Kodaly Pedagogy- A Proven Approach
The students in Ms. Marth's elementary music program participate in a Kodaly music program. This is a comprehensive developmental approach to music literacy and appreciation. Zoltan Kodaly, a Hungarian composer and educator is the originator of this method. He believed that music is meant to develop one's entire being: personality, intellect and emotions. Kodaly focuses on child based and circular learning.
The essential and key elements of the Kodaly approach are:
Singing- The voice is the most natural instrument and one which every person posses. What we produce ourselves is ALWAYS better learned than something produced by others.
Development of the complete musician- In addition to reading and writing skills which are begun at the earliest stage, these skill areas are developed: part singing, improvisation, intonation, listening, memory and form.
Folk Music- Folk music is music of the people. There is no better material for singing than the songs and games used by children for centuries.
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Music and quality- only the best music should be used for teaching: folk music which represents cultures in the classroom and throughout history and the best music composed by master composers.
Sequencing- The presentation of materials and concepts and the development of skills are done in a well sequenced curriculum.
Solfege (Do, re, mi, fa, so la, ti, do)- Solfege is the best tool for developing the inner ear |