Summer Course Information
Summer 2026 Graduate Courses
Music Education
June 29 - July 9, 2026 (no classes July 1)
9586 Special Topics in Music Education: Contemporary Band Pedagogy: Tradition, Innovation, and Effective Rehearsal Practice
Instructor: Dr. Colleen Richardson
This course explores effective approaches to instrumental band pedagogy that respect the rich traditions of ensemble instruction while incorporating contemporary ideas and emerging teaching practices. Attention is given to conceptual teaching approaches that prioritize musical understanding rather than rote performance. Methods for motivating young musicians and structuring rehearsals that balance musical development with technical skill building will be discussed. Participants will explore strategies that emphasize sound before symbol, encouraging listening and musical exploration prior to formal notation. Practical techniques for creating simple arrangements suitable for developing ensembles will also be addressed.
Schedule:
June 29: 1-2pm Zoom meeting to discuss course expectations
July 2, 3, 6: 1-4pm
July 7, 8, 9: 1-4pm and 7-9:15pm with a lab band
July 13 - 24, 2026
9784 Kodály Level I; 9582 Kodály Level III
Instructors: Kim Eyre; László Nemes; Eila Peterson
In this two-week intensive program, participants will strengthen their personal musicianship and pedagogical skills, with content grounded in a contemporary understanding of the philosophy inspired by Zoltán Kodály. Participants will engage in supportive musically educative opportunities through singing, reading, writing, moving and creating to build personal skills and knowledge to assist in classroom music teaching and learning.
Level I is appropriate for experienced teachers, emerging teachers and graduate students. Level III builds on the learning in Levels I and II and is open to those who have successfully completed a KSC or OAKE certified Kodály Level II course previously.
Note that students cannot register in both Kodály courses as they meet at the same time.
Schedule:
July 13-17: 8am-4:30pm
July 20-23; 8am-4:30pm
July 24: 8am-2pm
