Joining the dots vs Kodaly for grade 3 pianist

[hellom00n]

Hello my DS (7) has passed grade 2 piano exam and is playing grade 3 pieces. He's not taking the grade 3 anytime soon. To help with his theory and sight reading, I've searched and found 2 different local musicianship/theory classes. One uses ABRSM joining the dots book and is very near our home. The other follows kodaly (go for bronze etc) method and is some drive away.

I'm familiar with kodaly at pre grade level as my (pre school) DD went to one and could see how wonderful it is for young children. Im not sure how it works for older kids who already have a good enough grasp of basic theory in a traditional sense.

I believe joining the dots method is more traditional and directly aligned with ABRSM exams?

Unlike my young DD, my DS is quite studious and can understand theory and new concepts quite quickly with verbal explanation, rather than needing multi sensory stimulation to make sense of things.. I'm wondering if this makes joining the dots suitable for him?

Do what's easiest for you ... I'm sure they would both end up fine!

Thank you for your advice! I hear great things about Kodaly especially it leading to natural sight reading and aural skills. I guess my dilemma is whether to transfer my DS to that methodology at this stage for the long term benefit, or if it might confuse him more as he would to learn a different method to what he's used to..

I would highly recommend the Kodaly approach. I've just done an introductory course, and learnt so much from it, even though I already have grade 8 and performance diplomas. I wish I'd been introduced to it earlier in my education, it would have made music so much easier and more enjoyable. Its a holistic approach to music rather than geared towards passing exams, though it will undoubtedly help with that as well!

It won't confuse him, as it isn't a new 'method' as such, simply a set of activities to instill aural and sight-reading skills. It will add to what he already knows. Good luck 👍