Why I aspire to a Kodály inspired music curriculum.
I came to the Kodály approach after my first three years of teaching music. Like many of my peers, I was planning on being the next great high school choir director. I graduated with my bachelor's of music education. Fortunately, I was hired as an elementary general music teacher after finding no high school choir positions. I discovered that I love teaching elementary age children. However, I felt ill-prepared to properly teach music in an elementary school.
My first year of teaching consisted of creating lessons based on a hodge-podge of songs and music activities gleaned from music textbooks and the workshops that I attended. I knew I was not effectively teaching music; I was more of a "music activities director." Additionally, the music I was using in my lessons was of poor quality and I secretly detested having to sing and play those contrived songs over and over again.
Then I attended a session presented by Jill Trinka at a state music conference. I loved the music and games she shared. What joy! THIS is what I wanted for my students! When Dr. Trinka spoke of using only the best music literature for children and teaching music concepts by pulling them from folk songs, I was enthralled. I completed my Kodály levels and my Master's of Music Education a few years later.
Now I aspire to create a Kodály music classroom where my students will experience the joy and excitement of growing to fulfill their musical potential.
Read more about the Kodály approach here.
My first year of teaching consisted of creating lessons based on a hodge-podge of songs and music activities gleaned from music textbooks and the workshops that I attended. I knew I was not effectively teaching music; I was more of a "music activities director." Additionally, the music I was using in my lessons was of poor quality and I secretly detested having to sing and play those contrived songs over and over again.
Now I aspire to create a Kodály music classroom where my students will experience the joy and excitement of growing to fulfill their musical potential.
Read more about the Kodály approach here.
