Training Day To Promote Musical Skills

The Highland Council, in association with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, will be holding a training day to provide primary and secondary school staff the expertise to teach musical skills to young pupils. There are also places available to anyone interested in learning more about the Kodàly approach to music education.

The Council’s innovative provision of Kodàly musical skills in all 184 Primary schools under the auspices of the Youth Music Initiative is now well established. Six tutors employed by the Council use materials supplied by the National Youth Choir of Scotland, which are based on the tried and tested musical techniques of Kodály, to pass on skills to primary and secondary teachers. The materials used allow all pupils and staff to build vocal confidence and gather other musical skills in an active and enjoyable way. 

The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said: “Kodály’s approach to music education is centred on the child.  It is based on teaching, learning and understanding music through the experience of singing, giving direct access to the world of music without the technical problems involved with the use of an instrument. 

“Pupils enjoy participation in singing games and rhymes which are devised in such a way that they also teach important aspects of rhythm, pitch and other musical concepts.”

Teaching staff involved in delivering the Kodàly sessions in Highland schools have commented:

“Just a note to say how wonderful our Kodály sessions with have been! The children really look forward to and enjoy the programme which successfully includes children of varied ages and abilities. We like the songs and games so much that we continue to practise them throughout the term, and have performed them for parents.  The methods of teaching rhythm, beat, pitch and notation are a fantastic means of enabling the children to visualise the music, and get them actively involved.”

“I'd like to express my appreciation for the work with the pupils. They are always keen to go to the sessions and greatly enjoy the activities and the end product is very pleasing to the ear! I've noticed that pupils who have poor listening skills, and who are easily distracted, are kept engaged throughout each session.”

Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said:  “We are delighted that our partnership with the National Youth Choir of Scotland is proving to be very productive and beneficial for young people of all abilities and our teaching staff.  The training day next month will help develop the programme in the Highlands so anyone interested in coming along should register for a place as soon as possible.”

The Training Day, which is free to Highland Council staff and £40 for all other attendees will be held on 12 February at the Merkinch Centre in Inverness. Highland Council staff wishing to attend should register online and all other attendees should register by sending an email to: norman.bolton@highland.gov.uk
 
ENDS