Zoltán Kodály

“We should read music in the same way that an educated adult will read a book: in silence, but imagining the sound.”

“To teach a child an instrument without first giving him preparatory training and without developing singing, reading and listening skills is to build upon sand.”

“Music is a spiritual food for which there is no substitute.”

“Real art is one of the most powerful forces in the rise of mankind, and he who renders it accessible to as many people as possible is a benefactor of humanity.”

“It is our firm conviction that mankind will live the happier when it has learnt to live with music more worthily. Whoever works to promote this end, in one way or another, has not lived in vain.”

“Music belongs to everybody.”

“Only the best is good enough for a child.”

“The characteristics of a good musician are a well-trained ear, a well-trained intelligence, a well-trained heart, and a well-trained hand. All four must develop together, in constant equilibrium.”

“Singing is the mother tongue of music.”

“Often a single experience will open the young soul to music for a whole lifetime.”

“The folk song is the school of good taste.”

“Let us take our children to the masters of the art of musical comedy. Let them learn an appreciation of art and music from the cradle.”

“The pure soul of the child must be considered sacred; what is clumsy and false would injure it.”