Vestavia Teachers To Earn Top Music Education Certification

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL - Two Vestavia Hills teachers recently completed training in a nationally-renowned music education program. Deanna Bell and Trudye Confessore are getting certified in the Kodály Concept, becoming two of only a handful of teaxchers in the state with that certification.

Bell, music teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, completed Level III training this summer in the Kodály Concept and is now a certified Kodály educator. Confessore, music teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary West, completed Level II training and will have the opportunity to earn certification next summer.

There are fewer than ten certified Kodály educators in Alabama, according to Dr. Becky Halliday, director of the University of Montevallo’s Kodály Institute where both teachers completed their training. The Kodály Concept is based on the teaching practices of Zoltán Kodály, a prominent Hungarian composer and musician in the early 20th century, who believed that music could be used to develop a person’s intellectual and emotional personality.

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“This approach begins with the singing voice, utilizing culturally relevant musical material to teach concepts such as rhythm, melody, form, and expression,” Halliday said.

Kodály certification is a rigorous process that spans three years and develops a teacher’s musical and pedagogical skills. Bell and Confessore participated in training which included developing skills in choir and conducting, researching folk music, and learning new strategies for curriculum development.
“In a Kodály classroom, children engage in activities that reinforce skills related to cognitive, social and emotional development,” Halliday said.

Bell described Kodály certification as the most challenging form of professional development for a music teacher. “I actually cried when I received my certificate,” Bell said. “Because I knew that it would make my students and I better musicians.”

Confessore said she elected to participate in the training so that she could maximize her time with students.
“As I see my students only once a week, it’s important for my instruction with my classes to have the greatest impact,” Confessore said. “The Kodály method has been around for years, but only recently have courses been offered locally. I’m thankful to the University of Montevallo and the Vestavia Hills Board of Education for supporting our professional development in this endeavor.”

Photo via Vestavia Hills City Schools