KET President

Ann Burbridge

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As I write this article my school district is holding the first day of our Kodály training for the new school year. After teaching for two weeks, many exhausted but enthusiastic music teachers in the San Antonio area arrived with books, materials, rolling carts and a smile to either continue training or begin Level I. I am constantly amazed that all over Texas, many Kodály programs are flourishing and presenting some of the best training anywhere! Be sure to look over the list of programs state-wide and pat the back of the instructors and program administrator for their constant attention and devotion to the Kodály approach for quality music education for Texas music students. 

I think you will enjoy the KET online magazine this year as the Executive Board developed a thematic approach to develop articles and related information on the subject of singing, the centerpiece of elementary music. We are delighted to have Dr. (Sister) Lorna Zemke write the first article of the new school year reflecting on why singing is so important to musical development of children. You will also find that our editor, Katherine Johns, has worked hard to raise the standards of our online magazine with other articles and areas of teacher interest. This website is a source of information for many new and experienced teachers; please consider sharing some of the strategies, “this works for me” and the voice of experience with our new aspiring Kodály educators!

 p. 206 - “If one were to attempt to express the essence of this education in one word, it could only be singing. …Whoever works to promote this end, in one way or another, has not lived in vain.” (1966)

The Selected Writings of Zoltan Kodály, Boosey & Hawkes, 1974.