What is a primary goal of the Kodaly approach?

The primary goal of the Kodály approach is to establish foundational singing skills. This method emphasizes the importance of singing as a core component of music education and focuses on developing aural skills, pitch accuracy, and musical literacy through vocal exercises. By prioritizing singing, the Kodály approach allows students to experience music actively and holistically. Singing serves as a means for students to learn musical concepts, understand rhythm and melody, and develop a deeper appreciation for music.

In contrast, focusing solely on instrumental proficiency does not align with Kodály's principles, as the approach centers around voice and song as primary tools for musical learning. While teaching music characteristics intuitively can be part of music education, the goal of the Kodály method is more structured in developing those singing skills first. Prioritizing musical notation from the beginning also diverges from its philosophy, as the Kodály approach advocates for an experiential learning process before introducing formal notation to ensure that students have a solid vocal foundation to build upon.