Kodály Society Summer School

The Kodály Society of Ireland, in association with St Patrick's College, presented a five-day summer course, "Active Music-Making: the Kodály Approach", in July 2011. A large group of participants from all over the country and further afield had a busy week of musical activity, with intense daily classes in musicianship, conducting, teaching methods and choir testing the stamina - and the vocal cords - of even the hardiest practitioners. Primary teachers, second-level music teachers, vocal and instrumental teachers, music students, singers, conductors and musicians of all kinds and levels made up an enthusiastic, 80-strong cohort.

Four special guest teachers from Hungary, exponents of the renowned Kodály concept of music education, joined expert teachers from Ireland in presenting this unique and highly musical approach to music learning.

Individual singing lessons were offered by well-known mezzo-soprano Colette McGahon, while performers also put together instrumental and vocal chamber groups for the week. The course finished with a celebratory concert in the beautiful surroundings of the Chapel at St. Patrick's College, where the recently formed chamber groups displayed the fruits of their labours.

The concert was rounded off with a performance by the summer course choir, featuring all participants and conducted by Hungarian visitor Dr. Zoltán Pad- a fitting end to a great week of music.

The Kodály Society of Ireland is a voluntary educational support group that provides training courses for teachers and musicians. For more information, see www.kodalyireland.com.

Photographs:

(1) Ildikó Herboly Kocsár giving a special lecture

(2) Closing concert in the chapel

Last Updated: Wednesday September 07 2011