KODÁLY TRAINING – 3 day intensive

An opportunity to immerse yourself in the Kodaly approach to teaching music in the classroom, while developing your own musicianship skills.
The course will be an introduction to all the components of the Australian Kodaly Certificate, which The Muse plans to offer next year, in conjunction with Sound Thinking Australia under the leadership of James Cuskelly who is accredited to assess the certificate in Australia. Anyone involved in teaching should aim to attend all sessions, however it is possible for individuals to attend some components of the course for their own interest without attending the whole course, for instance, people interested just in developing their own musicianship or choral conducting skills, or people just wishing to sing in the choir.

The Kodály approach to music education is based on the understanding that access to music making is a basic human right, that music education should be fun, inclusive and musical, and should be taught in a logical, experiential sequence. This weekend is a chance to learn about this incredibly effective approach to music education, while picking up lots of fun games, songs, dances and activities to share with children, as well as developing your own musicianship skills. People just wanting to attend for their own interest, who aren’t working with children are also welcome.

The Three Days will cover:

Musicianship: the study of sight-singing, score reading, aural perception, musical dictation and analysis using the tools of the Kodály approach (tonic sol-fa, rhythm syllables and Curwen hand signs).

Methodology: the application of Kodály’s principles to the development of classroom and studio teaching programs that are suitable for Australasian children. It includes the study of: Curriculum development, Teaching techniques, Sequencing learning, Lesson planning and assessment.

Teaching techniques is the practical application of teaching strategies covered in Methodology.

Cultural materials involves learning, collecting and analysing the folk music of New Zealand and other nations to determine its suitability for pedagogical processes outlined in methodology and its ability to support a developmental music program.

Choral and Ensemble Techniques is the study of choral conducting, rehearsal strategies and voice production.

Cost: Full Fee including lunch on Friday and Saturday is $430.00 ($410.00 for Friends of The Muse and Menza Members)
Further concessions available for students, recent graduates and those on a low income. Also reduced price for part time attendance. Contact us to discuss.

About the Tutors:

Maree Hennessy is a recognised Lead Teacher, professional development facilitator and mentor.

Maree has extensive experience in teaching and learning in multi-level contexts across sectors. She has worked in Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and community contexts and is highly skilled in developing excellence in teacher capacity.

Maree currently oversees the renowned Masters Pedagogy program based in the Kodály philosophy at Holy Names University

Prior to her appointment at Holy Names University, Maree worked as Senior Project Writer for Curriculum to Classroom (C2C) materials designed to support Queensland teachers in the implementation of the Australian Curriculum: The Arts.

Maree was editor, key writer and demonstration teacher for the recently released KMEIA ‘Middle Years Music Education’ DVD resource for teachers. She has co-ordinated the Open Classroom Series for KMEIA Qld and lectures in Aural Pedagogy in the Sound Thinking Summer Program, Brisbane, a course accredited with UNE(Canberra), ACU (Brisbane) and the Liszt Academy (Budapest) Masters programs.

Maree has presented at conferences in Australia and abroad and her work explores the impact of effective pedagogical practice in contemporary music education settings.

Maree has a particular interest in and commitment to teacher development. She believes collaboration and reflection are key to building professional learning communities and in achieving excellence in teaching and learning.

Megan Flint (M.Mus.(Hons), B.Ed., Dip. Tchg., ATCL (Voice)), has a background in education and music, as both a primary school teacher and music specialist. She is a past member of the New Zealand National Youth Choir (1997-1999) and sings with Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir and the University of Auckland Chamber Choir.

Megan completed her Masters degree in Choral Conducting through The University of Auckland with Dr Karen Grylls. She is a practitioner of the Kodály methodology in music education, having completed her training through The Cuskelly College of Music, Australia. Megan is a conducting mentor for the New Zealand Choral Federation.

As Teacher in Charge of Choirs at St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland, Megan’s choirs regularly feature at The Kids Sing and The Big Sing choral Mcompetitions run by the NZ Choral Federation. In addition to this Megan is the music specialist at Royal Oak Primary School, teaching classroom music and singing from Years 1-6.

Megan is the co-author of Hear Our Voices, a handbook for leaders of children’s choirs and presents the successful national workshop series Primary Gestures for the NZ Choral Federation.