presents
The 1st Annual
Colourstrings and Kodály Seminar
27th – 29th August 2008
The Pump Rooms
In the Historic Market Town of Tenbury Wells
An integrated approach to music teaching
For further information and seminar details
Contact Centre for Musical Discovery on
The Colourstrings and Kodály Seminar seeks to promote an integrated approach to music teaching.
This year our focus is on the early stages of the child’s musical journey; from their first pre-instrumental experiences to the first years with an instrument. There is a special emphasis on strings, and the musicianship skills at the centre of learning to sing, or to play any instrument.
Colourstrings is an instrumental approach rooted in Kodály but with its own coloured notation designed to guide the child step-by-step to a complete technical and musical understanding. It is designed by violinist Géza Szilvay, and a team of teachers on several instruments, including his cellist brother Csaba Szilvay.
Kodály is the name given to the philosophy of music education and its approach developed by Zoltan Kodály in the mid-twentieth century. It is
associated with the use of relative solfa which was inspired by the system in use in the UK, and is constantly developing through the work of teachers in many countries. It is applicable to all instruments and singing.Together they have become widely accepted throughout the world due to their broad application in a variety of settings.
The common theme is that of child-centred multi-sensory learning environments. This is achieved through children’s songs and games, colour, a gentle sequential learning process, singing, playing an instrument, learning individually and in groups, reading, writing, listening and firing the imagination, including the musical part known as the "inner hearing".
Who is this course for?
The course is suitable for anyone interested in the highest quality musical education for children, especially string teachers, project leaders/co-ordinators, heads of department, those teaching pedagogy and all those working with children from the start of their musical journey.
This year's course consists of :*
♪ Sessions covering the Colourstrings notation and how to use the published Colourstrings books for violin (A and B) and cello.
♪ The Kodaly and Colourstrings philosophies and methodologies.
♪ lntroduction to pre-instrumental learning.
♪ Approaching musicianship in a variety of settings and associated materials, including children's songs, Jolly Music and the Singing Rascals.
♪ lntroduction to musicianship training for adults.
♪ Colourstrings chamber and orchestral repertoire, including duos, violin/cello Rascals, Colourful Music etc.
♪ Pupils attending repertoire sessions and showing their work.
♪ Course lead by experienced Colourstrings and Kodály practitioners Maryan Balkwill, Ruth Herbert and David Vinden.
» Invitation to experienced teachers to submit a short (15 min) paper contributing to the perpetuation of an integrated approach to teaching through Colourstrings and Kodaly based on their teaching practice to be considered for presentation at the seminar.
Some sessions will be open to interested local people. The final event will be a dance (ceilidh, country dance, what you will!) open to all participants and their families as well as the people of Tenbury Wells.
*If necessary, CfMD reserves the right to alter course content.
Dates and Times
Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th August 2008
10am to 8pm (breaks for lunch, tea and dinner)
The Location - The Pump Rooms, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire
The course is to be held in the rural market town of Tenbury Wells, Worchestershire. Our venue is the "Chinese Gothic" Pump Rooms containing the well giving the town its name. It is located in the centre of town with parking close by.
Food
Dinner is included in the course fee and will be taken at a restaurant
approx. 1 minute's walk away on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will be a buffet
at the evening event.
Lunch is left to your choice - either bring your own picnic, or buy from the
several cafés and pubs within 5 minute's walk.
Accommodation
We hope that the start time of 10am will enable as many as wish it, to travel
from home. For those visiting from farther a field there are several choices, to
suit a variety of budgets - some within walking distance, or a short drive away.
Tenbury Wells Tourist Information: 01584 810136
Access
Parking is available next to the Pump Rooms. Both the Pump Rooms and the restaurant for evening meals (also serves lunches) have level/ramped access.
Railway Stations: Ludlow, Kidderminster or Worcester (depending on the line)
Tenbury Taxis: 01584 811285
Bus Services: Traveline 0870 608 2608
Worcester-Tenbury Bus Service: Yarrantons 01584 881229
There are 3 public car parks in Tenbury Wells.
Fees
Complete 3-day event £165
Daily Rate £65 (Provisional timetable available on request)