KODÁLY (pronounced Ko Die) METHOD OF MUSICAL TRAINING

Boston City Singers embraces the Kodály philosophy that is a system of music education that has evolved from the inspiration and creativity of Zoltán Kodály. This philosophy was not invented by Kodály, but became famous because of his personal guidance of the Hungarian schools. In 1950 the first "music primary" school began in Kesckmet, Hungary where children received daily singing lessons, teaching them the foundations of music. From 1950 to the present, this Kodály philosophy has influenced music education in over eighteen nations.

The musical objectives of Kodály musical training is to train all children to:

• Sing, play instruments and dance from memory, taught through traditional singing games, chants, and folk songs, drawn first from the child’s own heritage of folk song material and later expanded to include music of other cultures and countries.
• Perform, listen to, and analyze the great art music of the world.
• Achieve mastery of musical skills, such as musical reading and writing, singing and part-singing.
• Improvise and compose, using their known musical vocabulary at each developmental level.

How is the Kodály Philosophy Taught?

• Rhythm symbols and syllables are utilized.
• Hand signals (Solfege) are used to show tonal relationships.
• The moveable "do" is practiced.
• The musical material emphasized is the mother-tongue/folksong.
• Concepts are taught according to the child's learning development.
• Singing is the major instrument. All children can sing and be successful.

SOURCE: http://www.classicsforkids.com/teachers/training/Kodály101.asp