About the BKA
The British Kodály Academy is a registered charity working for the improvement of music education in the UK. Founded originally as the British Kodály Society by Cecilia Vajda, it has been running training courses since 1982. The BKA currently runs an annual programme of courses and activities for people wanting to develop their own musical skills, or to teach music to others, using principles advocated by Zoltán Kodály. The BKA is the Affiliated National Institutional Member of the International Kodály Society and has a distinguished group of patrons from the world of music and music education. The BKA is run by an Executive Committee of Trustees. The BKA stocks a full range of books and teaching materials useful for those wishing to teach or learn the Kodály approach.
Our aims
The work of Zoltán Kodály and his pupils in Hungary resulted in a dynamic process of music education, which has deep relevance for music training and school teaching in Britain today.
The BKA aims
-
to further and disseminate the philosophy and practice of music education initiated by the work of Zoltán Kodály in Hungary;
-
to relate this philosophy and practice to British musical heritage;
-
to work for the improvement of British music education by means of courses, demonstrations, publications and cooperation with other like-minded bodies.
Join us
Membership is open to anyone in sympathy with the aims of the academy, interested in learning about Kodály's work and music and interested in promoting the practice of Kodály ideas.
The Benefits of Membership
Members receive a newsletter twice a year keeping them in touch with BKA news, as well as interesting articles on Kodály teaching practice, book and course reviews, and new repertoire ideas.
Members have the opportunity to network with other members and as the BKA is affiliated to the International Kodály Society, members also have access to the Kodály movement worldwide. As the BKA is a charity we are unable to offer discounts on our own courses but associates may offer discounts to BKA members attending their courses. Members have access to archival material and job opportunities on this website. Members may publicise their activities on our News and Notice Board page and have access to our Teacher's database.
Becoming a member of the BKA gives you the opportunity to be part of a growing movement, upholding standards in music education, keeping music live and interactive, and ensuring that as many children as possible have the advantage of learning to make music.
British Kodály Academy is a Member of :-
Association of British Choral Directors (abcd) www.abcd.org.uk
The Association of British Choral Directors is the only UK organisation which is devoted entirely to supporting those leading choral music, both amateur and professional. They are committed to promoting, improving and maintaining opportunities for the professional development of all those leading singing of any kind, whether in the classroom or in the community. Their 700+ members represent over 2000 choral groups and include teachers, composers, singers and students, leading singing of all kinds.
Incorporated Society of Musicians www.ism.org
The Incorporated Society of Musicians is the UK’s professional association for musicians. They champion the importance of music and protect the rights of those working within music through a range of services, campaigns, support and practical advice. Membership includes thousands of performers, composers, teachers, students and more including over 100 corporate member organisations from around the music sector.
International Kodály Society www.iks.hu
The International Kodály Society is active in 34 countries and has Affiliated National Organizations in 16 countries. It was founded in 1975 in Kecskemét, Hungary to promote the musical, educational and cultural concepts associated with Zoltán Kodály for the benefit of music generally and in particular for the educational advancement of youth. The Society serves as an international forum for all who are active in the spirit of the Hungarian master as composer, scholar and educator.
Music Education Council www.mec.org.uk
The Music Education Council is the voice of music education and believes in universal inclusion and access to a quality, sustained, progressive and personalised lifelong music education in school, community and home. Integration and creativity are at the heart of music education alongside effective collaborations and partnerships.
Schools Music Association www.schoolsmusic.org.uk
The SMA is recognised as a national voice for music in education providing an essential network for music teachers, which serves as a vital link between those working with young people & policy makers at local, regional and national level.
Corporate Members of The British Kodály Academy
Hopeton Educational Organisation Beijing, China
"Hopeton Education Organization is a major education organization which concentrates on nursery education, quality-oriented education, early childhood education, international primary school and education science research. HEO endeavors to promote children’s overall development in a merry and attentive atmosphere. We consider learning through music as one of the effective and joyful approach to knowledge."
Websites: www.hopetonedu.com and www.babycastle.cn e-mail: mercaton_vac5@126.com
The Dalcroze Society
"Dalcroze Eurhythmics is a powerful route to developing deeper musicality and creative expression through whole body movement. It is proven to be of benefit for all ages, from Early Years through to Seniors. The Dalcroze Society runs 2 holiday courses (Manchester - Easter and Canterbury - Summer) as well as a weekend training course in London, and regular Workshops, Inset Days and Taster Days throughout the UK." www.dalcroze.org.uk e-mail: admin.dalcroze@gmail.com Tel: 01380-813198
Kodály Music School of Runnymede
Consortium of graduate professional, Kodály based music teachers, All members of ISM, Specialising in Early Childhood, Pre-instrumental, Key stages 1, Violin, piano (classical), piano (by ear/improvisation), recorder, flute, sax, gamelan www.dally.org.uk/KMR
Musical Bumps
Music groups & classes for children from birth to their first years at school; real music, real education, real fun! www.musicalbumps.com
Schools Music Association
The SMA is recognised as a national voice for music in education providing an essential network for music teachers, which serves as a vital link between those working with young people & policy makers at local, regional and national level. www.schoolsmusic.org.uk
The Singing Tree
A small company of Kodály trained teachesr delivering singing sessions to groups of under-fives & their carers, pre-school children & primary school children. Our unique classes are carefully designed to enable children to have lots of musical fun as well as learn the principles of music. Classes currently available in West London, Bristol, Wiltshire and Somerset. Enquiries welcome from other Kodály teachers interested in working with this age group. www.thesingingtree.co.uk e-mail: info@thesingingtree.co.uk Tel: 07747-745675
The Szilváy Foundation
The Szilváy Foundation underpins the work of Colourstrings teachers by providing the highest quality teacher training to musicians in music kindergarten (pre-instrumental classes for under 7's), violin/viola, 'cello, double bass, piano, guitar & flute. www.colourstrings.co.uk
The British Kodály Academy is affiliated to:
The International Kodály Society