In the Kodaly method, pitch discrimination is explored by beginning with which interval?

• A. Major second
• B. Perfect fourth
• C. Minor third
• D. Major third

Answer: (C)

The central idea is that Kodaly ear training builds interval recognition by starting with a clearly distinct, singable leap. Beginning with a minor third gives a perceptible jump that students can sing with two different solfege syllables (do to me), tying the sound directly to its tonal color—do is the tonic, me is the lowered third. This makes the interval easy to hear, label, and connect to the key center, which helps establish a reliable reference for distinguishing other intervals as you advance.

A major second is a small step and can blur with simple melodic motion; a major third, while common, is often learned later after students are comfortable with smaller steps and chromatic distinctions; a perfect fourth is a larger leap that may be less immediately recognizable to beginners.