Zoltán Kodály was a 20th century Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, music pedagogue and linguist who developed an internationally recognized concept of music education. His method is based on teaching children music through solfege, sight singing, dictation and writing music using a progressive repertoire of Hungarian folk songs and exercises. Kodály played a prominent role in Hungarian public life and politics through his involvement in numerous boards and committees, and had influential connections with musicians, artists, scholars and politicians.

2. Who is KODALY?
Zoltán Kodály was one of the
most outstanding personalities of
20th century Hungarian culture:
composer, ethnomusicologist, music
pedagogue and linguist.

3. His internationally acknowledged concept of music
education is the basis for general music teaching in
Hungary and also plays an important role in the
training of professional musicians. Zoltán Kodály
played a prominent role in Hungarian public life,
holding several public posts and being a member or
head of numerous boards and committees. He was
also acquainted with many influential public figures
(musicians, artists, scholars and politicians).

4. What is Kodaly Method?
According to the Grove Concise Dictionary of Music, the
‘Kodály Method’ is: 'A way of training children in music,
devised by Zoltán Kodály, which is based on giving them a
thorough grounding in solfeggio (using a ‘movable doh’
system), aimed at developing aural ability with emphasis on
sight-singing, dictation and the reading and writing of
music; a progressive repertory of songs and exercises,
based on Hungarian folk music, is used.'

7. Let’s Practice!

9. Activity: Video Presentation
Perform the Kodaly Hand Sign