Introduction to the Kodály Method

Content of Course

Morning:

1. Introduction and explanation of the central tenets of the Kodály Concept of Education. Sound before symbol. Importance of an early start. The role and importance of a well-trained teacher. Folk music and singing as a basis.

2. Introducing the tools. Introduction to rhythm syllables. Introduction to learning solfa syllables and corresponding handsigns. Practising rhythm syllables and solfa syllables by analysing simple songs.

3. Using Kodály with pre-school and primary school children. Overview of goals year by year for the first 5 years of music tuition. ‘A joy and not a torture!’: introduction to popular games and rhymes with specific pedagogical goals. Using Kodály in the one-to-one instrumental lesson

Afternoon:

4. Kodály with older children-musicianship and classroom music. Developing inner hearing. Using solfa to understand major/minor relationships and transposition. More challenging games for older children/teenagers.

5. Using Kodály in preparation for the aural component of instrumental exams. Using solfa in preparation for the melodic echo test. Practising the rhythmic echo with rhythm syllables. Suggestions for preparing for the sightsinging test Grades 4-5. How to use the Kodály approach in the aural test for Grades 6-8.

6. Summing up. Advantages of the Kodály approach to music education. Areas in need of development/misuse of the approach. Q and A session.

Teaching method(s)

This will be a practical workshop.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should have:

• A good understanding of the basic concepts of the Kodály approach to music education;

• An ability to engage with and put into practise the main ‘tools’ of the Kodály method-use of rhythmic and solfa syllables, solfa handsigns, and stick notation;

• Acquired ideas about how to incorporate the Kodály approach into their own teaching practice.

Sources

Web Sources

http://www.britishkodalyacademy.org/kodaly_approach.htm

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided on the day.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.