Kodály

Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967) was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, and educator notable for developing the Kodály Method of music education and for his advocacy of music literacy through singing and folk music.

Born in Kecskemét, Hungary, Kodály studied at the Budapest Academy of Music and built a career as a composer and conductor. He and his colleagues collected Hungarian folk songs, and his ethnomusicological work helped popularize the study of traditional music alongside his own compositions, such as Psalmus Hungaricus, Háry János, and Dances of Galánta.

Kodály Method: In the 1940s, Kodály developed a comprehensive approach to music education with collaborators, emphasizing learning through singing, vocal warmups, ear training, and literacy. Central to the method are solfège with movable-do, rhythm syllables, hand signs, and a repertoire drawn from folk songs and children's songs. The approach stresses gradual progression from simple to complex musical material and teacher preparation; it has been adopted worldwide and influenced many curricula and teacher-training programs.

Legacy: The Kodály Concept remains influential in music education globally; its emphasis on singing, literacy, and cultural musical heritage continues to shape classrooms and teacher training. As a composer and ethnomusicologist, Kodály contributed to the preservation and appreciation of Hungarian folk music and the development of modern music education in the 20th century.