What is the Kodaly Method

7/29/2019 What is the Kodaly Method

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http://musiced.about.com/od/lessonplans/p/kodalymethod.htm

What is the Kodaly Method?:

The Kodaly Method is a way of developing musical skills and teaching musical concepts

beginning in very young children. This method usesfolk songs,Curwen hand signs, pictures,

movable-do, rhythm symbols and syllables. It was first introduced in Hungary but is now used in

many countries, either alone or in combination with other methods.

Who created this method?:

The Kodaly Method is an approach to music education based on the philosophies ofZoltan

Kodaly. Zoltan Kodaly was a Hungarian composer, author, educator and expert on Hungarian

folk songs. Although this method wasn't exactly invented by Kodaly, it was developed by his

colleagues and students in the mid-20th century based on his teachings.

What were Zoltan Kodaly's goals and philosophies?:

Elevate the level of teacher training. Improve musical literacy in schools. Everyone is capable and has the right to musical literacy. Singing is the foundation of musical learning. Music education must begin with the very young. The importance of using folk music (native folk songs and folk songs of other countries)

and music of high artistic value.

Incorporating games, movement, playing instruments, reading and writing music withsinging.

Sequential process following a child's natural learning development:Aural - oral - kinesthetic

Written - pictoral - abstract

Read - recognized

What types of music and instruments are used in the classroom?:

Songs of high artistic value, both folk and composed, are used in the Kodaly classroom. Songs

that are in thepentatonic scaleare emphasized at the beginning level. According to Kodaly,

"Nobody wants to stop at pentatony. But, indeed, the beginnings must be made there; on the

one hand, in this way the child's biogenetical development is natural and, on the other, this is

what is demanded by a rational pedagogical sequence." Other songs that may be used include

chants, dancing songs,lullabies, nursery rhymes, songs for circle games and story songs.
http://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/tp/folksongs.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/tp/folksongs.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/tp/folksongs.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/famousmusicians1/p/johncurwen.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/famousmusicians1/p/johncurwen.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/famousmusicians1/p/johncurwen.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/20thcentury/p/zoltankodaly.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/20thcentury/p/zoltankodaly.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/20thcentury/p/zoltankodaly.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/20thcentury/p/zoltankodaly.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/qt/pentatonic.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/qt/pentatonic.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/qt/pentatonic.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/a/lullabies.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/a/lullabies.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/a/lullabies.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/a/lullabies.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/qt/pentatonic.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/20thcentury/p/zoltankodaly.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/20thcentury/p/zoltankodaly.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/famousmusicians1/p/johncurwen.htmhttp://musiced.about.com/od/lessonsandtips/tp/folksongs.htm


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What are the musical instruments used? :

Thevoiceis the main musical instrument of this method. In his words, "Singing connected with

movements and action is a much more ancient, and, at the same time, more complex

phenomenon than is a simple song." Various rhythm and tonal instruments are also used,

includingxylophonesandrecorders.

What is a typical lesson like and what are the key concepts learned?:

Although the Kodaly Method follows a set sequence, the materials used in teaching musical

concepts varies depending on the age of the student. The sequence followed may be simplified

as: listen - sing - understand - read and write - create.

Using this method under the guidance of a certified Kodaly teacher, students can develop

listening skills, sight-singing, ear training, learn how to play instruments, compose, improvise,

sing, dance, analyze, read and write music.

Zoltan Kodaly Quotes:

"Only art of intrinsic value is suitable for children! Everything else is harmful.

We should read music in the same way that an educated adult will read a book: in silence, but

imagining the sound.

"To teach a child an instrument without first giving him preparatory training and without

developing singing, reading and dictating to the highest level along with the playing is to build

upon sand.

"Teach music and singing at school in such a way that it is not a torture but a joy for the pupil;

instill a thirst for finer music in him, a thirst which will last for a lifetime."

Free Kodaly Lesson Plans:

Lesson plan by Christina Lessman Kodaly Beat Lesson Lesson plan by Mathew Doublestein A Musical Reflection on VELS Kodaly Methods for the Christian Classroom

Essential Kodaly Books:

Selected Writings of Zoltn Kodly - Compare Prices The Kodly Method I - Compare Prices
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The Kodaly Method II - Compare Prices Kodaly Today - Compare Prices The Kodly Method: Comprehensive Music Education from Infant to Adult - Compare

Prices

Kodaly in Kindergarten - Compare PricesAdditional Information:

The following resources will help you learn more about the Kodaly Method, teacher certification

and other pertinent information:

Organization of American Kodly Educators The British Kodaly Academy Kodaly Music Education Institute of Australia Kodaly Institute International Kodaly Society

Music Education Methods

The Orff Approach The Suzuki Method The Dalcroze Method

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What is the Kodaly Method