Kodály Philosophy

The Kodály concept is a philosophy of music education inspired by Hungarian composer and educator, Zoltan Kodály (1882 - 1967). Kodály believed that everyone is born with musical aptitude which should be developed as early as possible, first at home, then within the regular school curriculum. The aim is to instill a love of music in each child.

Singing is the foundation of children's musical development. Singing in tune is a learned behavior that almost all children can accomplish. Just as children develop language by hearing and imitating speech patterns, they learn to match pitch and singing in tune by hearing and imitating musical patterns. Next, singing in harmony further develops the ear, fosters artistry within groups of music makers, and creates a sense of community.

 Kodály educators strive to familiarize students with America's unique musical culture, first with their own musical heritage, then by introducing, comparing, and contrasting such music with music of other ethnic backgrounds. Study of the musical components in folk song provides the foundation for understanding art music of all styles.

The Kodály approach is a dynamic, exciting way of teaching and learning based on the developmental readiness of the child. The process involves a sequential layering of skills and concepts designed to build success for every child. Understanding rhythm develops through use of movement activities and rhythmic syllables; melodic and harmonic understanding develops through the use of Solfege syllables (do, re, mi...) in the moveable "do" system, interval training, and hand signs. The process begins with singing games and leads to instrument playing, improvising, composing and arranging, reading and notating, analyzing, and evaluating. Comprehensive music literacy is the ultimate goal.