As we near the end of 2024, I extend my warmest wishes on behalf of Kodály Australia for a joyful festive season and new year ahead. 

This year, there has been an extensive offering of professional learning activities provided for members, including:  

• The Kodály Australia National Conference in Naarm/Melbourne convened by Renée Heron and Kodály Vic.

• More than 40 inspiring face-to-face and online professional learning activities hosted by branches and chapters featuring local, national and international presenters. 

• Our most extensive offering of Australian Kodály Certificate (AKC) courses in several years by Kodály NSW, Kodály Qld, Kodály SA, Kodály Vic, Kodály WA and the Cuskelly College of Music. 

• The delivery of the fifth Musical Foundations course by Kodály SA as part of the South Australian Music Education Strategy. 

These events have only been possible due to the support of our members. I thank all who have generously shared their expertise and practice as presenters, and acknowledge the significant contribution made by the National Council, branch and chapter committee members who have volunteered their time to facilitate these professional development opportunities for our community. 

I also acknowledge the incredible work of our National Administrator, Margie Francis, who led the migration of the membership database to our new Wild Apricot service. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, particularly given that Kodály Australia recorded over 1000 active members in November of this year. 

As a community, we congratulate and celebrate:

• Sue Beech (Qld) and Katharine Finlayson (ACT) who were awarded Honorary Life Membership of Kodály Australia. 

• Recipients of the Awards for Excellence in Kodály-inspired Music Education: Gillian Archer (WA), Deb Brydon (Qld) & Debbie O’Shea (Qld), Alexandra Dalman (SA), Belinda Dolan (Qld), Stephanie Eaton (SA), Susan Fredline (Qld), Ruth Friend (Vic), Dr Jason Goopy, (Qld/WA), Kimberley Lloyd (WA), Dr Anna Mlynek-Kalman (Vic), Hilary Price (WA) and Suriya Umpathysivam (SA).  

• Members who were awarded the Australian Kodály Certificate: Nikki Berry (Primary), Veronica Butcher (Primary), Johanna Clark (Early Childhood), Naomi Cooper (Primary), Alexandra Dalman (Primary), John Duncan (Primary), Loren Easterbrook (Primary), Cassandra Muir (Primary), Bonnie Ng (Early Childhood), Jamil Osman (Primary), Sally Oxenberry (Primary), Freya Petersen (Primary), Beth Vallentine (Primary) and Emily Walker (Primary). 

• Hilary Price (WA), Peter Shanhun (WA) and Johannes van der Sandt (South Africa), who became accredited lecturers of the AKC. 

• Dr Anna van Veldhuisen (Vic), who completed the Doctor of Education program at The University of Melbourne on Australian secondary music teachers’ enactments of Kodály-inspired professional learning.  

• Peter Guy (NSW) and Kate Schultz (WA), who completed the Master of Arts in Kodály Music Pedagogy along with Jenny Ferris (Vic) and Gemma Ryan (WA), who continue their studies at theKodály Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Hungary.  

• Russell Lindsay (WA), Stephanie Insanally (SA), John Goulter (Qld) and Peter Guy (NSW), who were recipients of scholarships offered by the International Kodály Society during 2023-24.  

Looking ahead to 2025, I encourage you to visit the Kodály Australia website for the latest information about our events. Some fantastic professional development opportunities have already been announced, with more to be added in the new year. Please also check for the most recent details about 2025 AKC Course offerings by accredited providers.  

We also look forward to the International Kodály Symposium, held in Kecskemét, Hungary, from 4-8 August 2025. The call for presentationshas been extended until 31 December 2024, so there is still time to apply. If you are looking for opportunities closer to home, please save the date for our next Kodály Australia Conference hosted by Kodály SA in Adelaide from 26 September to 1 October 2026. 

Finally, thank you sincerely for your continued membership and support of Kodály Australia. I look forward to working with you in 2025 as we advance Kodály-inspired music education in Australia. 

With best wishes

Jason Boron
President
Kodály Australia