Home Page Music You Can Read Kodaly Orff Solfeggio Elementary Music Curriculum

Music Only	SAMPLE
The Music Only Format is used to test students reading abilities or, as a starting point for advanced readers. This format is also used at instrument centers in grades 4 and 5, after pitch letter names are known. After a particular format is read, switching to the Music Only Format concentrates the visual field on the music and forces the learner to look at the music, not the answers. As a class lesson, center activity, or TIME-OUT activity, Music Only Formats are excellent worksheets to determine pitches, solfeggio, numbers, or letter names.

Beat	SAMPLE
The Beat Format introduces the learner to the divisions of sound and silence within the song. This format is also useful in singing or chanting pitches to the beat divisions, a technique used by many middle and high school music programs, and first introduced to our founder, while in high school (1973), by Robert Shaw during an All-State rehearsal. "We owe it to the composer that pitches start and end in their allotted time." - Robert Shaw, Spivey Hall - Master Lessons Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia, 1996.

Rhythm	SAMPLE
The Rhythm Format uses the traditional ti's and ta's to illustrate and hear patterns within the beat divisions. Often rhythms are easier to read than the beat divisions. Starting with the Rhythm Format in such cases will bring success! For more complex patterns, the Beat Format is your best starting point. Always follow the Rhythm Format with the Music Only Format to demonstrate and practice reading without the answered text! True ownership of the process comes when the students ask for the Music Only Format FIRST!

Solfeggio	SAMPLE
Solfeggio Format builds on the information mastered during the beats and rhythm formats, as well as reinforcing common pitch patterns developed using the pitch drills. Adding two syllable words to an already known rhythm pattern can be accomplished successfully by all grades. Chant the pitch names to the rhythm, then sing the pitches. Once the tune is known the Music Only Format is used as reinforcement. Quite often the pitch patterns differ from the rhythm patterns and such recognition brings mastery.

Pitch Numbers	SAMPLE
Kindergarten will find learning Pitch Numbers easier than the syllables, as numbers are mastered before two letter words. Whether using Solfeggio or Pitch Numbers first, ALWAYS follow with a quick reading of the alternate method. The extra practice will be rewarded, the added concept will bring confidence in the musician!

Letter Names	SAMPLE
You will notice we have named this format: *Keyboard,Xylophone, Tone Bells* - to hint at its application in the classroom, however, reading the selection using the letter names continues to reinforce the many ways one can read music. After a tune or song is known, students can take this format to an instrument and learn to play. It is best suited for centers, where each instrument becomes a center. Recorders can also be used.

Text	SAMPLE
After the students have learned to follow the notes they are successful in following the words at the pace of the notes! Five to ten minutes of disciplined note reading will ensure all students are on task for the text.

Combination	SAMPLE
20 % of the selections are offered in the Combination Format. This format is for reviewing or polishing a selection for performance. In the primary grades it helps students know where to go when moving to a lower staff. Turning the Combination Format into a worksheet or test is also very useful. Simply replace a few answers with a blank and provide a place for the student's name. This also works well as a TIME-OUT task for earning reentry into the general class instruction, or transitions into center time.