The Kodaly Method of Music Education

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Zoltan Kodly

What is the Kodaly

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Method?:

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The Kodaly Method is a way

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of developing musical skills

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and teaching musical

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concepts beginning in very

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young children. This method

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uses folk songs, Curwen

hand signs, pictures,
In the Kodaly Method, singing is stressed as the foundation for
musicianship. Getty Images

movable-do, rhythm symbols

and syllables. It was first
introduced in Hungary but is

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

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Who created this method?:

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

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Hungarian composer, author, educator and

this method wasn't exactly invented by

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Kodaly, it was developed by his colleagues

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and students in the mid-20th century based

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Singing is the foundation of musical

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Music education must begin with the very

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What were Zoltan Kodaly's goals and

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philosophies?:
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The importance of using folk music (native

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By Lee Jamieson
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Zoltan Kodaly. Zoltan Kodaly was a

expert on Hungarian folk songs. Although

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folk songs and folk songs of other countries)

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and music of high artistic value.

Incorporating games, movement, playing instruments, reading and writing music with
singing.
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.
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Songs that are in the pentatonic scale are

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

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way the child's biogenetical development is

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natural and, on the other, this is what is

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demanded by a rational pedagogical

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sequence." Other songs that may be used

05/05/15 00:34

The Kodaly Method of Music Education

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

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What are the musical instruments used?:

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The voice is 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, including xylophones and recorders.
What is a typical lesson like and what are the key concepts learned?:

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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
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 Prices
Additional 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

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The Kodaly Method of Music Education

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

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The Kodaly Method of Music Education

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

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