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Kodály Music Education M.M. (Online with In-Person Summer Session)

2.5
Years to Earn Your Masters
95%
CSU Online Grad Students have Plans Related to their Career
93%
Grad Students would choose CSU Online Again
$498M
In research expenditures in FY23
Degree Overview Open Accordion

See how earning your master's in Kodály music education can help you to become a more effective music educator. This program allows you to earn your Kodály certification online, with hands-on training in the annual Colorado Kodály Institute.

Earn your master's and Kodály certification online

Take your teaching, conducting, and musicianship to new heights with this unique program that combines an online curriculum with hands-on experience. Designed for elementary, secondary, and independent music educators, this degree features on-campus participation in the annual Colorado Kodály Institute as an exclusive two-week residency each summer.

What makes the program unique

The online curriculum and summer sessions fit nicely into most teachers' schedules, allowing you to earn your master's in music education while continuing to work full time. The courses you will take online cover theory and research, while the on-campus summer institutes offer important interaction and the opportunity to apply the techniques and methods you have been studying. You will learn from faculty – some with more than 30 years of teaching experience – who are:

  • Respected researchers in the field
  • Leaders in national professional organizations
  • Active professional musicians

Upon completion of this program, you will not only have your master's in music education, but through the summer institute, you will have earned national Kodály music teaching certification as well.

What you learn

The curriculum introduces the philosophy and teachings of Hungarian music educator Zoltán Kodály, emphasizing concepts like:

  • Enjoyment as a motivating force in learning
  • The importance of a sequential music curriculum
  • Use of folk song, folk dance, and game literature to teach musical concepts
  • Cultural heritage, music, and musical literacy

Gain hands-on experience during the summer

The annual Colorado Kodály Institute includes applied course sessions taught by some of the most prestigious music pedagogues from around the country. The two-week summer session gives you the opportunity to apply the theory and research you have learned in your online courses to real-world scenarios by practicing teaching techniques with local elementary students. By bringing together students and respected music educators, the program provides you with real-time feedback to bring your skills to the next level.

Hear from Our Students Open Accordion

See how the skills learned in the program help Alexandria and Kate teach musical concepts with fun and interactive games to inspire their students.



Stacey Sailors

"This program has truly transformed who I am as teacher, musician, and human. It has altered the way I think about music and interact with it. I have also appreciated having the opportunity to return to the student role after being in teacher mode for the past 9 years. I am very appreciative to have had such intelligent and eloquently spoken role models to look up to. I hope I can carry myself with the same deportment that has been demonstrated for me. I certainly feel like a better, more confident, and capable teacher."

Stacey will be graduating with the M.M. in Music Education-Kodaly Emphasis this December. She is from Minatare, Nebraska.


Leah Mathe Las Cruces, NM

"The instructors are exemplary in their knowledge as well as their fair and consistent feedback. The curriculum is informative and useful, consistently relevant to our teaching positions. You will also form bonds with your fellow educators that will last a lifetime. I cannot recommend this program enough!"

The Learning Experience Open Accordion

This graduate degree is delivered online and on campus with a residency requirement of three two-week sessions in Fort Collins, Colorado each summer semester. These on-campus sessions include participation in the annual Colorado Kodály Institute as an exclusive two-week residency each summer.

This program gives you the flexibility to get the degree you want without a strict timeline, but still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus program. It is recommended that students allow nine to twelve hours per week for a three-credit course. This will vary depending on your learning and studying style.

Your interaction with the faculty and fellow students depends on the specific course. Online courses do provide you with online office hours and email contact. You also collaborate on projects and exchange ideas with fellow classmates through email and discussion board postings.

Innovative Focus Areas Open Accordion
CKI Concert Photo

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

This program emphasizes a transformative approach to music education with a focus on equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. Examples include:

  • Analyzing Cultural Appropriateness: This program introduced one of the first Song Analysis Forms for Cultural Appropriateness in Kodály Instruction in the US.
  • Diverse Special Topic Sessions: Faculty host specialized sessions to provide valuable insights into diverse musical traditions and inclusive teaching practices.
  • Gender Neutrality and World Music Integration: CSU’s commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated through session topics like integrating gender neutrality and world music in the classroom.
Tony Hartman Special Topic Photo

Leadership Development

This program places a strong emphasis on cultivating leadership skills. CSU believes in empowering students to make a significant impact in the field of music education. Examples include:

  • Recruiting Leaders: The department seeks applicants with demonstrated leadership interest or experience.
  • Presenting Educational Research: Many students present research topics or clinic sessions, fostering their confidence and speaking skills.
  • Emerging as Leaders: By the middle of their program, students often take on leadership roles within their districts or states.
  • Inspiring Peers: Students are inspired by the leadership of their peers, creating a culture of mentorship and collaboration.
Level 3 Plaque Group Photo

Other Reasons to Choose CSU:

  • A Track-Record of Success: Program alumni have presented at national conferences, served on executive boards, and secured tenure-track positions.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from the same faculty and earn the same regionally accredited degree as students on campus.
  • Hands-On Learning: Summer sessions bring together students and music educators to apply research to real-world scenarios.
  • Convenience and Flexibility: Take online coursework during the spring and fall, and complete on-campus sessions during the summer.

Explore Careers Open Accordion

Equipped with both a Master of Music in Music Education degree and national Kodály teaching certification, graduates of this program have a unique edge in the job market. The skills and knowledge you gain earning these qualifications will help you be a leader in your profession, strengthening an entire school district's music program.

Many graduates go on to share their knowledge with other educators through professional conference presentations, workshops, and publications. Considered an advanced, specialized teacher training, national Kodály teaching certification is a highly sought-after attribute in the profession.

Completion of this unique program can also reveal leadership opportunities throughout regional, state, and national music teaching organizations, such as the Organization of American Kodály Educators, and the National Association for Music Educators.

Curriculum Open Accordion

Requirements

Applicants must apply and be admitted by both the Graduate School and the School of Music, Theatre and Dance to begin this degree program.

You are required to complete 15 online graduate-level credits in addition to an on-campus summer residency program each summer. During your final semester of coursework, you must successfully complete a written and oral examination before the master's degree is awarded.

2025 Summer Residency

Our Kodaly courses (MU 526A, B, C) are scheduled to take place July 12–26, 2025.

Program Curriculum

Through this graduate degree, you will take a variety of courses that cover topics such as pedagogy and folk song literature, folk song analysis and retrieval, conducting, Solfège/musicianship, and choir.

Note: Elective courses vary each semester. You will work with your advisor to choose three credits of approved electives. You may also be required to take additional coursework as determined by diagnostic examinations and/or your graduate advisor.

Kodály Certification Open Accordion

Learn best-in-class musical concepts for your classroom

Earn a national certification in Kodály music teaching during the summer. Designed for elementary and secondary classroom music teachers, ensemble instructors, and independent music instructors, CSU’s Colorado Kodály Institute offers you a depth of knowledge around teaching, conducting, musicianship, and music education.

The Colorado Kodály Institute (CKI) is one of the select programs endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators. CKI faculty are among the top experts in the United States, and the University Center for the Arts location, at the foothills of the Rockies, provides an inspiring setting for personal growth.

Learn More

Kodály Certification is awarded through Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) when a student has successfully completed all three Levels and can demonstrate expertise in their musicianship, conducting, and Kodály teaching. Upon successfully completing Level 1, students may be promoted to enter Level 2. Upon successfully completing Level 2, students may be promoted to enter Level 3. Promotion is determined on an individual basis by the Institute Faculty and Director according to the standards and guidelines set forth by OAKE.

Summertime means learning time

The majority of participants in this program teach either part- or full-time during the school year, gaining relevant experience while pursuing their certification. As a result, they are continually assimilating real-world teaching experiences into their academic coursework.

  • Earn National Certification in Kodály music teaching
  • Three levels of coursework are required for Certification
  • Endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE)
  • Study with national experts in conducting, choir, pedagogy and solfege

Sample Curriculum

  • Music Pedagogy and Folksong Literature
  • Folksong Analysis, Retrieval and Research
  • Solfège/Musicianship
  • Conducting
  • Choir
  • Special Topics

Eligibility to be considered for this Certification Program:

  • B.M. Music Educaiton degree and State Teacher Licensure
  • One or more years’ experience of classroom music teaching experience
  • Applicants with a B.M. Music degree or other credentials may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Accepted students can take Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 coursework for credit or noncredit


Apply to the Certification Program


Want to go further with your music education? Learn more about CSU's online master's in music education program.

Note: The next Kodaly Summer Institute will take place July 2024.

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester March 1
Spring semester November 1
Summer semester February 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

1Review Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in music from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework
  • Applicants should be state-licensed music teachers. (Exceptions may be made by department on a case-by-case basis.)

Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

  • Statement of purpose
    Summarize your long-term professional and educational goals and how graduate studies will contribute to both.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    Two professional recommendations are required. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.
  • 5-10 page writing sample
    A narrative essay about a current issue in the music education field.
  • 30-40 minute music teaching video DVD
    DVD should demonstrate your musicianship. Include a typed lesson plan and label the DVD with specific information about what is included in the recording. Audio-only recordings are not accepted.

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

  • Select "Music MM/Music Education - Distance" when choosing the program of study.

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Alex Broz
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Online with in-person summer session at Fort Collins campus
Credits
30
Tuition
$620 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Master of Music in Music; transcript reflects the music education specialization and national Kodály teaching certification
Time Frame
Can be completed in 2 ½ years
Admission Reqs.
  • Bachelor's degree in music from a regionally accredited institution
  • Applicants should be state-licensed music teachers
  • 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework

Application Dates

Fall semester
March 1
Spring semester
November 1
Summer semester
February 1

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