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.
Kodály Teacher Education
KFME supports access to Kodály teacher education through scholarships and related initiatives. Information about future programs and scholarship opportunities will be posted when dates and application details are finalized.
2026 University of Redlands Kodály Summer Program, San Anselmo.
Photo: Robert Lee/KFME.
2026 Kodály Summer Program Reflections
“The course gave me a deeper understanding of the Kodály philosophy and practical tools for using singing, movement, music literacy, and sequential learning in my classroom. I especially valued learning how to build strong musical foundations through active music-making and thoughtful instruction.”
— Ryann Pier (2026)
Participants in the 2026 University of Redlands Kodály Summer Program reflected on musicianship, pedagogy, conducting, community, and the ideas they are bringing back to their students.
KFME’s 4th Birthday Celebration
May 3, 2025 from
2:00pm – 4:00pm
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
Albany, CA
From her bold opening with Kodály's Ave Maria, Betsy Marvit's singers demonstrated Kodály-informed practice in action: "only the best is good enough" because children respond to and can produce great music.
We should never underestimate our expectations of our singers' ability to learn, love and perform top quality music. Of course this requires the strongest musicianship from the conductor/teacher, and Ms. Marvit rises to the challenge expertly. Her conviction that one can teach diverse levels of musicianship to singers was beautifully demonstrated and gave me more tools to use in my own teaching.
-Nancy Linford
Teaching & Choral Demonstrations
with Lydia Mills and Karyn Silva and the Peninsula Girls’ Chorus
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.