Music+Pedagogy

= __MUSIC PEDAGOGY __ = We use a combination of Kodaly, Orff-Schulwerk, and Dalcroze pedagogy in the elementary music classroom. Read more about each below. = = = KODALY =

The Kodaly Method is a way of developing musical skills and teaching musical concepts beginning in very young children. This method uses [|folk songs], [|Curwen hand signs], pictures, movable-do, rhythm symbols and syllables. It was first introduced in Hungary but is now used in many countries, either alone or in combination with other methods.
 * What is the Kodaly Method?:**

The [|Kodaly Method] is an approach to music education based on the philosophies of [|Zoltan Kodaly]. Zoltan Kodaly was a Hungarian composer, author, educator and expert on Hungarian folk songs. Although this method wasn't exactly invented by Kodaly, it was developed by his colleagues and students in the mid-20th century based on his teachings.
 * Who created this method?:**


 * What were Zoltan Kodaly's goals and philosophies?:**


 * Elevate the level of teacher training.
 * Improve musical literacy in schools.
 * 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 (native folk songs and [|folk songs] of other countries) and music of high artistic value.
 * Incorporating games, movement, [|playing instruments], reading and writing music with singing.
 * Sequential process following a child's natural learning development: Aural - oral - kinesthetic, Written - pictoral - abstract, Read - recognized

Songs of high artistic value, both folk and composed, are used in the Kodaly classroom. Songs that are in the [|pentatonic scale] are emphasized at the beginning level. Other songs that may be used include chants, dancing songs, [|lullabies], nursery rhymes, songs for circle games and story songs.
 * What types of music and instruments are used in the classroom?:**

The [|voice] is the main musical instrument of this method. In his words, "//Singing connected with movements and action is a much more ancient, and, at the same time, more complex phenomenon than is a simple song.//" Various rhythm and tonal instruments are also used, including [|xylophones] and [|recorders].
 * What are the musical instruments used?:**

Although the Kodaly Method follows a set sequence, the materials used in teaching musical concepts varies depending on the age of the student. The sequence followed may be simplified as: listen - sing - understand - read and write - create. Using this method under the guidance of a certified Kodaly teacher, students can develop listening skills, sight-singing, ear training, learn how to play instruments, compose, improvise, sing, dance, analyze, read and write music.
 * What is a typical lesson like and what are the key concepts learned?:**

//http://musiced.about.com/od/lessonplans/p/kodalymethod.htm//

= =

ORFF-SCHULWERK
Orff Schulwerk is a way to teach and learn music. It is based on things children like to do: sing, chant, rhymes, clap, dance and keep a beat on anything near at hand. These instincts are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first, then reading and writing it later. This is the same way we all learned our language.
 * What is Orff Schulwerk?**

Orff Schulwerk is designed for all children, not just the privileged, talented or selected few. There is a place for every child and each contributes according to ability.

Orff Schulwerk happens in a non-competitive atmosphere where one of the rewards is the pleasure of making good music with others. When the children want to write down what they have composed, reading and writing find their moment.

Orff Schulwerk uses poems, rhymes, games, songs and dances as examples and basic materials. These may be traditional or original. Spoken or sung, they may be accompanied by clapping and stamping or by drums, sticks and bells.

The special Orff melody instruments include wooden xylophones and metal glockenspiels that offer good sound immediately. Played together as in a small orchestra, their use helps children become sensitive listeners and considerate participants.

Current research indicated that children need a balance between emotional and intellectual stimulation to develop as healthy human beings. Orff Schulwerk provides this balance through total, active involvement in music making.
 * Why is it important in music education?**

Orff Schulwerk is a teaching and learning approach, not a method. Its uniqueness lies in the incorporation of the spoken word with singing, movement and instrument playing as learning tools.

With Orff Schulwerk, improvisation and composition start students on a lifetime of knowledge and pleasure through personal musical experience.

Composer Carl Orff (d. 1982) and his associate Gunild Keetman evolved the basic texts for the Schulwerk as models for teachers worldwide. Now translated into eighteen languages, Orff Schulwerk is based on the traditional music an folklore of each country where it is used. At present more than 10,000 teachers in the United States have found the Schulwerk the ideal way to present the magic of music to their students.

//The American Orff-Schulwerk Association// //www.aosa.org//

=DALCROZE =


 * What is the Dalcroze Method?:**

The [|Dalcroze method], also known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics, is another approach music educators use to foster music appreciation, ear-training and improvisation while improving musical abilities. In this method, the body is the main instrument. Students listen to the [|rhythm] of a music piece and express what they hear through movement. Simply put, this approach connects music, movement, mind, and body.


 * Who created this method?:**

This method was developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, a Swiss composer, music educator and music theorist who studied with [|Gabriel Fauré], Mathis Lussy and [|Anton Bruckner].


 * More on Emile Jaques-Dalcroze:**

Dalcroze was born on July 6, 1865 in Vienna, Austria. He became a professor of harmony at the Geneva Conservatory in 1892; by which time he started developing his method of teaching rhythm through movement known as eurhythmics. He founded a school in Hellerau, Germany (later moved to Laxenburg) in 1910, and another school in Geneva in 1914, where students learned using his method. Dalcroze died on July 1, 1950 in Geneva, Switzerland. Several of his students, such as ballet teacher Dame Marie Rambert, used eurhythmics and became influential in the development of dance and contemporary ballet during the 20th century.

This method has 3 facets:
 * What are the key elements of the Dalcroze Method?:**
 * **Eurhythmics (Greek for "good rhythm")** - Musical expression through movement; developing musical skills through kinetic exercises. Students learn rhythm and structure by listening to music and expressing what they hear through spontaneous bodily movement. For example, note values and rhythms are represented by stepping and clapping.
 * **Solfege (fixed-do)** - Helps develop ear-training and sight-singing skills.
 * **Improvisation** - Using [|instruments], movement and [|voice].

Although it is generally referred to as a method, there is really no set curriculum. Dalcroze himself didn't like his approach to be labeled as a method. Hence, each teacher uses a different approach based on his/her interests, training and skills while keeping in mind the age, culture, location and needs of the students.
 * What is a typical lesson like?:**

The Dalcroze Method helps foster imagination, creative expression, coordination, flexibility, concentration, inner hearing, music appreciation and understanding of musical concepts.
 * What are the key concepts learned?:**

http://musiced.about.com/od/lessonplans/p/dalcroze.htm