Children of any age react strongly to music, especially when they’re stimulated in a playful way. This is what we do in our Kodaly Method Music Education classes, for children aged 4 through 11.
Pedagogy of Kodaly Music Education
- Child Development Approach: Children learn best through repetition, movement, exercise, games, and songs. The Kodaly Method uses all of these strategies.
- Rhythm Syllables: Sound syllables are used as a stepping stone to music theory, including sight-reading.
- Movement to Rhythm: Movement to songs helps children internalize rhythms.
- Rhythm Sequence and Notation: Simplified note heads prepare children for more complex music theory symbols later in life.
- Movable DO in Solfege: This increases awareness to tonality and the music staff.
- Hand Signs: By using the hands as an instrument, kids create a sense of tonality and develop an awareness of the intervals between notes.
What to Expect
Unlike in our Guardian and Tots classes, our Kodaly Method classes do not ask for guardian participation. You are, however, more than welcome to observe the class and even participate, providing you leave room for your child to express themselves.
During these classes, we teach your child songs and rhymes, combined with games and movements suitable for your child’s developmental stage. As such, we split these groups by age, as follows:
- Ages 4 – 8
- Ages 9 – 11
Our Kodaly classes are a great follow-up to our Guardian and Tots classes, which are designed for newborns through the age of 3. But even without this experience, everyone aged 4 through 11 is welcome to join our Kodaly sessions!
We have seen that our Kodaly classes really nurture a lifelong love for music. Many of our “Kodaly kids” eventually express an interest in learning to play an instrument. With the foundation they developed through Kodaly, they often do this very successfully!
Want to know more? See a short video about the method, and then register your kid today!