Kodaly Method


"Singing, independent of an instrument, is the real and profound schooling of musical abilities." Zoltan Kodaly

The practical realization of the teaching philosophy of the Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly was developed by several dedicated Hungarian music teachers and has been adapted in many countries. Based on the use of the unaccompanied singing voice, it develops accuracy of pitch as well as teaching, writing, and listening skills. It thus forms a solid basis for every kind of music study

At the pre-school and kindergarten levels, the emphasis is on action songs and carefully chosen games to form the foundation of musical skills. Children learn to recognize melodic and harmonic relationships between pitches through their experience with simple folk material, songs, and games. Hand signs are used as a visual aid to help establish pitch, and the use of signs with both hands helps teach intervals and independent part-singing.

Rhythmic exercises and combinations of ostinatos with melodies further strengthen the ability to think polyphonically. Musical literacy develops naturally from the skills gained in Kodaly classes, where the primary consideration is the joy of making music.

MSMV offers six levels of sequential instruction, beginning at the pre-school level.


Description of Kodaly Classes:

K3 - 3 year olds learn to participate in group games which

emphasize exploration of sound, co-operation and development of self-confidence.

K4 - 4 year olds learn basic rhythmic and interval patterns, and refine their listening skills through simple song and games.

K5 - 5 year olds learn more complex rhythms and intervals, develop accuracy of pitch, and are introduced to the music staff.

K6 - 6 year olds learn solfa notation and hand signs, and the names of notes, joining up rhythmic patterns and pitch notes on the music staff. Excellent preparation for beginning the study of an instrument or voice.

K7 - 7 year olds learn more in depth the concepts of the previous class and begin to study the structure of scales.

Theory 1 - Older students participate in an accelerated program of reading music to prepare for learning an instrument or voice and writing Preliminary Rudiments Toronto Conservatory exam.

Kodaly class is now offered on Fridays at 5:30- 6pm.