Zoltán Kodály was an educator, pedagogue, musician, ethnomusicologist, and philosopher. Born in Hungary in the late 1800s, he believed that music was for everyone. He wanted people to know the joy of music and understand high quality music. Kodály and Bartók studied and retrieved folk songs in the remote areas of Hungary. Folk music is considered of the highest quality, because it has lasted through the ages. Passed down through the oral tradition, only the best pieces and versions have survived. These folk songs were used in his music philosophy and compositional works. His philosophy to teaching music focuses on preparing students for success, while leading them to become independent musicians.