I was flattered when someone complimented my musicality on a recent bell tree video of Linda Lamb’s gorgeous Celtic Farewell. That started me thinking about the elements of musicality in bell trees, and some ideas that have helped me move toward a more musical performance. Some of these elements also apply to bells played from the table. Continue reading Bell trees: musicality
Category Archives: Musicality
Kodály and solfège applications to handbells
I wrote previously about my experience taking Kodály training in conducting and musicianship. I recently completed Kodály Level 2 musicianship, though I opted not to take conducting because of time constraints. I’ve been thinking about how to apply these concepts to handbells, and I offer the following as food for thought. Continue reading Kodály and solfège applications to handbells
Kodály musicianship training
If you’re looking for general musicianship training, consider a Kodály course this summer, which may be offered in a city near you. The Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) has chapters in many major metropolitan areas. Certified instructors run the “levels” courses to teach the Kodály method of music education. In the broadest terms, this method incorporates singing (especially folk songs), solfège, and games to teach music to children. There are 4 levels of certification, with each building on prior levels. In addition to coursework, Kodály students must submit a video of themselves teaching a class using the principles of the previous level to advance to the next. The curriculum consists of methods and materials, choral conducting, singing in a choir under the direction of a master conductor, solfège, and music dictation. Continue reading Kodály musicianship training
Movement and dynamics
In this article, you can read about:
• Picking up bells faster,
• Avoiding the Dreaded Banana,
• Creating basic dynamic effects,
• Increasing your range of motion,
• Cringe-worthy movement mistakes, and
• A secret. Continue reading Movement and dynamics