Class Descriptions
There is a need for better musicians, and only those will become good musicians who work at it every day.
—Zoltán Kodály
Class Descriptions
Chamber Choir
All InterMuse students participate in the Chamber Choir—a teachers’ choir focused on the rehearsal, interpretation, and performance of a cappella and accompanied choral works. This ensemble allows participants to apply and refine their new skills in a practical setting.
Culmination: A graduation concert on the final evening features all students from Levels I–III.
Conducting and Scores, Levels I–III
These courses develop a solid foundation in choral conducting, integrating gesture, analysis, and musical interpretation. Repertoire from various historical and stylistic periods provides a basis for study.
- Level I: Fundamentals of conducting technique and score reading.
- Level II: Building expressive conducting and analytical skills.
- Level III: Stylistic interpretation and advanced rehearsal strategies.
Kodály Pedagogy, Levels I–III
An in-depth study of the art and science of Kodály-inspired teaching for grades K–6. Participants explore how authentic folksong and art music align with child development to nurture musicianship.
- Level I: In-tune singing and teaching strategies for Kindergarten–Grade 1.
- Level II: Extending Kodály principles through Grades 2–3.
- Level III: Application to upper elementary teaching and long-term curriculum planning.
Music Literature
A rediscovery of authentic folksong and its place in musical and cultural traditions. Participants transcribe, analyze, and classify folk music, learn to recreate traditional celebrations, and connect these materials to classroom pedagogy. The course also introduces Zoltán Kodály’s educational vision and its influence on school music programs.
Sol-fa & Musicianship (Levels I–III)
A comprehensive study of relative solmization (sol-fa) integrating sight-singing, dictation, theory, form, and stylistic awareness. Skills developed in sol-fa training are vital for effective teaching, rehearsal, and lesson planning. Progression from foundational pitch relationships to complex harmonic and formal analysis.
Vocal Health and Development
Each morning begins with guided vocal warm-ups and techniques for maintaining vocal health—essential for lifelong teaching. These principles support all aspects of Kodály study, reinforcing the foundation of beautiful, healthy singing for both teacher and students.
Specialization Tracks
In addition to core Kodály certification courses, participants select a specialization track followed throughout all three levels, one level per year. Graduates may later return to complete additional specializations.
Current Tracks:
- String Pedagogy: Inspired by Hungarian traditions that shaped some of the world’s finest string players and ensembles. This course applies Kodály principles to instrumental study, following The Complete Musician series and the philosophy of teaching with “ear, heart, mind, and hand.”
- Junior High/High School Choral: Focuses on applying Kodály principles to adolescent and adult choirs, emphasizing vocal development, aural training, music literacy, and choral artistry.
- Children’s Choir Development: Examines vocal development, warm-ups, rehearsal strategies, and literature for children’s choirs. Participants observe Kodály principles in action through the InterMuse Children’s Choir Camp.
