Kodaly and Me: my teaching philosophy

Kodaly and Me:

In 1991, I received my Kodaly music certification from Westminster Choir College. This highly specialized music educator training prepared me to put into practice the philosophy and practices of Zoltan Kodaly (1882-1967), a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, educator, linguist and philosopher. His work was extremely influential in the development of my own philosophy of music education.

Here is the Essence of KODALY’S PHILOSOPHY:

1. Music is for everyone.

2. The voice is the instrument. (Note from Esther: “I know, I know, I hear you Zoltan, but sometimes you just gotta play an instrument, like the piano for instance, to accompany the voice. And besides, the piano is a voice like no other!)

3. Start young - develop sense of aesthetics.

4. Use good music literature.

5. Music is food for the soul. (Without music you are not a complete person.)

6. All music learning should be appropriate to the age level & developmental level of the student.

Here is the Essence of my Personal Philosophy of Music Education:

I believe the study of music and the active participation in music-making significantly contributes to the development of the mind, body and spirit. It is my responsibility as a professional music educator to create an environment in my studio where each student is given the opportunity to develop his or her gifts and abilities. All students must be encouraged to achieve their full potential in the areas of listening, creating, exploring, problem-solving and performing through a consistent, developmentally appropriate, sequential and well-taught music curriculum. Music appreciation, musical literacy, rhythm, melody, harmony, form, part-work, inner hearing, improvisation, memory, singing and instrument playing are all skills that can be developed in each student to produce a truly joyful experience of personal success and mastery.

Mrs. Esther Schutz, M. Ed.

Piano Teacher