Their passion, expertise, and years of experience were evident in every session. They are true masters of their craft, yet they taught with such generosity, patience, and enthusiasm that they inspired every one of us to become better teachers.
I won't pretend that the course was easy. It challenged me in ways I hadn't anticipated and often pushed me well outside my comfort zone. There were moments when I doubted myself, but those moments became some of the greatest opportunities for growth. Looking back now, I can honestly say that I only wish I had done this course many years ago. It has enriched me not only as a music teacher and conductor, but also as a lifelong learner.
A very special thank you goes to Elrika. Her unwavering encouragement, kindness, and belief in me carried me through the moments when I felt overwhelmed. She has a remarkable gift for bringing out the best in people, and I will always be grateful for the support she gave me throughout the course.
The true value of this course became clear as soon as I returned to my classroom and choir rehearsals. I immediately started applying what I had learned, and the difference has been remarkable. My learners are responding with greater enthusiasm, and I feel equipped with fresh ideas, renewed confidence, and practical tools that will influence my teaching for many years to come.
Thank you to everyone who made this course possible. Your dedication to sharing the Kodály philosophy is making a real difference in the lives of teachers and, through us, in the lives of countless children.
I leave this course deeply grateful, inspired, and excited for the journey ahead—and I can say with certainty: I will be back in 2027!
2026 Karina Erasmus
"The course has affirmed and confirmed everything that I've been trying to work on. The way of working, the warm-up games, the methodology and the musicianship are just right. I'm so inspired and eager to get back to work and not just try out what I've learned, but use it as a foundation and basis for everything else I do. I can't thank you and your team enough for bringing this here enough."
– 2025 course attendee
"The course was my very first introduction to the Kodaly approach. My music lessons have improved already. The children enjoy my lessons more. Thank you to all the facilitators and lecturers for their patience, energy and sharing new ideas. This course has changed how I will teach forever.."
– 2026 Philile Rwaxa
"Thank you for the incredible and inspiring learning journey that our Handevat team could participate in - and bringing it to the Cape! It was a wonderful opportunity and privilage for us to receive such high quality input - which has a tremendous impact at our project."
– 2026 Handevat Music Project
(Anke, Marlon & D'mitri)
"I have not worked with Western art music and notation in decades, but now, from the course, I finally understand many of the concepts that I struggled with during my degree. I, too, am now one of those people who wish I had come across this years ago, when I started learning music. This is the most wonderful, inspiring course I've ever done."
– 2024 course attendee
"I am totally blown away by what I experienced at the course. My enthusiasm for teaching has been instantly reignited after being on the verge of quitting teaching altogether."
– 2025 course attendee