Do Re Mi So What? 

Making Kodály pedagogy and repertoire relevant in a secondary context.

This workshop will focus on practical repertoire ideas, lesson activities and schemes of learning examples that link Kodály with a contemporary secondary music curriculum.

How can we adapt Kodály practices for the secondary school classroom, with diverse learners and diverse musical interests?

What fundamental principles does Kodály offer us to guide our teaching of older learners?

Following a doctoral project exploring adaptations of Kodály pedagogy in secondary schools, in this workshop, Anna will explore how to employ fundamental Kodály principles whilst designing a curriculum and teaching practice that responds to the musical interests and needs of teenagers in 2026. In particular, how can we still sequence and scaffold aural concepts from sound to symbol, and centre singing in the classroom, whilst bringing in contemporary popular music and music from diverse cultures – particularly First Nations and Global Majority composers? 

How can we make sure our students feel seen and celebrated in the music curriculum, whether in an urban state school setting or the grammar school? How can we also link to secondary school students’ eagerness to experience instrumental music making? What can we learn from Stormzy, as well as from Strauss?