Northern California Association of Kodály Educators

The NCAKE mission is inspired by Kodály’s vision of quality music education for all.

We nurture a vibrant community of educators, students and musicians,
by providing learning opportunities and resources that promote musical excellence
and celebrate the diverse cultures of Northern California and beyond.

Announcements


Congratulations to Our New Board Members!

Congratulations to Jing, Elizabeth, and Christian for being elected as Member-at-Large, Secretary, and President-Elect for the 2026-28 season! These new leaders will officially step into their roles on July 1, 2026, to help guide our organization forward.

We are grateful for their dedication to our community and for their willingness to share their time, talent, and leadership to support music education across Northern California. Please join us in welcoming them to the board, as we look forward to an amazing two years ahead.


Kodály Center Summer Observation & Concert Finale

School principals, administrators, music educators, and guests are welcome to join the Kodály Center at the University of Redlands for a special introduction to the Kodály approach to music education. Our NCAKE board will be in attendance to support and welcome all those who plan to attend, and we'd love to see you there as well!

Kodály envisioned a world singing in harmony with music in every classroom and quality teacher training, noting that there will be good music education in the schools only when we educate good teachers. See this vision in action during our summer session in San Anselmo!

Introduction to Kodály Observation Day

  • When: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  • Where: Founders Hall 105 Seminary Road, San Anselmo

  • Schedule: From 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, observe courses in pedagogy, musicianship, conducting choir, and more

  • Luncheon: Join faculty and participants for a luncheon from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

  • RSVP: Email Kathy Hickey or text her at 951-454-8205

2026 Concert Finale


NCAKE 2026-27 Workshop Season

We are thrilled to share a sneak peek at the upcoming season as we eagerly finalize an incredible lineup of workshops for the new school year!

While we are still putting the finishing touches on our schedule, we want you to mark your calendars now so you do not miss a single moment of learning and community.

Full details on pricing, special registration bundles, and our featured presenters will be shared as we get closer to the start of the new school year. For now, keep an eye out for these upcoming dates and get ready for an inspiring year of music-making together!


Become a member of NCAKE today!

Visit www.oake.org/become-a-member
Renew your membership using the same link.

Don’t forget to select NCAKE as your local chapter!

Full-time students join for FREE!
Enjoy discounted rates for workshops and chapter events!

NCAKE is an affiliate chapter of the Organization of American Kodály Educators. Click here to learn about the Kodály Concept.
Follow NCAKE on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Questions? Email us at info-at-NCAKE.org!


BRIGHT MORNING STARS ARE RISING

50th Anniversary Anthology, Kodály Center at Holy Names University 
Anne Laskey & Gail Needleman, Editors

This 50th Anniversary Anthology of the Kodály Center reflects the significant role the Kodály Center has played in implementing Zoltán Kodály's vision for music education in the United States and around the world.  

This collection of 26 articles explores the basic tenets of Kodály's vision:

  • That music is for everybody

  • That music literacy is a universal right and not a secret language for a select few

  • That singing is the most human and universal of instruments

  • That folk music and art music are the most beautiful and lasting of musical forms 

In realizing and implementing Kodály’s vision, these articles reflect on bringing Kodály’s ideas to American classrooms, along with articles that investigate Kodály's life and thought, and what these mean for us today.  The articles are complimented by writings of some of the many Hungarian master teachers who have worked with Holy Names faculty to develop higher levels of musicianship, excellent materials and clear pedagogical goals in music teacher education.   

Email info@kodalyfoundation.org with any questions


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