Music in Hungary Program

Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Hungary

Are you a music major who is looking for an exciting study abroad opportunity?  Would you like to study at one of the most prestigious music institutions in the world?  Capital University has a proud tradition of working with the Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary.  Zoltán Kodály, whom the institution is named for, believed that music education was a lifelong process that begins with training teachers to provide enjoyable musical experiences to young students.  As the students mature, they will grow to appreciate the beauty found in music.  The Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music follows the belief of its namesake that a good musician should possess a well-trained ear, a well-trained intelligence, a well-trained heart and a well-trained hand.  Not only will you study the Kodály philosophy of music, you will also learn about the importance of music in Hungarian culture.  Students who participate in the program, both live and learn in Hungarian culture, and may earn up to 21 semester hours of college credit.  Capital University is the only school in the United States with a direct exchange program with Kodály.  This is a unique opportunity for students who are strong music majors and will provide memories that will last a lifetime!  

About the City:

Kecskemét is a bustling town of around 100,000 people located between the Tisza and Danube rivers.  The city has natural mineral baths and is surrounded by forests. There are many restaurants, museums and stores found in Art Nouveau, Eclectic and Baroque style buildings.  A beautiful Franciscan monastery built in 1736 is the home of the Institute, which was remodeled during the years of 1973-1975.  The Main Square is commonly referred to as the most beautiful downtown in the country.

About the Institute:

The Institute still retains much of its 18th century furnishings and atmosphere.  Classrooms and faculty offices are located on the lower floors while student facilities and residential rooms are located on the upper level.  The Kodály Institute attracts many students worldwide.  All classes are taught in English, so there is no need for translators or proficiency in the Hungarian language.  The Kodály Institute is the home of two libraries, with one devoted entirely to research and the other Zoltán Kodály’s life and music theory.  The libraries contain over 22,000 scores and 7,000 books available to all students.  Students study piano and voice performance, performance on any instrument, music education, conducting and accompanying.  An emphasis is placed on becoming a better musician.  The student will benefit from small class sizes.  By studying all subjects at the same time, the student will improve in all areas of music performance.  By the end of the program of study, the student will not only increase performance, but will have a broader understanding and appreciation for music as well.  Pianos are located in personal living spaces for convenience.  

Course Offerings (all courses are taught in English by Institute faculty ):

• Applied Music
• Chamber Ensemble
• Chamber Music
• Choral conducting and Choral work
• Conducting
• Ensemble
• Folk Music*
• Hungarian Culture and Language*
• Methodology*
• Music Literature
• Score Study*
• Solfége and Advanced Theory of Music
• Piano
• Voice Training

*Indicates optional study

Download the PDF with detailed course descriptions .

Student Life:

The student rooms, which are located on the upper level of the Kodály Institute, are equipped with a piano and a sound system.  Shared restrooms are just down the hall, whereas washbasins are located in each student’s bedroom.  All students are responsible for preparing their own meals and the Institute provides a common kitchen available to all.  Because there are over 15 different countries represented at the Kodály Institute, the students often celebrate various national holidays and festivals together.  
“The best part of studying abroad was meeting new people.  There were over 15 different countries represented at the Institute.  We learned so much from each other, sharing both a love of music and our own distinct cultures.  Living abroad allowed me to connect with so many people who have enriched my life in many ways – It is an experience that I will never forget.”  ~ Rachel Mauricio

Orientation

When first arriving in Hungary , an orientation period will begin to familiarize students with Hungarian culture.  This will allow students to feel they are a part of the country as they experience the friendly Hungarian culture.  Traditional Hungarian food will be served to students at czardas located throughout Hungary .  Students will learn about the rich history of Hungary including the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire and the previous period of communism. Some of the cities and attractions students will see during orientation include:

• Eger – Town and castle tour, wine tasting of famous bull’s blood wine
• Opusztaszer – National Historical Memorial Park tour and Panorama painting
• Kalocsa – Embroidery and Paprika Museum tour
• Szeged – Salami Museum , Synagogue Tour
• Sopron – Organ concert
• Esterházy   Palace- known as the “Hungarian Versailles”, court conductor for almost 30 years was Josef Haydn

Week and/or Weekend Trips

Students will have the option to travel throughout Europe in groups or on their own, depending on how much time they have and their own personal resources.   Tours students have planned include:

• Krakow , Poland – Auschwitz
• Milan , Venice , Rome , Florence and Piza , Italy
• Vienna , Austria – city of musicians
• Prague , Czech Republic – Castle tour

Some students make arrangements to travel to other countries in Europe during a one week break offered over the course of the study abroad experience.  In the past, students have traveled to:   Romania, Serbia, Ireland, England, Germany, Slovakia, and France. 

Personal Expenses

During the course of the semester, former students have spent around $2,300. This amount includes living expenses, weekend trips, and a week long vacation. This amount can increase for those who purchase many souvenirs/gifts and for those who travel to many other places.  Keep in mind that countries that use the Euro are much more expensive than those that do not.   

How can you apply?

The Zoltán Kodály Music Program is offered through Capital University is open to students from Capital University and other U.S. colleges and universities.  Interested sophomore and junior music majors who have at least a 3.0 G.P.A. are eligible to apply.  Please include the following materials in your completed application:

• A completed application form and Institute Questionnaire
• Two recommendation forms (1 from your applied music professor and 1 from an additional music professor)
• An official transcript
• An essay on why you would like to be involved in the Kodály program
• A performance audio tape or CD of two contrasting pieces performed on your major instrument
• Name, email and phone number of a professional reference.
• A musical assessment from your home school – contact smathis@capital.edu for assessment materials

Once a completed application packet has been received, it will be sent to the Capital University faculty member who supervises the program.  Then, a review of the entire application and an aural skills assessment for the student will take place.  If you are interested in applying to the Hungary Program through Capital University, please send your application packets to:

 

Jennifer Adams Capital University Office of International Education 1 College and Main Columbus, OH  43209-2394 (614) 236-6170

Dr. Sandra Mathias Capital University Conservatory of Music 1 College and Main Columbus, OH  43209-2394 (614) 236-6267

Classes begin in early September and end in mid-December.  It is left to the decision of the student when they would like to return to the United States at the end of the program.  Students may opt to stay for a second semester in the spring.  Please contact Capital University for updated program cost and date information.