Tiny Tunes

The Kodály Method

David Vinden (Kodály Musicianship and Methodology specialist) writes :

"Hungarian composer and educator Zoltán Kodály’s (1882-1967) inspirational approach to the teaching and learning of music begins with the belief that music is for everyone and that it should begin as early as possible. The starting point is the use of children’s songs and game songs, which have been handed down over generations. Just as children learn to speak by imitation they learn music from copying and taking part in these wonderful simple songs. The experience at first is a subconscious one. The material being used has the musical elements which in time, as the child progresses in age and skill, will be made conscious and then consciously practised.

Music lessons are fun in the Kodály world and the voice is the main instrument. This is the best instrument because it belongs to us and is a part of us. The human voice makes that essential connection with the inner hearing, which in turn is the most essential attribute of any budding instrumentalist. It is best trained subconsciously through singing which has an automatic connection.

A happy child is a singing child. You never hear a sad child singing. Singing can and does induce happiness in children.

In the singing and playing of singing games children learn to play well with one another, take turns, use their imaginations and train their memories. They are of course laying the foundations for learning music, and many important social and developmental skills."

Visit the British Kodály Academy’s (BKA) website for more detailed and in depth information on the Kodály approach, and how accessible and beneficial it is to all, especially when started young.

If you wish to delve further into the theories and practicalities of the Kodály Method, you can explore the BKA website to find out how musical skills learned in the early years can be built upon in an enjoyable way as the child progresses, resulting in the development of a happy, well rounded musician, with a high level of musical understanding and sensitivity.