Kodály and Orff Methods for the Music Classroom
Presented by Dr. Brian G. Michaud
The Kodály and Orff methodologies can blend into a rich musical experience for your students.
Though both may stand alone, they each have their weak points which can be enhanced by the
other.
First, let’s examine the strengths of the two methodologies…
Kodály Strengths/Characteristics
Orff Strengths/Characteristics
Sound before sight
Sound before sight
Spiraling curriculum
Focus on student creativity/improvisation
Differentiated instruction
Differentiated instruction
Singing
Instrumental
Part-work
Part-work
Music literacy
Group work
Sound Before Sight
Both the Kodály and Orff methodologies are a sound before sight approach to teaching music.
Children are immersed in a concept through various songs, singing games, instrumental pieces,
and movement activities before being presented with the written notation.
How Kodály does it…
The Kodály approach focuses on the “3 Ps” – Preparation, Presentation, and Practice. In the
Preparation stage, children experience a musical concept aurally, kinesthetically, and visually
before being exposed to traditional notation.
How Orff does it…
The Orff approach takes the path of Imitation, Exploration, Improvisation, and Literacy.
Activities in an Orff classroom focus around speech pieces, singing, movement, and instrument
playing.
Who Was Kodály?
Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) Hungarian composer/teacher
Collected and studied Hungarian folk music with Bela Bartok
He wanted to improve the music education of his country.
Method was developed through his work with his university students.
Kodály combined what he thought to be the best tools:
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Movable do
Curwen/Glover Hand signs
Chevés’ rhythm syllables
Stick notation
Kodály Activities
An example of preparation and presentation of groups of four sixteenth notes.
Activity
Focus
Mamma Llama
Sixteenth notes; creative beat movement
Dinah
Reading: identifying the concept of 4 sounds in 1 beat in a
known song
Dance Josey
Reading: identifying the concept of 4 sounds in 1 beat in an
unknown song
Tideo
Sixteenth notes: Physical reinforcement of the concept of 4
sounds in 1 beat.
Jolly Miller
Identifying DRM patterns; continuing aural reinforcement
of the concept of 4 sounds in 1 beat.
Who was Orff?
Carl Orff (1895-1982) German composer/teacher
Orff founded the Guntherschule in 1924 with Dorothee Günther. It was a place to teach children
gymnastics, rhythmic movement, music, and dance. This is where he developed his concept on
“elemental music.”
Sound before sight method.
Body percussion and instruments provide accompaniment
Stress on improvisation and composition
Carl Orff worked with Fulild Keetman to develop the texts.
Speech, singing, movement, and instrument playing
Imitation, Exploration, Improvisation, and Literacy
The Schulwerk editions rely on the folk music of various countries and are tailored to the music
of the individual countries in which they are published.
Orff Activities
Wibbleton, Wobbleton
Leave out town names (one at a time then both)
Change dynamics, tempo (student directed)
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Perform A-B-A form with song, body percussion, song
Woodchuck
Add hand drums
Add movement
Food Rap
Create rap in groups
Aunt Dinah’s Gone!
Canoe Song
Add bordun and variations: Chord (simple), broken, crossover, level