In the Old Testament days of King David, Chenaniah was in charge of the singing; he instructed in singing because he was skillful (1 Chron. 15:22;27). Similarly, the Chenaniah Summer Music Institute aims to equip music teachers with the skills needed to better teach singing and music literacy to those in the communities and churches where they labor. We offer all instruction through the lens of a Christian worldview. In this two-week intensive training session, participants will receive an education in singing-based music training emphasizing music literacy-driven pedagogy.
This comprehensive approach to music education uses a sequential curriculum of games, folk music, and singing to inspire students of all ages to love music and develop musical literacy skills. The unique part of this course of study is its integration of Christianity with the Kodály and Suzuki methods. This pairing will entail classes that examine music and theology and how a biblical worldview can affect and permeate music teaching.
David Erb and Jarrod Richey founded the Chenaniah Summer Music Institute in 2017 with a vision to assist musicians and music educators in their abilities to train a generation of musicians in our schools and churches. The Chenaniah Summer Music Institute offers three tracks each summer: Kodály Music, String Pedagogy, and Advanced Conducting Tracks.
Participants begin arriving Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon for our Sunday evening orientation. Classes go from Monday, July 7, through Friday, July 18, 2025, with no official class meetings over the weekend. Students typically have individual/group projects and homework during the weekend. CSMI Kodály certification can be obtained upon the successful completion of all three levels of instruction over three summers.
The course is designed for the musician/music educator or those further desiring training and equipping in teaching and advancing music literacy in their churches, schools, and communities. Ordinarily, participants should have collegiate-level music instruction from an undergraduate or graduate degree in music.
Learn musical pedagogies from an integrated biblical worldview with application and tailoring for Classical Christian school music, choir, and/or orchestra teachers.
Our highly accomplished staff has years of classroom experience, particularly in classical schools and churches.
Undergraduate credit, graduate credit, and non-credit options are available for those who need them.
The chance to visit the beautiful Northwest in the Summer and enjoy the fabulous culture of Moscow, Idaho and take classes in the downtown campus of New Saint Andrews College.
CSMI tuition is the same for all three tracks in the program.
2-week Course Tuition: $900.00 (does not include books, travel, or lodging)
Additionally, attendees will also need to purchase and have certain Textbooks/Materials for the class. Not all books used will be required each year and most books and materials will be used each subsequent summer. $250 is a general estimate of books, workbooks, and resource books that will be needed over the course. The New Saint Andrews College Bookstore offers most of the materials. Students can opt to purchase elsewhere if desirable, or some students have borrowed from others who have previously taken the course.
Any student wishing to transfer specifically into the Kodály Certification course from another similar course may be subject to the transfer credit and fees depending on the type of enrollment. Please inquire about this possibility.
