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Summer School Reviews

BKA Summmer School 2004 - Sound Progressions
by Jane Duffield (from BKA Winter 2004 Newsletter)

I was filled with feelings of anxiety and exhaustion when I arrived alone in Leicester, hot and bothered following a lengthy and delayed journey from Aberdeen. I wondered what I had let myself in for as I unpacked my suitcase and tried to fight off feelings of homesickness. Little did I know that my life was about to be changed in the most profound way.

I had just successfully completed a CT ABRSM course in July and felt that I had thus been suitably enriched as a piano teacher and would be able to apply my experiences to the benefit of my pupils. However, a dear Russian friend I had met on the course insisted that I should also take the opportunity to learn about the ‘Kodály concept toward music education’. “Alright”, I thought and subsequently considered spending a week at the Kodály Summer School in Leicester that August.

I can honestly say that little did I know Tatiana (my Russian friend) had given me the most precious piece of advice that day. After a phone call or two and some preliminary reading, I thought I would be adequately prepared for my week at the Summer School…but NOTHING could have done justice to the experiences that lay ahead of me.

As I read the BKA literature, I felt inspired and excited – I found myself agreeing with the overview of Zoltan Kodály’s philosophy and after considering my personal circumstances, I decided to apply for the ‘Sound Progressions’ course, which began during the week of the Summer School.

This is a very brief overview of my experience at the Summer School, but I have no hesitation in saying that it was a time in my life I shall never forget. Firstly, the warmth I received from the other people in my accommodation building made me feel instantly at ease – we all had a common purpose and on that first night, we joined over make-shift drinks and snacks in our kitchen to speculate over the week ahead.

Then it began!
All I can say is that from the start, I was bombarded with the most exquisite experience of tuition from tutors, both Hungarian and British, who are unique and sincerely dedicated individuals. I found myself realising how privileged I was to be experiencing such knowledge in such intimate tutor groups and comfortable surroundings.

The days started with common singing, which was truly serene and uplifting. Why can’t we all do this everyday, wherever we are?! Then we were all individually allocated suitable study groups, which both stimulated and comfortably stretched us.

For me, I was profoundly affected by choir, which was attended each day. I won’t attempt to elaborate on this now, but all I will say is that I have never experienced a standard like this before. It was overwhelmingly powerful.

The days were undoubtedly long, but not for one second was this resented by anyone, in fact, it turned out to be the norm that most of us stayed up late to continue working (WILLINGLY!) and then go on to enjoy a much deserved drink in the bar – where the joy of music and singing amongst tired, yet happy friends was not forgotten…..memorable evenings for sure!

The remarkable individuals I met will never be forgotten and I have made many firm new friends that will now always be with me.

I will never look back. I want to continue my learning. But it is not something that can be learnt overnight or in a weekend taster session – Kodály’s gift, to those who recognise it, is a profound one and a lifelong experience. I feel a real sense of loyalty to this wonderful gift I was given in August 2004 and it has undoubtedly made me both an infinitely richer teacher AND individual: for me, Kodály Summer School is now an annually necessary requirement!