General Course in Kodály-based Musical Training

Objectives

• a musical training course based on the renowned Kodály concept aimed at the harmonious development and strengthening of the trainee’s general musicianship skills and musical knowledge
• a special overview is given to the theory and Hungarian application of the Kodály Concept in public music education. Students will become familiar with the key principles and practical applications of the Kodály approach.
• the course also serves as a preparatory course for students wishing to enter the MA Degree Course of the Institute

Eligibility

• university students enrolled in training programmes in the field of music or education,
• professionals in possession of university qualifications (BA or MA in music or in music education or equivalent)
• minimum requirements of the musicianship level for this study programme: Musicianship entry requirements.
• successful completion of the admission requirements

Admission documents

• completed online application form 
• completed questionnaire that can be downloaded from here: doc file / pdf file
• curriculum vitae focusing on musical and professional background, including a photo of the applicant
• copy of college or university certificate and transcripts
• motivation letter written in English by the applicant
• the names of two referees with their email addresses to be provided in the questionnaire
• English language certificate (only for those students whose first language is not English) - IELTS Academic 5.0 or higher or an equivalent of this exam, TOEFL iBT min. 60, Cambridge min. 154
• proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee of 132 EUR
• demonstration video (see details below in Admission Requirements)

Admission requirements

• demonstration video of the applicant’s piano and vocal performance: (acceptable digital formats: mp4 or mpeg4 files submitted via web link/url)
  Vocal performance:
  - 1 unaccompanied traditional song/folk song to be sung in the applicant's native language
  - 1 art song with instrumental (piano, organ, guitar, etc.) accompaniment, has to be performed by memory
  Piano:
  - 1 or 2 piano pieces freely chosen from the applicant's repertoire, appropriate to the applicant's current technical level
• for non-native English speakers: demonstrated intermediate English language skills
• online interview during which time the applicant will be asked about his/her past professional experiences, ambitions, and special interests (if any)
• During the interview the applicant will receive the score of a classical art song which he/she has to sight-read (sing-and-play)
• In addition to the application materials, all students are required to complete a musicianship (solfége and music theory) placemetn test (aural and written) during the online admissions procedure. Based on the results, students will be assigend to different study groups during the academic year. The faculty reserves the right to alter the groups. 
  View samples of the written and aural placement test from the past.
• Please note: the minimum requirement of this test for this course is at least 60%. 
• Musicianship entry requirements

Course content

Compulsory Subjects:

• Introduction to Kodály’s Educational Philosophy (60 mins / week, 1st semester only) – 1 unit
• Introduction to Kodály’s Lifework (60 mins / week, 2nd semester only) – 1 unit
• Musicianship (Solfege and Music Theory) (240 mins / week) – 4 units
• Voice (30 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Piano (30 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Choir (180 mins / week) – 1 unit
• The History and Literature of Western Classical Music (90 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Folk Music in School Education (60 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Music Lessons in School (45 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Score Reading (30 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Choral Conducting and Lab (120 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Chamber Music (30 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Introduction to Kodály-based Music Education (90 mins / week) – 2 units

Electives:

• Kokas Pedagogy (60 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Choir Literature and Choral Pedagogy (60 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Advanced Choral Conducting and Lab (90 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Advanced Choral Conducting Lab Only (60 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Creative Piano Pedagogy (ZeneZen) (60 mins / week) – 1 unit
• Composition (60 mins / week) – 1 unit

Extracurricular:

• English language with emphasis on musical terminology (60 mins / week, if applicable, based on the language test) – 1 unit 
• Hungarian culture and history (180 mins / week) – 3 units

Course Content is also available here in pdf.

Please note:
1. Electives are offered for additional fees (based on the unit fee). 
2. Admissions to observe classes are based on the faculty's prior consent. Students wishing to observe extra classes (besides the Compulsory and Elective subjects) must pay 50% of the observed unit fee. 
3. Hungarian language is also offered as an optional subject for additional fees.

Certificate issued

A certificate of studies is awarded to those having completed all the compulsory subjects of the relevant non-degree course. 

A certificate of participation is given to students who have not completed all the requirements for the relevant courses or who were enrolled for part-time studies.

Evaluations will be given to students and it will be their responsibility to forward them to other educational institutions as they see necessary.

Special certificates may also be issued upon request at an extra cost.

Expenses

PAYMENT

The tuition fee - based on the pro-forma invoice issued by the Institute - must be paid for the first semester prior to enrollment.

Ways of payment:

1) by bank transfer:

Bank name: HUNGARIAN NATIONAL BANK / Hungarian State Treasury
Bank address: 1139 Budapest, Váci út 71., Hungary
Name of account holder: Liszt Ferenc Zeneművészeti Egyetem
Address of account holder: 1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 8., Hungary
EUR-based account number: IBAN HU34 1003 2017 0142 6768 0601 0014
Swift code (SWIFTBIC): MANEHUHB or HUSTHUHB (or HUSTHUHBXXX if the system requires 11 characters to input)

Please write this reference into the appropriate field when transferring: "Kodály Institute"

2) by banking card:

Types of cards accepted: all kinds of VISA, EUROCARD/MASTERCARD, American Express.
Please contact us for details regarding this way of payment.

Please be aware that paying by banking card involves a 2-5% commission that the bank charges on the card holder. Please make sure with your bank at home that transactions are allowed in Hungary. 

Please note that we cannot accept cash and cheques.

LATE PAYMENT

For those students who do not pay their fees by the given deadline the late payment fee is 50 EUR/month.

Updated: 01.12.2025