Loyola鈥檚 American Kod谩ly Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in Music Education
July 2025 marks a significant milestone for the American Kod谩ly Institute (AKI) at 黑料不打烊: 25 years of training music educators through the Kod谩ly approach. Founded in 2000, AKI has grown into a nationally recognized leader in graduate-level Kod谩ly music education, offering a rich and rigorous curriculum rooted in singing, musicianship, and pedagogy.
This anniversary celebrates the legacy of musical excellence and the vibrant community of educators, faculty, and students who have shaped the Institute over the last quarter century.
The American Kod谩ly Institute 25th anniversary was commemorated with the program鈥檚 annual welcome dinner and folk dance, a beloved tradition among AKI students. Folk dance caller Janine Smith led the evening, accompanied by local musicians who brought energy and warmth to the event.
AKI also hosted its celebratory concert featuring performances by the graduate choir, faculty, and alums. During the event, this year鈥檚 graduates were awarded their Kod谩ly certificates and joined together in a final performance with their class.
Founded on the principles of Hungarian composer and educator Zolt谩n Kod谩ly, AKI emphasizes sequential music literacy, cultural awareness, and joyful music-making. Loyola鈥檚 program remains one of the few in the country to offer both a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Kod谩ly Music Education and a Kod谩ly Certificate program.
鈥淭he 25th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of music education and quality musical experiences,鈥� said Lauren Crocker, director of the American Kod谩ly Institute. 鈥淓very summer, our students intensely hone their skills in ear training, research, curriculum writing, and choral arts. This dedication transforms AKI graduates into leaders in their fields. It is exciting that our students and alumni are providing quality musical experiences for thousands of learners and concert goers each year. They go forth and share their knowledge and gifts wholeheartedly, building community and exalting the Kod谩ly philosophy of music for everyone.鈥�
The AKI鈥檚 immersive curriculum draws music educators from across the U.S., offering intensive coursework in musicianship, pedagogy, conducting, folk song, and research. All faculty are active practitioners, authors, and performers who bring national and international experience to their teaching.
鈥淭he American Kod谩ly Institute reflects the School of Education鈥檚 commitment to culturally responsive, transformative education,鈥� said Dr. Afra Hersi, dean of Loyola鈥檚 School of Education. 鈥淲e are proud of AKI鈥檚 impact on the field of music education and honored to celebrate this milestone with the dedicated students and faculty who have made it possible.鈥�
As it enters its second quarter-century, the AKI remains committed to preparing music educators, welcoming new voices, expanding access through workshops and partnerships, and advancing the legacy of Kod谩ly-inspired education for future generations.
Learn more about Loyola鈥檚 American Kod谩ly Institute and its graduate programs in music education.