THE MISSION
The Mission of the Kodály Foundation for Music Education is the advancement of music education
based on the vision of Hungarian composer, scholar and educator Zoltán Kodály,
by supporting the Kodály Center that was founded in 1969 at Holy Names College in Oakland, California.
In 2023 University of Redlands welcomed the Kodály Center programs.
Lucia De La Torre
Melanie Kang
2025 Kodály Summer Certificate Reflections
I am deeply grateful to KFME for supporting my participation in the Kodály Summer Institute. The experience was truly transformative - exactly what I needed at this moment in my musical and teaching journey. I came in hoping to be musically challenged and to reconnect with the joy that drew me to music in the first place, and this course delivered on every level. It reawakened my passion for choral singing and reminded me of the power and beauty of music-making in community. I also left with renewed inspiration, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of Kodály pedagogy that I’m excited to bring to my students.
Thank you for making this experience possible—it was both personally and professionally meaningful, and I know it will have a lasting impact.
-Lucia De La Torre (2025)
Being in choir was truly a growing experience. It was so artful the way Nike was able to teach us such beautiful music and instill a sense of artistry in each note and phrase of the pieces we learned. Each day I grew from her genius. I also took the musicianship class and though it was a challenge but could understand more of how music is created and could be taught. Not only were the classes top notch; the campus and surroundings are gorgeous.
-Rebecca Rogot (2025)
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for KFME’s generous support for my Kodaly level III training this past summer. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to earn Kodaly Certification at the beautiful University of Redland’s campus. Your support has made a significant difference in my music teaching, and inspires me to work even harder and to give back to my students and others in the future. I am truly honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.
I’d also like to express my appreciation for three excellent teacher mentors in the Kodaly program, Kathy, Nike, and Gemma. Beyond their musical expertise, they celebrated our successes, guided us through our struggles, and always encouraged us to express ourselves through music. Their commitment to nurturing the Kodaly way of teaching is truly extraordinary. The Redland University’s Kodaly educator’s influence will resonate with me for years to come, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn in this program.
-Melanie Kang (2025)
KFME’s 4th Birthday Celebration
Join us for “Differentiation in the One-room Schoolhouse,” a presentation by the Young Musicians Chorus, led by Kodály Center alumna Betsy Marvit. A reception to celebrate our 4th birthday will follow the presentation!!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
2:00pm – 4:00pm
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
Teaching & Choral Demonstrations
Join us for “Differentiation in the One-room Schoolhouse,” a presentation by the Young Musicians Chorus, led by Kodály Center alumna Betsy Marvit. A reception to celebrate our 4th birthday will follow the presentation!!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Music is for everybody
Singing is the most human and universal of instruments
Music literacy is a universal right and not a secret language for a select few
Folk music and art music are the most valuable and lasting materials for developing music literacy
Kodály’s Main Tenets
Online American Folk Song Collection
The American Folk Song Collection launched in 2004 to make quality folk music available to music teachers and students around the world. It has become the premiere site for American folk song and attracts more than a million page views each year. Donations assist in continuing the work to select, transcribe and analyze songs for inclusion on the site. In 2014 the San Francisco Chronicle featured the Online American Folk Song Collection as front page news.
The Kodály Center provides training and resources for teachers, conductors, parents, and others interested in the power of music in transforming individuals and communities. Offerings include seminars, introductory classes, and summer and academic year certificate and degree programs. An integrated and practical curriculum, a supportive atmosphere, and a high standard of excellence are hallmarks of the Center’s programs.
“We recognize Kodály's principle that children become connected to their communities and the wider world by hearing and singing the traditional folk songs of their culture.”
Sr. Mary Alice Hein,
Founder of the Kodály Center
The Kodály Center: A story of generosity, inclusivity and excellence. (Dec.12, 2017)
“Over the past century, the Kodály concept of safeguarding traditional folk music has helped to promote, transmit and document local practices in Hungary and assisted communities abroad for similar purposes.”
Kodály method included in UNESCO World Heritage list
In 2016, UNESCO’s intergovernmental committee for the world’s cultural heritage included Hungarian composer, researcher and music teacher Zoltán Kodály’s method for the preservation of folk music in the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Learn more about the the musical, educational and cultural concepts associated with Zoltán Kodály at International Kodály Society.