Description of Kodály Concept
 |
The Kodály Music Institute is based upon the teaching philosophy, concepts, and practices as developed by the Hungarian composer, linguist, philosopher and educator, Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967).
The Kodály (pronounced KÓH-dye) concept has spread and been adapted in over 40 nations throughout the world. It is a performance-based music education system that stresses learning via authentic multi-cultural folksongs, rhymes, dances and singing games, jazz and classical art music. Cultural, aesthetic and music history is interwoven with singing, movement, musical literacy, and instrument playing.
This approach begins by teaching children to sing in tune, combined with extensive physical movement to develop timing and rhythmic competence. Music is taught in a way that requires each child to learn via a variety of modes — kinesthetic, auditory, and visual. Kodály teachers are trained how to carefully analyze each song that is used in teaching. From this song analysis, common melodic and rhythmic patterns emerge, dictating the most appropriate teaching sequence for musical reading and writing. Children learn how to gradually hear and then sight sing standard musical notation through the use of these repetitive patterns, thus developing true musical literacy. Once children have acquired music-literacy skills, they are then able to easily apply this to instrumental study, making such lessons considerably easier and more successful. Research evidence suggests that Kodály training develops children’s intellectual abilities beyond music to those needed for the learning of all subjects, as well as developing socialization skills.
Participants may choose to combine academic year studies at NEC's School of Continuing Education (which offers Level I and Level II coursework in alternate years) with summer studies at NEC's Summer School, where the complete Kodály Music Institute convenes every July. Summer studies are rich in musical content and effective teaching strategies. Furthermore, they also house a full adult and three children’s choirs. All Kodaly certificate coursework has strong connections to the National Standards for Arts Education and the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Frameworks. Small interactive classes focus on musicianship, pedagogy, choral conducting. Participants learn authentic multicultural folksongs, dances and singing games, and jazz and classical art songs as a basis for teaching musical literacy, enjoyment of music as a lifelong passion, and exposure to a wide variety of quality music. A living laboratory of Kodály principles in action is added to the summer music institute through a children’s choral festival called Vocal Vacation for children grades 2–12. Adults observe children’s classes and choir rehearsals and perform together with the children’s choirs in a Gala Jordan Hall Concert of Choral Music and Dancing.
The Kodály Music Institute consists of three levels of increasing musical and pedagogical complexity. Each level can be completed in one summer (or Level I or II may also be completed during the academic year). Upon successful completion of three levels these studies lead to a nationally recognized Kodály Music Teacher's Certificate endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). Furthermore, all coursework partially fulfills requirements toward Massachusetts’ music teacher's licensure and recertification.