Unit 4: Rhythm Rhythmic Reading (Solfege) – Kodály Method

 

Introduction

In this unit, students will learn to read rhythm using their voice, clapping, and counting.
We will use the Kodály Method, which helps students understand rhythm with simple rhythm syllables.

This method helps students:

• Feel the beat

• Read rhythm easily

• Play together

Kodály Rhythm Syllables

Musical Notes

Musical Figure	Beats	Kodály Syllable
Whole note (Redonda)	4 beats	Ta–a–a–a
Half note (Blanca)	2 beats	Ta–a
Quarter note (Negra)	1 beat	Ta
Eighth notes (Corcheas)	1 beat (½ + ½)	Ti-ti

Musical Rests

Musical Rest	Beats	Kodály Syllable
Whole rest	4 beats	Sh–sh–sh–sh
Half rest	2 beats	Sh–sh
Quarter rest	1 beat	Sh
Eighth rest	½ beat	(Sh)

Formative Activity: Rhythmic Reading with Videos 

Objective

Students will demonstrate rhythmic reading skills by reading rhythmic lessons from videos, using clapping, voice, and Kodály syllables.

Instructions 

1. Watch the rhythm video carefully.

2. Keep a steady beat.

3. Clap the rhythm.

4. Say the Kodály syllables out loud.

5. Follow the rhythm until the end of the video.

What Students Must Use

Students must apply:

• Musical notes studied (whole, half, quarter, eighth notes)

• Musical rests studied (whole, half, quarter, eighth rests)

• Kodály syllables:

• Ta

• Ta–a

• Ta–a–a–a

• Ti-ti

• Sh (for rests)