WHO ARE THE HAPPIEST MUSICIANS?

a) Bell Ringers
b) Trumpeters playing the Hallelujah Chorus
c) Ukulele players
d) ABBA fans
e) Students on a BKA course?

The British Kodály Academy (BKA) is proud to announce its Spring Course 2018, taking place at Telford Innovation Campus, from Wednesday 4th to Saturday 7th April 2018.

Why are we the happiest students?

Quite simply, the Kodály concept is the best music education philosophy ever developed. Music belongs to everyone, and our courses are open to all. The person who has joined their first choir, and sung for the first time since leaving school, is as happy in this environment as the professional singer or music teacher.

Singing is at the heart of everything we do, and mornings are taken up with Choir and Musicianship classes, delivered by our incredibly talented team of Hungarian and British tutors. The feedback we receive from these sessions is excellent, and people come back year after year to refresh and improve their skills. Musicianship leaves everyone buzzing, and every day someone describes a “life-changing” or “lightbulb” moment.

Forget rote learning of intervals or slogging through theory workbooks. In our Musicianship classes you will hear and understand everything first, through simple melodies and games. At the beginner level this includes singing in tune and developing harmony and listening skills. Jealous of your “perfect pitch” friends? Learn to hear chord progressions, name intervals and work out tunes by ear.

The focus of this year’s Spring Course will be Composition and Improvisation, and we are delighted to welcome two fabulous new presenters:

Dr Zsófia Tallér – A leading classical composer from Hungary.

Writing for children’s choirs, the harmonisation of folk songs,
building up small classical forms

Zsófia is a graduate of the Liszt Academy of Music. A classical composer, also well-known for her theatre and film music. Her pieces have been performed by top-ranking artists and orchestras in Hungary and abroad.

Chris Rupp from the USA. Founder of the a cappella group Home Free.

Contemporary songwriting and building up an a cappella piece.

Chris has more than 20 years’ experience as a professional musician and vocalist, and his expert arrangements and sublime singing have been wowing audiences worldwide. He has collaborated with the likes of Kenny Rogers and Pentatonix; and guest-lectured at many US national events in the world of vocal music.

We also welcome back the delightful:

Dr Árpád Tóth, a renowned musician, teacher and conductor from Hungary, who will lead inspirational sessions in choir, musicianship and choral improvisation.

Allan Hubert-Wright from France, whose singing lessons and vocal workshops deliver professional expertise at the highest level, combined with warmth and humour.

And new for this year – Early Childhood Music Education – a certificate methodology strand led by Lucinda Geoghegan, not only hugely experienced but also bags of fun. For pre-school and infant teachers; develop the skills to introduce young children to the joys of music.

Who should come to a BKA course?

In short – everyone! Composition, improvisation and arranging are crucial skills for music students, teachers, conductors, singers and musicians in all fields.

Anyone wanting to improve their pitching, singing technique, music reading, listening, harmony, sightreading, theory or aural skills. Adult beginners with a love of music, or experienced musicians striving for a deeper understanding of the music they play.

Simultaneously thorough and fun, BKA courses bring together people from all walks of life, and all genres of music, who immerse themselves in a world of sheer joy.

Book your place now at Spring Course Booking