Kodály believed that ‘singing connected with movements and action is more ‘complex phenomenon, than is a simple song’ (Cuskelly, 2019) and as children ‘learn naturally through singing games, fun and play… musical instruction should reflect this’(KMEIA).
The experience of teaching music in a primary school, working with children’s’ choirs, mentoring teachers and working in pre-service teacher education has significantly influenced my pedagogical alignment with Kodály’s proposition.
A Kodály-inspired workshop will involve participants in a rhythmic strategy to Prepare, Present and Practice the semiquaver. The Kodály teaching sequence will begin with preparation of ‘tika tika’ through an adapted version of ‘Tideo’ employing kinesthetic embodiment of rhythmic elements. Further preparation using the folk song ‘Paw Paw Patch’ in combination with a ‘shaker ring’ dance will follow and lead to a present of ‘tika tika’ rhythm. A practice activity using ‘Tideo’ will engage participants in a notation exercise to complete the strategy.