About Us

What is KONC?

Kodály of North Carolina (KONC) is an affiliate chapter of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE).

The Organization of American Kodály Educators was founded in 1975. The mission of OAKE is to enrich the quality of life of the people of the USA through music education by promoting the philosophy of Zoltan Kodály.

KONC Executive Board

Left to Right: Jordan, Margy, Kathleen, Rose

Jordan Cochran, President

Jordan Cochran graduated in 2015 with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Gardner-Webb University, where she was first introduced to the Kodály Method. She has since taken her certification levels at the Carolina Kodály Institute in Hickory, NC. She has spent her career as an educator thus far teaching K-5 elementary music for the past 8 years.

Kathleen Nelson, President Elect

Kathleen Nelson is a passionate music educator with over two decades of inspiring young musicians at Trinity Academy in Raleigh, where she has been serving for 22 years. She teaches grades 2nd through 6th, nurturing their musical development and fostering a lifelong love of music. Her enthusiasm extends into her 4th through 6th grade choir, which brings her immense joy as she witnesses her students' growth and musical achievements.

A proud certified Kodály musician, Kathleen earned her Kodály certification from James Madison University—a rigorous program that underscores her commitment to musically enriching young learners through the proven methods of Zoltán Kodály.

Margy Greenlee-Butterfield, Treasurer

Margy Greenlee-Butterfield is a dedicated music educator with 29 years of experience teaching at Startown Elementary. A proud alumna of Lenoir-Rhyne College (now Lenoir-Rhyne University), she holds a Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in vocal music. In addition to teaching, she is an active performer and a passionate mentor, regularly hosting student teachers from Western Carolina University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Appalachian State University.

Margy is deeply involved in the local music community, assisting with the Newton-Conover and Maiden High School marching bands. Her students have performed at local, state, and national levels, a testament to her dedication and the high standards she brings to her classroom.

A member of NAfME and OAKE, her Kodály training was completed at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

At home in Startown, Margy enjoys life with her husband, their two youngest children, and their beloved pets—two cats, Zorro and Aria, and a dog named Elli. All four of her children share her love for music and have proudly participated in marching band.

Rose Everett, Secretary

Rose Everett currently teaches Pre-K to 2nd grade music with an active, joyful Kodály-inspired approach. She also leads a 1st and 2nd grade choir, building on her prior experience directing middle and high school choirs. She completed her Kodály levels and received a Masters of Music in Music Education at Capital University in Ohio. She enjoys making the world a little prettier, more organized, and, of course, more musical.

What is the Kodály Philosophy?

The Kodály concept is a philosophy of music education inspired by Hungarian composer and educator, Zoltan Kodály (1882 - 1967). Kodály believed that everyone is born with musical aptitude which should be developed as early as possible, first at home, then within the regular school curriculum. The aim is to instill a love of music in each child.

Singing is the foundation of children's musical development. Singing in tune is a learned behavior that almost all children can accomplish. Just as children develop language by hearing and imitating speech patterns, they learn to match pitch and singing in tune by hearing and imitating musical patterns. Next, singing in harmony further develops the ear, fosters artistry within groups of music makers, and creates a sense of community.

Kodály educators strive to familiarize students with America's unique musical culture, first with their own musical heritage, then by introducing, comparing, and contrasting such music with music of other ethnic backgrounds. Study of the musical components in folk song provides the foundation for understanding art music of all styles.

The Kodály approach is a dynamic, exciting way of teaching and learning based on the developmental readiness of the child. The process involves a sequential layering of skills and concepts designed to build success for every child. Understanding rhythm develops through use of movement activities and rhythmic syllables; melodic and harmonic understanding develops through the use of Solfege syllables (do, re, mi...) in the moveable "do" system, interval training, and hand signs. The process begins with singing games and leads to instrument playing, improvising, composing and arranging, reading and notating, analyzing, and evaluating. Comprehensive music literacy is the ultimate goal.

KONC is an affiliate chapter of the Organization of American Kodály Educators.

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