Origin - Although the method wasn't exactly invented by Zoltan Kodaly, there is no doubt it developed under his guidance during the 1940's and 50's. Zoltan Kodaly was born in Hungary and learned how to play the violin, piano and cello without formal schooling. He went on to write music and became close friends with Bartók. He received his Ph.D and gained critical praise for his works, especially music that was meant for children. He composed a lot of music, put on concerts with young musicians, wrote many articles and conducted lectures. Kodaly died in 1967.
Philosophy - That music education is most effective when started early and that everyone is capable of musical literacy. Singing is stressed as the foundation for musicianship and the use of folk and composed music of high artistic value. Music is the core curriculum.
Technique - Students listen to native folk songs that will expand to the great music of other countries and cultures as the lessons progresses. They will play musical instruments, sing and dance from memory as they achieve mastery of musical skills. Children will learn how to read music and compose. Some of the tools used in the Kodaly Method are the tonic sulfa, hand signals and rhythmic duration syllables.
Parent's Role - The parent takes a passive role, it is the music teacher who will be the primary instructor. The method is sequenced and structured, closely relating to a child's natural development.
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