Len Tyler Music School

01276 504666

ABOUT INSET TRAINING DAYS

The following comments received from John Treherne (Head of Gateshead School’s Music Service)

'Len Tyler gave an inspiring workshop for members of the Gateshead Schools' Music Service and colleagues from the Sage Gateshead on the 6th January 2009. He engaged all staff, and led them effectively through the key principles of involving Kodaly's system through a practical series of well-planned and enjoyable activities. It was made clear to instrumental staff that Kodaly certainly has a place in their work: for those who are engaged in whole class instrumental and vocal tuition the course was particularly valuable; and everyone commented that they had benefited professionally as well as musically.

 

There were some excellent supporting resources provided.

 

This was an exceptional course, presented with good humour by an expert who has deep understanding of Kodaly's work, but who is also a practising teacher. The staff evaluations were invariably enthusiastic, and we have every intention of inviting Len to work with the Gateshead team in the future.'

 

The following comments received from Chris Lewis (Central Development Coordinator – Tees Valley Music Services)

 

Len’s workshop was an inspiration both for existing practitioners and for those who were new to Kodaly teaching. He introduced a variety of enjoyable practical activities which many teachers started using the following day in a wide range of teaching situations including whole class instrumental work, whole class curriculum lessons, small group tuition and music centre bands, and they have been delighted by the reaction of the children. The workshop moved from Early Years right through to distinctly advanced skills, and apparently simple material took on a whole new life as it was gradually developed in very complex yet easily accessible ways.  The day was a great success and the general sentiment was “more please!”

 

Click here to enquire about inset training days and availability

 

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ABOUT TEACHER TRAINING

The following are written comments made by those attending Kodaly teacher training workshops run by Len Tyler on behalf of the British Kodaly Academy.

These comments follow a one-day visit and a two-day training course

Thanks, Len, for such an informative and exciting weekend. I cannot fault the course - it was stimulating, challenging, compelling and fun all at the same time and your passion for music and the Kodaly-based simple method of teaching it to a new generation was inspirational and enlightening.

It was extremely helpful to be invited to observe the classes at your school and see first-hand your experienced teaching techniques in practice. Your generosity in imparting such a wealth of knowledge along with the downloadable resources were proof once again that your desire to spread the word about this effective method of teaching stems from a true passion and belief and that music taught in this way is indeed for life.

Many thanks once again

Sara Markland - peripatetic teacher (preschool through to adults) and professional actor and singer from Hurstpierpoint (West Sussex)

"Having done pre-school music for the last 10 years, and being a professional musician there were surprisingly quite a few things that I hadn't thought about."

V.K. from Kings Langley (Hertfordshire)

"So many great ideas. It was all useful to me!"

H.S. from Sandefjord (Norway)

"It was wonderful how all the elements clicked together and fell into place. So many things I had half-known, heard of, or had been subconsciously simmering, suddenly all blossomed into a tremendous whole"

A.H. from High Wycombe (Buckinghamshire)

"Len was excellent in how he explained the course. Good to listen to and very precise. I enjoyed it immensely!

J.M. from Kennington (Oxfordshire)

"Everything was marvellous and extremely useful"

H.H. from Brafferton (Yorkshire)

"Helpful for the non-specialist. Based on sound music principles. Fun and suitable for children with special needs."

V.H. from Watford (Hertfordshire)

"It was great"

P.H. from Denbigh (Wales)

"I found Len very inspiring and helpful"

L.C. from Chisledon (Wiltshire)

"All very exciting as my first experience of music teacher training. Loved the practical exercises"

M.B. from London

"It was all great. Loads of ideas and activities I would be able to use - Thank you!"

V.J. from Portsmouth (Hampshire)

"Loads of great ideas to incorporate into my teaching. Even as someone who's done Kodaly and Dalcroze as part of my teacher-training course, I learnt loads. Inspirational!"

M.O. from Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire)

"Len's teaching was excellent"

J.B. from East Horsley (Surrey)

"Immediate application to classroom use. Skills taught well and practically"

I.W. from London

The most useful parts were the practical games and activities you could do with the children but, frankly, it was all incredibly useful.

R.H. from Tonbridge (Kent)

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WHAT PARENTS SAY

The following are written comments made by parents that have brought their children to the Len Tyler Music School to observe.

"Both of my children have been enraptured and captivated by their music lessons. They have been a tremendous motivator."

P.H. Camberley

"I'm just about to take my 3rd child along for lessons. Although my children don't always join in every activity, they are clearly taking on board a great deal of musical knowledge and confidence, as they don't stop singing at home! The structure of the sessions is repetitive enough for children to have an idea of what is coming next, but the content varies so as a parent you don't get bored. For me the best thing is that the classes are structured according to age groups, and the activities are just right for that age."

W.B. Fleet

"My son began attending classes at 8 months old, and within a couple of weeks he could recognise the songs we sing, even when they were sung to him out of context' - i.e. in the bath, or at the park. The classes have really opened his eyes to music around him, even in just two months. He'll now sit still and listen intently every time he hears a piece of classical music!"

H.B. Church Crookham

"Claire (aged 5) really enjoys her music classes. She's learning while enjoying herself. Music is one of life's great pleasures and she's getting a lovely introduction to it in a warm and child friendly environment. She loves Len's puppet!"

N.W. Fleet

"Given a choice of toys, my ten month old son will always now go for musical instruments - claves, jingle bells, shakers - and he delights in getting the instruments to make a sound! There's a real sense of achievement there. We've only been doing the classes a couple of months"

<P<H.B. Church Crookham

"My 1 year old loves the fun of the baby classes and now as she is nearly two can sing a tuneful rhyme and enjoys classical music as much as incy wincey! The baby class teachers are full of joy for music and movement - and it's a good workout for the mum's too!"

H.D. from Fleet

"I have found the music school to be wonderful. The teachers are super, and have a real empathy with the children. The lessons are well structured so that the children never lose interest. My little girl loves her music lessons."

H.A. from Church Crookham

"Since starting music classes at 3 months old, my daughter has an ear for rhythm and music. Now coming up for 3, she loves her classes, sings all the time and beats in time to any music she may hear. The classes provide a fun, yet structured environment for the fundamentals of music to be learned and built upon."

V.W. from Elvetham Heath (Fleet)

"My son (aged 4) sings the songs a lot around the house and comes out with all sorts of musical comments like 'I'm clapping in forte' whilst clapping loudly then, 'I'm clapping in piano' whilst clapping quietly. He enjoys it tremendously and it's clear he getting a good grounding if he wants to play an instrument when he's older."

E. L. from Farnham

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Click here to read comments from parents

Click here to read comments from visiting music teachers

Click here to read comments from people that have attended teacher training

Click here to read comments from people that have received inset training

WHAT VISITING TEACHERS SAY

The following are written comments made by teachers that have visited the Len Tyler Music School to observe the teaching and study the various techniques used.

These comments following an in depth three-day visit

After watching the music lessons at the Harlington Centre in Fleet, I can honestly say that the children attending the "Len Tyler Music School" are receiving the highest standard of music education. Each lesson is meticulously planned and designed with the children's needs in mind. The utmost attention to detail is given to every element of the lesson. Each song/game/rhyme is analysed for its musical content (e.g. what rhythms/pitches/tempos it uses) and in true Kodaly style, only the very best music is chosen. Each class is carefully designed to follow on from the last and to gently develop and stretch the children's musicianship. Of course the children are blissfully unaware of how much hard work goes into their lessons, as the teachers' infectious enthusiasm makes music class a very fun time.'

Julie Haynes - Clarinet and Classroom (KS1, KS2) Teacher from Cheshire

These comments following a 1½ day visit

The following comments are from a teacher that flew in from Geneva with the sole purpose of visiting the music school. He flew in on the Friday morning, and flew out on the Saturday lunchtime having observed the Friday and Saturday classes.

"I travelled from Geneva just to visit the Len Tyler Music School and I have to say that I felt that the journey was well worth it. It is with pleasure that I send a short text with my thoughts of the visit.

Babies

The very young are welcomed into what is obviously a well-balanced and effective routine. In this familiar environment the children open up and participate at their level in a touching show of appreciation. The mothers and teachers expertly take them from one activity to the next in such a way as to keep the youngest to the oldest constantly stimulated.

Abilities of older students

This was an impressive show of teacher lesson planning, co-ordination and classroom management. These very lucky children benefit from balanced music instruction that takes the very basics and presents them in a fun manner a hundred different ways. In so doing, the essentials to a proper start in real music are effectively communicated to all the students. Children of obviously very different characters all demonstrate equally strong musicianship skills and enjoy singing with their friends in a fast-moving, coherent lesson. Real fun and some interesting singing!

General

Not just one, but two teachers in a class. What dedication! The instructors obviously all love what they do and look forward to being with the children. Len keeps an eye on staff and children and doesn't miss a beat; he shares his know-how with the teachers as he guides lessons and entertains the children with impressive instrument demonstrations. Nicely made to feel at ease, I had a feeling I was at home, in a relaxed but busy classroom. What a welcome. I strongly recommend a visit to new and old teachers alike. I would also strongly recommend that parents bring their children to these music classes.

Emmanuel Scerri - Class music teacher from Geneva (Switzerland)

These comments follow a 1½ day visit

A huge thank you to you and all your staff for allowing me to visit your school and observe you all teaching last week. It was truly inspirational. It was wonderful to observe the full age range and to see the progress the children make. The children obviously really enjoy the lessons. I have come away even more convinced than ever that this is the way to teach our children real musical skills. This really is the Rolls Royce of musical education. Many thanks for being so generous with your knowledge and ideas. Seeing you all in action has given me a real standard to aspire to.

Christine Turner - Clarinet and Classroom (KS1) Teacher from Leeds

These comments follow a training day and a short visit

First of all, thank you very, very much for letting me come to watch classes at your music school on Saturday. It was a truly inspirational day, even for someone who has done lots of Kodaly as part of my teacher-training course. It was so great to see your teaching methods in practice, and to see the children thoroughly enjoying themselves and learning loads in the process. We should all be doing a lot more of this, and I intend to myself! I was amazed at the all-round knowledge that the children have, especially at such a young age, and especially considering they have just one lesson per week. I am truly impressed and can't recommend your methods highly enough. Thank you; you've given me some fantastic ideas for taking this work a lot further myself.

Marie O'Connor - violin and classroom (KS1 and KS2) teacher from Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire)

These comments follow a training day and a short visit

After attending an Early Years Kodaly workshop I was kindly offered the opportunity to spend a day at Harlington Centre in Fleet and observe sessions with children of different age groups (all preschool). Everyone was very welcoming, I was treated and felt like a guest and had a lovely day with all the teachers and students. I had attended the Kodaly workshop there and found it to be extremely useful and picked up many valuable ideas to improve and simplify my way of introducing children to music effectively. Spending the day at the Harlington Centre demonstrated to me just how effective the use of Kodaly teaching methods can be. I was so impressed with the 3 to 4 years group, I have never heard or seen children so young sing so well and read simple notation. It was amazing and as Len Tyler pointed out to me, with Kodaly there are no failures and I saw the proof! I would definitely like to return to observe more classes and continue learning more about Kodaly teaching. I highly recommend all parents and carers to bring their children to the classes to experience music through Kodaly.

Shirley McDermott - Preschool music teacher from Surbiton (Surrey)

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