Markus Soegiarto Hartono

PEAK Presenter
Based in:
Jakarta, Indonesia

About Markus

Markus Soegiarto Hartono is a dynamic educator and music innovator who has revolutionized the teaching of Indonesian Kolintang music. Blending the rich heritage of Orff-Schulwerk with modern pedagogical techniques, he is dedicated to fostering musical creativity and holistic education for all learners, including the deaf community.

As the driving force behind kolintang.co.id, Markus inspires students of all ages and abilities, helping them unlock their musical potential. His teaching aligns with the Orff method, emphasizing learning through movement, rhythm, and play, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment. His unique approach has resulted in over 90% of his students achieving proficiency in music Kolintang within their first year.

Markus believes that music is a universal language, and he extends this philosophy to his work with the deaf community, using innovative methods to make music accessible to everyone. He is pursuing a Master of Ministry from STT Amanat Agung and a Master of Education at the University of the People, complementing his civil engineering degree from Trisakti University.

An active advocate for Kolintang music, Markus engages a global audience through social media, sharing the cultural significance of this traditional Indonesian instrument. As a speaker at Orff and other educational conferences, Markus bridges traditional and modern approaches to music education, making him a valuable resource for educators worldwide.

PEAK Elective Session | Tuesday, 7th January 2025 | 4:15pm - 5:15pm

Learning Chord Direction Through Minahasa’s Natural Musical Talent

In this session, we will introduce directional chords, a revolutionary method inspired by the Minahasa people’s innate musical abilities. Whether you're an educator, musician, or simply passionate about music, this session will reveal how movement and melody work together to guide chord progressions in a natural and intuitive way. Rooted in Minahasa culture and its connection to astronomy and geometric patterns, this approach uses the Kolintang Pedagogy—a simple, visual method accessible to all. We will demonstrate how to use a small xylophone, the Kolintang Orff, to teach the movement of chords and harmonies. The visual nature of directional chords also makes it possible for individuals with hearing impairments to participate and play music. This interactive, hands-on session ensures that participants will leave with not only a deeper understanding of music but also a fun and memorable experience of learning through movement. It is an engaging, accessible way to understand music, helping anyone—regardless of their background or prior experience—unlock their natural musical talent.

PEAK Elective Session | Wednesday, 8th January 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Melodic Body Percussion: Mapping Melody on the Body

In this session, we will explore a unique approach to body percussion, where participants will not only learn rhythmic patterns but also engage in mapping melodic movements on their bodies. Inspired by the Guidonian Hand—a revolutionary tool developed by Guido of Arezzo to teach Western music notation—this method allows participants to experience melodies physically. This interactive workshop is especially tailored for children's music education and will feature engaging activities using handcrafted paper props and t-shirts designed to map notes on the body. Together, we will explore the concepts of tonal centres, symmetry in scales, and directional movement of melodies, creating a dynamic and fun learning environment.