Musicianship Training according to the Kodály principles

These CDs are designed to help the development of musicianship in both children and adults who are learining instruments or studying singing. Cecilia Vajda, a pupil of Kodály, wrote: “Kodály believed in developing musicianship through singing and, in using these skills, to perform music of great value. The training, which uses real music instead of boring exercises, makes the work of aural development interesting – also worthwhile because it achieves efficiency more easily at all levels.”

This series of CDs at Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Level demonstrates this very effective approach using graded examples drawn from folkmusic, composed music and – above all – Kodály’s progressive exercises written for the training. Rhythmic work, co-ordination and intonation exercises are included in the demonstrations as well as harmonic exercises in major, minor and modal tonalities.

A teaching commentary guides the listeners throughout the training, encouraging them to join the demonstration groups or individuals. This “collaboration” with the demonstrating trainees on the CD will build confidence in the listener’s own musicianship work.