Zoltan Kodály (1882-1967) was a Hungarian composer, collector of folk tunes and extraordinary music educator, whose set of teaching principles are used today throughout the world. These principles are commonly referred to as The Kodály Method.

Broadly speaking, the Kodály Method uses a simple and effective three stage process:  first the ‘doing’, then the understanding, then consolidating the learnt musical skills and knowledge.

• Start with the singing voice – the ‘first instrument’.
• Careful selection of repertoire.
• Musical elements at first embraced unconsciously through ‘doing’.
• Wide variety of activities that work with the whole child.
• Musical elements bought into child’s consciousness and understanding when the time is ‘right’.
• Consolidation of knowledge and skills through creative application.
• Progression from the simple to the more complex in small steps.
• Belief in the power of music to transform, uplift, enrich.