For five to ten year old children and their families.
Term Three: July 22 – September 22
First Session is a free trial. Term fee is $140.00 per term (scholarships available)
Siblings welcome
Kōtare
Kea
Foundation Class (Children 5 – 8 years)
Tuesdays, 3.45pm – 4.30pm
The Bridge Community Hub, 51 Bridge Street, South Brighton
Intermediate Class (Children 7 – 10 years)
Wednesdays, 3.45pm – 4.30pm
Beckenham Methodist Church Hall
52 Martin Avenue, Beckenham
Through group music making, and playful games that children love, students develop musical skill, understanding and literacy.
This sequential approach develops children’s musicianship and confidence, developing skills that will transfer to any instrument. Kodály students become strong readers, excellent singers, with well developed aural, coordination and memory skills and a lifelong passion for music.
Children’s music classes are opportunities for caregivers to learn alongside their children, and adults are warmly invited to join in. We will offer classes that meet the needs of our current students as they grow, with the intention of always also having at least one foundation class.
Why The Kodály Approach
Kodaly inspired teaching is based on structured and sequential learning while giving children an engaging, joyful experience of music. Through singing games and rhymes, with and without instruments, in the hands of a skillful teacher, children develop fluency and confidence that enables them to be lifelong, extremely confident and competent musicians.
When children only learn music through instrumental studies, it is likely that some areas will not be well developed, depending on the approaches and training of each teacher. Often there is an emphasis on the technicalities of that particular instrument, and emphasis on learning to read, but only in relation to that instrument.
Ideally, young children would develop extensive musical skills before specialising in a particular instrument, and for those who are already learning an instrument, the Kodály approach will enhance their learning. It’s important for every musician to develop strong vocal, aural and analytical skills, with a deep understanding of how music works, along with developing proficiency on a particular instrument. Read more…
About The Tutor
Nikki Berry is a choral director, composer and passionate music educator with over thirty years experience.
Nikki has been studying the Kodály approach for ten years, completing the Australian Kodály certificate (Primary) in 2024, while also training in approaches for secondary students and early childhood.
She studied music education at Waikato, with an emphasis on the Orff approach, while completing two levels of Orff training before catching the Kodály bug!
Nikki studied the Estill method of vocal production and runs our choirs, musicianship classes and Reclaim Your Voice courses.