Our Primary School Music programme is based on the Kodály Method.
The music programme at the International School of WA is built upon the philosophy of Hungarian pedagogue Zoltán Kodály (1882 – 1967). He is recognised internationally as a vital voice in music education in the 21st century. His approach to music education, known as The Kodály Method, is recognised as best teaching practice and is implemented in schools around the world. Kodály’s main aim was to educate all society to read music as easily as words; to develop a love of music through experience and understanding; to discriminate between good music and bad music; and above all, to regard music as an integral part of life, placing the utmost importance on its role in education.
The music programme at ISWA is one that embraces the creation of ‘musical community’ while at the same time reflecting 21st century research and best teaching practice.
The core beliefs of the Kodály Method are:
- Everyone is capable and has the right to musical literacy.
- Singing is the foundation of musical learning.
- Music education must begin with the very young.
- The importance of using folk music (creating a musical mother tongue)
- Using music is of intrinsic value from different styles and genres
- Incorporating games, movement, playing instruments, reading and writing music with singing.
- Sequential process following a child’s natural learning development:
- Aural – oral – kinaesthetic
- Written – pictorial – abstract
- Read – recognized
Benefits of the Kodály Method
Because the Kodály approach is based on singing, and every student possesses a voice, no expensive equipment is required. Direct access to the world of music is available without the technical problems associated with the playing of an instrument. Moreover, singing without the aid of an instrument is a powerful pedagogical tool that, in the hands of a good teacher, can lead to a highly developed musical ear.
Additionally, a Kodály-approach lesson is a lesson in which students are deeply involved and responsible for their own progress. It is highly structured and sequential, student-centred, and designed for all. Such a lesson is not going where only the gifted can follow – it provides music education for every child and affirms each student as being innately musical.
What does Music at ISWA involve?
- Children’s songs, singing games, and folk dances are an integral part of early training and are used to enhance learning and enjoyment. Kodály musical training always involves active music making.
- Solfa syllables and the moveable-do system are used to teach skills in pitch discrimination, intervals, harmony, and analysis. These skills are reinforced with a system of hand signs. Rhythmic skills are developed by means of a system of time names (rhythm duration syllables).
- Musical learning evolves from a variety of experiences including singing songs in unison, rounds, canons and in parts; singing themes from great instrumental music; games, improvisation and memory activities based on beat, rhythm, pitch and timbre; and listening and moving to music.
- A large repertoire of folk and art songs is visited and re-visited at deeper levels. Reading and writing skills stem from these activities. Tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments are useful as accompanying instruments for playing and improvising.