MU 526A - Kodály Training Program - Level I

The course serves as a foundation for the teaching philosophy and approaches of Hungarian music educator, Zoltán Kodály. Components of the course include: pedagogy, folksong literature, folksong analysis and retrieval, Solfège, conducting, and choir. The Level 1 course focuses on work with beginning level students yet participants may adapt this information to any music teaching situation. Students in this course:

• observe, practice, and refine teaching techniques in a laboratory setting of peers and children
• build a collection of authentic folksong literature appropriate and of strong quality for use in music instruction
• analyze music literature appropriate for a beginning music curriculum, including American folk music, traditional children's songs and games, folk music from other countries and cultures, and art music
• organize a categorization system, known as a retrieval system whereby students can quickly and accurately select appropriate song literature for lesson planning
• explore the role of the conductor as communicator by learning conducting techniques and essential ensemble directing skills
• develop individual and ensemble musicianship skills through in-tune singing, excellent tone quality, internal hearing, partwork, and understanding of complex melodies and pieces of music