Who is Zoltan Kodály?

A prominent Hungarian composer and musician who directed a significant portion of his creative endeavours to the musical education of the Hungarian nation. As he became aware of the great need to improve the quality of singing and music training of teachers and children alike. Folk music provided inspiration, as well as the musical basis, for many of the compositions. By 1929 he was determined to reform the teaching of music and to make it an integral part of the education of every child.

Why a Kodály-Inspired Curriculum?

• The importance of music education: Kodály himself was a firm believer in the value of early childhood music education. His entire method is based upon the concept that very young children are the most adept learners of musical principles.
• Teaching logically: Even though the system encourages freedom of expression and improvisation in many ways, the curriculum is carefully structured to teach in a logical sequence, each new lesson building upon the last one.
• Making it fun to learn music: The Kodály philosophy also emphasises the concept of joy and fun. There’s an upbeat, happy atmosphere in classes no matter how old the learners are.
• Using the voice as the central instrument: Long before Kodály students pick up an instrument, they learn to use their voices to find notes and melodies. Not only do they learn to hear and transcribe music, they learn to sing musical notes they see on paper.
• Teaching through folk songs: Kodály was Hungarian but was a dedicated proponent of teaching children via their own culture’s folk songs.