THE KODÁLY METHOD

Teach music and singing at school in such a way that it is not a torture but a joy for the pupil; instill a thirst for finer music in him, a thirst which will last for a lifetime. - Zoltan Kodály

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The Kodály Method (pronounced Ko-die) is an approach to music education founded on the writings and works of Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodály (pictured below). It was developed in response to two fundamental problems that Kodály recognised within Hungarian society at the turn of the 20th Century. One being the distinct lack of quality music education - the type of education that created an audience capable of understanding and appreciating the complex music of the time. And the other, the potential loss of a vital aspect of Hungarian history and language - the folk song. 

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The approach to solving these two problems resulted in a form of music education that is focused around learning to sing songs of ones mother tongue and learning to understand the language of music grounded on the strong foundations these resources provide. This is because, as Kodály recognised, the folksong contains the fundamental building blocks of musical language that, when understood, can be extended and applied to the musical masterpieces of Europes great composers. 

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Today Kodály's method for the preservation of folk music is included on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritages, and the method of music education has been embraced across the globe. It continues to be developed by a group of passionate individuals devoted to providing quality education and preserving unwritten musical traditions.