Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) developed the Kodály method in Hungary in the first half of the twentieth century.  Studies have shown that the Kodály method improves intonation, rhythm skills, music literacy, and the ability to sing in increasingly complex parts. Outside music, it has been shown to improve perceptual functioning, concept formation, motor skills, and performance in other academic areas such as reading and math.

We are thrilled to offer individual lessons in this holistic approach to musicianship. It is possible to book 1 or 2 individual lessons of 45 minutes each.

There are 5 Principles of the Kodály Method

1. Learning by singing: According to Kodály, the human voice is the fundamental instrument, and it should be central to musical training. Students should gain musical literacy through sung solfège (also known as solfa), using a moveable-do system.

2. Hand signs: Solfège and sight-singing can be supplemented by hand signs, as developed by the English pedagogue John Curwen, who was an influence on Kodály.

3. Rhythmic proficiency: The sight-reading of rhythmic patterns (including whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, and various tuplets) must be taught alongside tonal solfège.

4. Collaboration: Kodály believed that creativity and collaboration are essential to a musical education and can be brought out in group music lessons. Music students should collaborate with one another in exercises ranging from clapping to choral singing to instrumental accompaniment.

5. Cultural connections: Music instructors should emphasize folk music (even pop songs) in a student’s mother tongue to create a visceral connection to music.It is possible to book 1 or 2 indivudal lessons of 45 minutes each.