There are various approaches used by educators when it comes to teaching music. Here

are four of the most popular music education methods.

1. The Orff Approach

Public Domain Image from Wikimedia Commons

The Orff Method is a way of teaching children about music that engages their mind and

body through a mixture of singing, dancing, acting and the use of percussion

instruments (i.e. xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels). Lessons are presented with

an element of "play" helping the children learn at their own level of understanding.

The Orff Method is a way of teaching children about music that

engages their mind and body through a mixture of singing, dancing,

acting and the use of percussion instruments (i.e. xylophones,

metallophones, glockenspiels). Lessons are presented with an element

of "play" helping the children learn at their own level of understanding.

What is Orff-Schulwerk?

Also known as the Orff Method, Orff Approach or Music for Children; it

is a way of introducing and teaching children about music on a level

that they can easily comprehend. Musical concepts are learned

through singing, chanting, dance, movement, drama and the playing of

percussion instruments. Improvisation, composition and a child's

natural sense of play are encouraged.

Who created the Orff Approach?

This approach to music education was developed by Carl Orff, a

German composer, conductor and educator whose most famous

composition is the oratorio "Carmina Burana." It was conceived during

the 1920s and 1930s while he served as music director of the Günther-

Schule; a school of music, dance and gymnastics that he co-founded in

Munich. His ideas were based on his belief in the importance of rhythm

and movement. Orff shared these ideas in a book titled Orff-

Schulwerkwhich was later revised and then adapted into English

as Music for Children.

What types of music and instruments are typically used?

Folk music and music composed by the children themselves are mostly

used in the Orff classroom.Xylophones (soprano, alto,

bass), metallophones (soprano, alto, bass), glockenspiels (soprano and

alto), castanets, bells, maracas, triangles, cymbals (finger, crash or

suspended),tambourines, timpani, gongs, bongos, steel drums

and conga drums are but some of the percussion instruments used in

the Orff classroom. Other instruments (both pitched and unpitched)

that may be used include:

 

afuches

claves

cow bells

djembe

rainmakers

rhythm sticks

sand blocks

shakers

tap-a-tap

tick tock

tone block

vibra slap

wood blocks

What is a typical lesson like?

Although Orff teachers use many books as frameworks, there is no

standardized Orff curriculum. Orff teachers design their own lesson

plans and adapt it to suit the size of the class and the age of the

students. For example, a teacher may choose a poem or a story to

read in class. Students are then asked to participate by choosing

instruments to represent a character or a word in the story or poem. As

the teacher reads the story or poem again, students add sound effects

by playing the instruments they selected. The teacher then adds

accompaniment by playing Orff instruments. As the lesson progresses,

students are asked to play Orff instruments or add other instruments.

To keep the whole class involved, others are asked to act-out the story.

What about songs and notation?

In the Orff classroom, the teacher acts like a conductor who gives cues

to her eager orchestra. If the teacher selected a song, some students

will be chosen as instrumentalists while the rest of the class sings

along. Parts may or may not be notated. If notated, it should be simple

enough for the students to understand. The teacher then provides

students a copy of the notes and/or creates a poster.

What are the key concepts learned?

Using the Orff approach, students learn about rhythm, melody,

harmony, texture, form and otherelements of music. Students learn

these concepts by speaking, chanting, singing, dancing, movement,

acting and playing instruments. These learned concepts become

springboards for further creative pursuits such as improvisation or

composing their own music.

Sample Simplified Format

This is a very simple lesson plan format that may be used for young

children:

Choose a poem.

Read the poem to the class.

Ask the class to recite the poem with you.

Recite the poem together while keeping a steady beat (i.e. tapping

hands to knees).

Choose students who will play the instruments (i.e. xylophones and

glockenspiels).

Ask students to play certain notes on cue words. Instruments must

match words.

Add other instruments, choose students to play these instruments

(i.e. Chinese bell).

Discuss the days lesson with the students (i.e. Was the piece easy or

difficult?).

Assess students' comprehension by asking relevant questions.

Put away all instruments.

Note: It's important that students maintain correct rhythm and learn

proper mallet technique.

Carl Orff Quotes

Here are some quotes by Carl Orff to give you a better understanding

of his philosophy:

"Experience first, then intellectualize."

"Since the beginning of time, children have not liked to study. They

would much rather play, and if you have their interests at heart, you

will let them learn while they play; they will find that what they have

mastered is child's play.

" Elemental music is never just music. It's bound up with movement,

dance and speech, and so it is a form of music in which one must

participate, in which one is involved not as a listener but as a co-

performer."

2. The Kodaly Method

Getty Images

The Kodaly Method's philosophy is that music education is most

effective when started early and that everyone is capable of musical

literacy. Singing is stressed as the foundation for musicianship and the

use of folk and composed music of high artistic value.

What is the Kodaly Method?:

The Kodaly Method is a way of developing musical skills and teaching

musical concepts beginning in very young children. This method

usesfolk songs, Curwen hand signs, pictures, movable-do, rhythm

symbols and syllables. It was first introduced in Hungary but is now

used in many countries, either alone or in combination with other

methods.

Who created this method?:

The Kodaly Method is an approach to music education based on the

philosophies of Zoltan Kodaly. Zoltan Kodaly was a Hungarian

composer, author, educator and expert on Hungarian folk songs.

Although this method wasn't exactly invented by Kodaly, it was

developed by his colleagues and students in the mid-20th century

based on his teachings.

What were Zoltan Kodaly's goals and philosophies?:

Elevate the level of teacher training.

Improve musical literacy in schools.

Everyone is capable and has the right to musical literacy.

Singing is the foundation of musical learning.

Music education must begin with the very young.

The importance of using folk music (native folk songs and folk songs

of other countries) and music of high artistic value.

Incorporating games, movement, playing instruments, reading and

writing music with singing.

Sequential process following a child's natural learning development:

Aural - oral - kinesthetic

Written - pictoral - abstract

Read - recognized

What types of music and instruments are used in the

classroom?:

Songs of high artistic value, both folk and composed, are used in the

Kodaly classroom. Songs that are in the pentatonic scale are

emphasized at the beginning level. According to Kodaly, "Nobody

wants to stop at pentatony. But, indeed, the beginnings must be made

there; on the one hand, in this way the child's biogenetical

development is natural and, on the other, this is what is demanded by

a rational pedagogical sequence." Other songs that may be used

include chants, dancing songs, lullabies, nursery rhymes, songs for

circle games and story songs.

What are the musical instruments used? :

The voice is the main musical instrument of this method. In his words,

"Singing connected with movements and action is a much more

ancient, and, at the same time, more complex phenomenon than is a

simple song." Various rhythm and tonal instruments are also used,

including xylophones and recorders.

What is a typical lesson like and what are the key concepts

learned?:

Although the Kodaly Method follows a set sequence, the materials used

in teaching musical concepts varies depending on the age of the

student. The sequence followed may be simplified as: listen - sing -

understand - read and write - create.

Using this method under the guidance of a certified Kodaly teacher,

students can develop listening skills, sight-singing, ear training, learn

how to play instruments, compose, improvise, sing, dance, analyze,

read and write music.

Zoltan Kodaly Quotes:

"Only art of intrinsic value is suitable for children! Everything else is

harmful.”

“We should read music in the same way that an educated adult will

read a book: in silence, but imagining the sound.”

"To teach a child an instrument without first giving him preparatory

training and without developing singing, reading and dictating to the

highest level along with the playing is to build upon sand.”

"Teach music and singing at school in such a way that it is not a

torture but a joy for the pupil; instill a thirst for finer music in him, a

thirst which will last for a lifetime."

3. The Suzuki Method

Public Domain Image from Wikimedia Commons

The Suzuki Method is an approach to music education that was

introduced in Japan and later reached the United States during the

1960s. Although this method was originally developed for the violin, it

is now applicable to other instruments including the piano, flute and

guitar.

The Suzuki Method is an approach to music education that was

introduced in Japan and later reached the United States during the

1960s. Although this method was originally developed for the violin, it

is now applicable to other instruments including

the piano, flute and guitar.

What is the Suzuki Method?

The Suzuki method, also known as the "mother-tongue approach," is a

method of teaching music that stresses the importance of parental

influence and involvement. Parents and teachers work together to

achieve a common goal. Parents are expected to attend lessons and

serve as nurturing teachers at home.

Using this method students learn:

Discipline

Poise

Confidence

Proper posture

Technical mastery

Musicianship

Proper intonation and phrasing

Who created this method?

The Suzuki method was developed by an accomplished Japanese

violinist and educator named Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. He was born on

October 17 (or 18), 1898 in Nagoya, Japan and died on January 26,

1998 in Matsumoto, Japan. Suzuki played for the Imperial Court of

Japan and formed the Suzuki Quartet with his siblings. He also became

president of the Teikoku Music School and founded the Tokyo String

Orchestra. For his many contributions, the Emperor of Japan appointed

Suzuki as Order of the National Treasure.

What is the philosophy behind this method?

This method was based on Suzuki's observation of children when he

was in Germany. He observed that children are able to learn their

mother tongue with no difficulty. He noted that children who are born

in German households naturally learn to speak the German language.

In the same manner, children who are born in a Japanese household

would naturally adapt their native tongue. He concluded that all

children can develop musical ability and the child's environment can

greatly influence his/her development.

What are the basic elements of the Suzuki Method?

The basic elements of the Suzuki method are:

Children should be exposed to good music at birth.

Children should receive violin instruction at an early age.

It is not only the music teacher who serves as educator; the child's

parents or guardians also play a vital role in the child's musical

development.

Students learn by observation then imitation

Children become adept with their instruments before learning to

read music.

Playing by memory

Attention to detail

Repetition

Aside from individual lessons, students attend group lessons at least

once a week.

Public performances

What is a typical lesson like?

The Suzuki Method follows a set sequence and each instrument has its

respective repertoire; beginning from simple and then progressing to

more difficult pieces. Using the "Talent Education Movement," children

start taking lessons by age 2 or 3. Suzuki students are first exposed to

great classical recordings and music pieces that they will eventually

learn. Background music will constantly be playing while children are

at school to immerse them in music. The belief behind this is that

children will learn to develop good musical ears; able to detect

changes in pitch, timing, tone, etc. Students learn by observation; they

learn as a group. Social interaction and cooperation is fostered among

students.

Quotes by Shinichi Suzuki

To give you a better understanding of this method, here are some

quotes from its creator; Dr. Shinichi Suzuki:

"Character first, ability second."

"Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens,

noble human beings. If a child hears fine music from the day of his

birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline

and endurance. He gets beautiful heart."

"Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be

developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical

ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother

tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.

4. The Dalcroze Method

Copyright 2008 Steve West (Digital Vision Collection)

The Dalcroze method, also known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics, is another

approach used by educators to teach musical concepts. This method,

which connects music, movement, mind, and body, was developed by

Emile Jaques-Dalcroze. Learn more about the Dalcroze method through

this primer.

What is the Dalcroze Method?:

The Dalcroze method, also known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics, is another

approach music educators use to foster music appreciation, ear-

training and improvisation while improving musical abilities. In this

method, the body is the main instrument. Students listen to

the rhythm of a music piece and express what they hear through

movement. Simply put, this approach connects music, movement,

mind, and body.

Who created this method?:

This method was developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, a Swiss

composer, music educator and music theorist who studied with Gabriel

Fauré, Mathis Lussy and Anton Bruckner.

More on Emile Jaques-Dalcroze:

Dalcroze was born on July 6, 1865 in Vienna, Austria. He became a

professor of harmony at the Geneva Conservatory in 1892; by which

time he started developing his method of teaching rhythm through

movement known as eurhythmics. He founded a school in Hellerau,

Germany (later moved to Laxenburg) in 1910, and another school in

Geneva in 1914, where students learned using his method. Dalcroze

died on July 1, 1950 in Geneva, Switzerland. Several of his students,

such as ballet teacher Dame Marie Rambert, used eurhythmics and

became influential in the development of dance and contemporary

ballet during the 20th century.

What are the key elements of the Dalcroze Method?:

This method has 3 facets:

Eurhythmics (Greek for "good rhythm") - Musical expression

through movement; developing musical skills through kinetic

exercises. Students learn rhythm and structure by listening to music

and expressing what they hear through spontaneous bodily

movement. For example, note values and rhythms are represented

by stepping and clapping.

Solfege (fixed-do) - Helps develop ear-training and sight-singing

skills.

Improvisation - Using instruments, movement and voice.

What is a typical lesson like?:

Although it is generally referred to as a method, there is really no set

curriculum. Dalcroze himself didn't like his approach to be labeled as a

method. Hence, each teacher uses a different approach based on

his/her interests, training and skills while keeping in mind the age,

culture, location and needs of the students.

What are the key concepts learned?:

The Dalcroze Method helps foster imagination, creative expression,

coordination, flexibility, concentration, inner hearing, music

appreciation and understanding of musical concepts.

What trainings are available to teach this method?:

Dalcroze Certificate - Requires a Bachelor's degree in Music; may

teach children.

Dalcroze License - Requires a Masters degree in Music; may teach

adults.

Diplome - Given after completing studies from the Jaques-Dalcroze

Institute in Geneva, Switzerland; may teach other teachers and

award certifications.

In the United States, colleges that offer a certificate and license in the

Dalcroze Method include: Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia College

and University of Maryland, College Park.