Photo courtesy of Heather Atkins.
Students in Heather Atkins’ music class at Oak Mountain Elementary are learning the Kodály concept that trains students in basic music skills.
Heather Atkins describes herself as someone who always wants to find ways to learn more and do more. In her 11th year of teaching, the Oak Mountain Elementary School music teacher recently did just that, as she completed the requirements to become certified in the Kodály Concept.
The Montevallo graduate said she found the idea of the Kodály Concept appealing and has spent two weeks the past two summers at a program put on by the University of Montevallo. The first year she received a grant to participate in the program and then couldn’t wait to go back a second time.
“The program is a two-week, pretty intensive, all day long event during the summer that provides about 80 hours of professional development,” Atkins said. “It’s some of the best professional development I’ve ever had.”
The method uses an approach to music education that was developed by Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály and is used to train students in basic music skills and teach the reading and writing of music. It allows children to engage in activities that reinforce skills related to cognitive, social and emotional development.
“It’s been something that has changed the way that I teach,” Atkins said. “The first year I went, I came back and implemented the concept in a few of my classes.”
Atkins teaches about 750 students each week from pre-K to third grade at OMES. She said by teaching her students folk songs, they are learning many concepts without even knowing it. The approach is a step-by-step breakdown learning a beat or song in small pieces, and she is teaching her students in a way that is appealing to them.
In addition to just learning the songs, the students incorporate movement and stories as well. Atkins said she was initially surprised at how well the students responded to the method.
“They were so receptive and have really caught on and love the music,” she said.
Her hope is to build foundations for her students as they move on to intermediate and middle school, where they have the option to participate in choir or band and can use the skills they are learning now.
Atkins believes she is the only teacher in Shelby County Schools with this certification.
The mother of five said she has heard about the possibility of this program adding a master’s level, which she would enjoy taking part in.
“For my students, my whole job is to make them love music,” she said. “I want it to be the highlight of their week. Anything I can do to make them excited about learning is great.”
