The two most common teaching methods in elementary music education are Orff Schulwerk and Kodály.
The Orff Approach
The Orff Approach is a set of fundamentals created by German composer Carl Orff in the 1920s. The approach follows the way a child naturally learns, similar to how children learn their first language. Children start with imitation and progress through experimentation and creativity.
The Kodály Concept
The Kodály method was developed in the mid 1900s by Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist Zoltán Kodály. The method uses a sequence-based approach to introduce skills at the level of the child, including rhythm, solfege, and notation. Everyone has a natural instrument, the voice; therefore learning comes through singing, and folksongs are the heart of the curriculum.
Ms. Davis has been trained and certified in both philosophies and has combined the best of both to create the ideal lessons for students.
Music Duo uses folksongs, and each one is not only chosen to learn and build on musical concepts, but also to bring joy in singing.
Folksongs in their perfectly filtered, unmistakably true, irresistibly life-like way of expression can only be compared to works of art of the highest degree. – Zoltán Kodály
Singing (without accompaniment) – You might notice that there isn’t any piano or guitar accompaniment with all the singing in these lessons. That’s to allow children to hear themselves sing, improving their ear training skills.
Movement – It’s important for children to express themselves through creative movement, whether moving through space or just being creative by showing a steady beat. Scarves or streamers take the fun up to a whole new level! Movement is a part of every lesson.
Instruments – While it’s important not to rely on instruments for staying in tune, they are still a vital part of the music classroom. Percussion instruments are easy to play, and they are typically the most accessible to elementary students. They teach important skills, such as listening and playing together!
Improvisation – Who doesn’t like to make stuff up? Children can create silly verses, rhythms, and melodies, either through singing, playing, or composing.
Games – Music is meant to be fun! What better way to make something fun than to make a game out of it? The purpose of most Music Duo games is to repeat the song multiple times and in a fun way! Children will not realize how many times they are singing a particular song because they are so focused on playing a game. Children will be delighted when they discover that Music Duo has many games included!
Educators
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See What People Are Saying About Music Duo!
Ms. Davis' passion for teaching music comes through each video. I mean, you can see how she really puts in every aspect of music in her videos. She’s showing the hand signs, the notes, and she shows the kids where they belong. We do lessons to make sure that they understand how the notes are supposed to be on the staff. I really enjoyed how THEY enjoyed music. I had never seen it like that before.
Glenda R.
Substitute Teacher
Music Duo videos are engaging, enriching and musically stimulating journey that both of my daughters can’t seem to get enough of. Ms. Davis is incredibly knowledgeable and her passion about music and teaching children shines through each and every video. My girls have grown quite attached to seeing Ms. Davis in the videos. Her warm, friendly and enthusiastic demeanor makes it feel as though she’s speaking directly to your children and no one else. (I swear she’s magic!)
I highly recommend Music Duo!
Monique F.
Parent
I just wanted to share with you how AWESOME you are!! Due to COVID-19, my 2nd grade daughter is being homeschooled (in New Jersey) by yours truly LOL We stumbled upon your YouTube channel and WOW! THANK YOU for giving us another resource to expand her learning! You are so fun to listen to/watch/sing with/learn from, you have an amazing voice, and you have already shared such lovely lessons! We cannot thank you enough for providing this content.
Alyssa Z.
Parent
Ms. Davis, I am homeschooling my son in Japan and we LOVE you and your happy upbeat ways with song bouquets and great music lessons with movement! Thank you for sharing your awesome talent. Now he wants to play the xylophone - your Halloween classes were perfect.
Jule P.
Parent
We looked for a program like this for over a year. My son loves having class with Ms. Davis and he has learned so much!
Mandy J.
Parent
As a music teacher of 23 years, MusicDuo is a comprehensive end to end music education program. Whether you have child who needs enrichment programs to their existing music education or as a standalone music education curriculum this program fits the bill. This program is fun, interactive, engaging and creative. I highly recommend this program.