Click on the picture below to visit my YouTube channel. It features the Kodály philosophy in action!
Zoltan Kodály (1882-1967) was a Hungarian composer and musician who wanted to cultivate and preserve the music of his country. He wasn’t merely concerned with solfége, hand signs, canons, ostinati, and tuneful singing; he was devoted to giving Hungarians an integral part of a meaningful life. He understood that music was an important part of the human experience, and that compelled him to develop a way to effectively reach his fellow countrymen.
Through the research and refinement of his philosophy, Kodály outlined in the following ideas:
Why singing?
Through the research and refinement of his philosophy, Kodály outlined in the following ideas:
- The ability to read, write, and think music is the right of every human being.
- The human voice is the primary instrument in music instruction because it more easily connects the inner ear to music.
- Music instruction must begin as young as possible (at or before kindergarten) in order to be truly successful.
- Folk music is simple, accessible, and developmentally appropriate and therefore, is a logical foundation for the development of music skills and concepts.
- Only music of the highest quality - folk, art, and composed - should be used. “Only the best is good enough for a child.”
Why singing?
- Greater clarity of speech and increased vocabulary.
- It fosters emotional well being.
- One gains an understanding of rhythm and an awareness of dynamics which improves speech
fluency. - Singing helps us use our voices expressively which then translates to successful reading.
- Singing is one of the only known activities that engages the entire brain at once.