Julia Piggin

Julia is a music graduate of the University of Melbourne as a chief study piano student under Max Cooke and second study composition student under Bernard de Oliveira. Inspired and guided by the lunchtime recitals of Margaret Schofield, and the choral direction of Keith Humble, Julia has performed as an accompanist throughout her professional working life, initially with the Monash Uni Choral Society and for many years, as chief accompanist with Young Voices of Melbourne.

Her early musical influences in the world of Kodály-based teaching methodology have been Jean Heriot, Marion Stafford, and Mark O’Leary in Melbourne and James Cuskelly in Brisbane. She has studied privately with Piroska Varga, herself a graduate of the Liszt Academy

A private study tour of the Franz Liszt Academy, the Kodály School in Kescemet and the Kodály Institute in 2003 confirmed a quality of teaching, previously unseen in Melbourne. The musical skills of the students and the richness of the choral sound with such immaculate rhythmic precision remain unforgettable.

Julia has been member of the Victorian Branch Committee of KMEIA since the year 2001, making a pivotal contribution in the conception and delivery of many successful events on the Victorian calendar, including the establishment of the annual Autumn Seminar. She has been a key contributor to the development of the Kodály Primary Teacher Training course in Victoria also presenting courses in South Australia and NSW and workshops in regional Victoria and in Tasmania.

“Julia’s workshop presentations are engaging and well researched, solidly embedded in Kodály philosophy while demonstrating originality of thought and application to the greater world of music. She currently teaches at Scotch College and is generous in providing mentorship and opportunities for teachers to observe her work. Julia provides an excellent example as a fine musician and accompanist in her own right and is called upon to accompany at many KMEIA Victoria events and concerts. The “Sound to Symbol” workbooks written by Julia are an excellent resource for the Kodály based music classroom.”

Susan Searle, KMEIA National Conference, 2016

Julia remains a student of life in general and the Kodály approach to music education in particular. A well executed short macchiato, never too far away, assists with this.

Honorary Life Members

Latest News

International Katalin Forrai Award Tribute Concert

Recently a concert was held to honour Judy Johnson, recipient of the 2023 International Katalin Forrai Award. Judy is known to many in our community for her incredible contribution to Kodály-inspired music education in Australia and abroad. A recording of the concert can be …
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Sarolta Kodály Scholarship I for 2024-25

The International Kodály Society (IKS) has recently announced the Sarolta Kodály Scholarship I. The scholarship supports postgraduate study undertaken during the 2024-25 academic year at the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Academy. Applications are due no later than 15 January 2024. Full information, …
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Season’s Greetings from Kodály Australia

As we approach the end of 2023, I offer best wishes from Kodály Australia for the festive season and new year ahead. Much has been achieved this year, including: Special events to celebrate 50 years of Kodály Australia More than …
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2024 Awards for Excellence in Australian Kodály-inspired Music Education

It is an honour to introduce the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Australian Kodály-inspired Music Education. These awards aim to recognise members of our community who in the past two years have made an exceptional contribution and impact in one of …
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IKS Scholarship

The International Kodály Society offers fee waiver scholarships to support participation in Kodály-inspired professional development. The closing date is 1 November 2023. Full information including selection criteria and eligibility is available on the IKS website. With best wishes Jason Boron …
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