The 28th International Kodály Society Symposium celebrates the unifying power of music through the lens of Kodály’s philosophy, exploring the theme “Varied Cultures, Shared Experiences”. Bringing together educators, conductors, performers, and researchers from around the world, the Symposium will explore how diverse musical traditions connect communities and foster shared understanding. Kodály’s life-work inspires across multiple nations; from infancy to old age; in musical genres incorporating classical, folk, jazz and popular music; and in communities across amateur and professional, generalist and specialist.

Taking place in Cork, Ireland, the 2027 Symposium will be a celebration of every musical culture touched by Kodály. Through concerts, workshops, and presentations, participants will experience the richness of global musical cultures while reaffirming Kodály’s vision of music as a universal language. The Symposium will feature keynote speeches; paper, poster and workshop presentations; performances, and a number of social events and cultural excursions. Participants will engage in dialogue and learning with like-minded people from around the world, contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas and practices.

This is a chance to reflect on all aspects of the Kodály Concept and we invite participants to discuss how Kodály’s ideals have developed and transformed in varied cultures across the world. We are particularly interested in hearing how Kodály’s ideas have been adapted to new environments, whether these be different countries, musical genres, age groups or any other distinct setting.

The Call for Papers for the Symposium is now open for applications through our website. The sub-themes listed below may assist researchers, composers, educators, and musicians in the preparation of papers and workshops.

1. Shared Experiences in Musicology

We welcome all submissions in the fields of musicology and composition that share Kodály’s commitment to academic rigour and the pursuit of knowledge, in particular as expressed in less-represented cultures. Submissions relating to Kodály’s compositions, composers from other countries who shared Kodály’s ideals, historical research and critical editions are particularly welcome.

2. Shared Experiences in Folk Music

We welcome all submissions on the topic of folk music in fulfilment of Kodály’s vision of world music as “a great fugue in which the various nations alternately sound”. Papers and panel discussions on folk music research, lecture recitals based on a country or group’s folk music and workshops sharing a folk tradition with the audience are particularly welcome.

3. Shared Experiences in Performance

We welcome all submissions relating to vocal and instrumental performance that uphold Kodály’s ideals of inclusion, spiritual nourishment and the pursuit of excellence. Submissions relating to performance in a variety of cultures, including community and amateur settings, and musical genres across classical, popular, jazz and folk music from all countries and groups are particularly welcome.

4.  Shared Experiences in Music Education

We welcome all submissions in the area of music education that build on Kodály’s one-hundred-year plan to “let music belong to everyone!” In response to the Symposium theme “Varied Cultures, Shared Experiences” we particularly welcome papers, panel discussions, posters and workshops that showcase international adaptations of the Kodály principle; Kodály as used in early years, tertiary and instrumental settings; and innovative approaches to teaching all genres of music.

Submission Categories

1. Spoken Paper Presentations:
· Academic papers may relate to research in the fields of musicology, folk music, performance or music education, and include research findings, methodologies, or theoretical insights relevant to the symposium themes.
· Each presentation lasts 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of discussion.

2. Practice-based Presentations:

· Reports on the presenter(s)’ practice in areas related to the symposium themes: reports on teaching or performance experiences; presentation of informal research findings.

· Each presentation lasts 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of discussion.

3. Workshops:
· Practice-oriented sessions: hands-on, interactive sessions aimed at practical applications of the Kodály principles in various contexts relevant to the symposium themes.
· Each workshop lasts 40 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of discussion.

4. Lecture-Recitals:
· Performances supplemented by discussion of musical, historical, theoretical or cultural elements of the works, which may be accompanied by a slide deck or notes for the audience.

· Music by Kodály and/or composers sharing similar characteristics, such as a connection to national culture or an educational emphasis may be presented. Presenters must use their own instruments, apart from piano which will be provided.

· Applicants must include in their proposal a link to an online audio or video file representative of the proposed recital content, as well as a list of requirements (e.g., piano, music stand, space for dance demonstration). 
· Duration: 40 minutes

5. Panel Discussions:

· Groups of two to four presenters may propose a panel consisting of two, three, or four presentations of fifteen minutes each, centred around a common theme.

· Panels will be accepted or rejected in total; the Programme Committee will not break up panels in order to accept individual papers. 

· The panel chair is responsible for submitting:

• A proposal for the panel as a whole; 
• Individual proposals for each presenter/performer on the panel. Chairs are advised to gather all necessary contact information from individual presenters before submission.

6. Poster Presentations:
· The poster format provides an opportunity for delegates to meet informally with presenters and discuss their research. Presenters prepare a poster which will be displayed throughout the course of the symposium.
· At the poster session, presenters may briefly introduce their topic and answer questions (5 minutes max).

Abstract Requirements

· Length: Maximum 300 words
· Language: Abstracts must be submitted in English. Presentations and workshops in languages other than English are permitted, but presenters must provide English translations and/or summaries of their content. Please indicate at the time of submission if you plan to present in a language other than English.
· Content: Abstracts should cover background, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions for spoken papers. Workshops should outline objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
· Submission: Abstracts must be submitted via the submission link on the Symposium website, and should include a title, author(s) information. 
· Deadline: 11 October, 2026

Membership requirement: All participants must hold an active membership in the International Kodály Society (full individual, student, or retired persons’ membership) to attend the symposium. By submitting your abstract, you agree to obtain or renew your membership by the time of registration for the symposium. For details, please visit the IKS website, or contact the IKS office.