Zoltán Kodály
Zoltán Kodály was a Hungarian composer who gave very clear guidelines about how music should be taught to young children. He believed that singing was fundamental and once stated:
‘If we were to express the essence of education in one word, it would be ‘singing’.
The reason for thinking such a thought is that the voice is the first available instrument. It is better for the young child to learn music through singing and it is better for the young child to sing before learning an instrument.
‘A child who plays an instrument before he sings may remain unmusical for a lifetime’.
Sr Karol O’Connell OSB MA
Kylemore Abbey
Sr Karol O’Connell is a native of Midletown, County Cork. She grew up immersed in music, studying piano, cello violin and later voice and flute. She gave her first piano lesson at the age of thirteen.
After entering the Benedictine community of Kylemore Abbey, Sr Karol taught music of all sorts to the students of Kylemoree Abbey School – instrumental, vocal, coral, Junior and leaving Certificate – as well as serving the Benedictine Community as Choir Mistress and Chantress, for over 40 years.
Holding a Masters degree in Kodály Music Pedagogy, she is currently helping teachers in the Connemara area to introduce music literacy int their schools, starting at the lowest level, working with junior and Senior Infants and buildingessential musicianship skills based on the principles of Zoltán Kodály.
