LESSON 1

THE KODALY METHOD

I. OBJECTIVES

1. Acquire skills in singing, reading and writing notes.

2. Gain deeper appreciation of our culture.
3. Create and perform rhythmic patterns.

II. DESCRIPTION

The Kodaly Method is a teaching strategy in music which was introduced by a

Hungarian composer, Zoltan Kodaly. This method was adopted by music
teachers from Grades one to six. Its foundation is based on the rhythm and the
use of a pentatonic or five-tone scale.

III. DIRECTIONS

The Kodaly Method has the following components:

a. System of rhythm duration symbols such as using syllables “ta” for quarter
note, “ti” for the eighth note, and “ti-di” for the sixteenth note, to indicate
one-beat and half-beat tones.
b. Kodaly Scale - A scale using hand signs or gestures which indicate the
notes of the scale, from lower do to higher do or vice versa. Each hand
position signifies specific characteristics and mood – acting or moving and
passive or resting. (Please see the illustrations of Kodaly hand signs.)

MODULE 6.8: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION (MSEP/MAPEH) 5

TEACHER INDUCTION PROGRAM LESSON 1: THE KODALY METHOD

The tonic (high and low do) in clenched fist manifests rest, repose or finality or
passiveness. The supertonic (re), mediant (mi) and dominant (so) are in open palm
positions. Subdominant (fa) with thumbs down and leading tone (ti) with second
finger pointing up signify activity or movement.

IV. BEC LEARNING COMPETENCIES

Melody
a. Identify High and Low Sounds
b. Scale
• Major Scale
Movable Do–identify the hometone Do and notes in each scale
• Pentatonic Scale
Reminder:
Before you can do the sample activities you should master the Kodaly Hand
Signals.

V. SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES