Online Learning

Online Learning

Orff

Introduction to Orff Schulwerk

June 12-August 7, 2023 | Asynchronous Online

Create your own curriculum!

Learn on your own time and set your year up for success.

Can’t get to summer courses? Need to make the most of your time? This is the class for you. 

  • 27 hours of accredited seat time
  • Flexible learning schedule
  • Tangible outcomes

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Immerse yourself in the philosophy of Orff Schulwerk from the comfort of your home.  Explore this pedagogy hands-on using speech, body percussion, unpitched percussion, barred instruments, recorder, movement, and singing.  The perfect first step before committing to Orff Levels training.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
In this course, learners will:

  • Acquire and develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the Orff Schulwerk approach. 
  • Build a foundation for the participant’s continued development of the Orff Schulwerk approach by continuing in AOSA approved levels courses. 
  • Prepare the student for successful implementation of the Orff Schulwerk pedagogy in the elementary/middle school music classroom.  
  • Create and develop an Orff arrangement with instrumental accompaniments that is suitable for children at the elementary/middle school level 
  • Develop and write a basic Orff lesson plan that will include singing, speech, body percussion, instrument playing, improvisation, and movement. 

Course Credit: ED 501 – 1 Credit Hour

Course Format and Requirements
Our courses utilize a custom Learning Management System (LMS).  Our Music ConstructEd Online Courses are asynchronous and self-paced.  You can correspond with your instructor and submit all assignments within the LMS. A syllabus with a suggested pacing guide will be emailed to you at the start of the class.  

  • Teachers will need their own device with a stable internet connection to access the digital Learning Management System (LMS) which is provided by Music ConstructED. 
  • Access to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint or Google Docs and Google Slides (you can register for a free Google account if you do not already have one). 

Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in the area of music

Required Materials

  • Frazee, J. (2006). Orff Schulwerk Today: Nurturing musical expression and understanding. Schott.  
  • Goodkin, D. (2004). Play, Sing, and Dance: An Introduction to Orff Schulwerk. Schott.  
  • Keetman, G., Frick, O., Keetman, P., & Murray, M. (1974). Elementaria: First acquaintance with Orff-Schulwerk. London: Schott and Co. Ltd. 
  • Murray, M., Keetman, G., & Orff, C. (1976). Music for Children: Volume 1: Pentatonic. Schott Musik Intl Mainz. 
  • Keetman, G. (1984). Rhythmische Übung (Rhythmic Exercises): for Orff Instruments. Schott Musick Intl Mainz. 
  • Any Folk Song Collection  
  • Collection of nursery rhymes of children’s poetry 
  • Yamaha Baroque Soprano Recorder 
  • Manuscript paper and/or computer notation software (Finale or Sibelius) 
  • Access to various unpitched percussion and barred instruments 

Online Activities will include

  • Videos: demonstrating skills, techniques, and suggestions for student engagement. Please actively watch the videos, take notes, and practice the designated skill.
  • Readings: include articles and book chapters.
  • Online Assignments and Projects: Each assignment will assist you in solidifying a basic understanding of Orff-Schulwerk methodology.
Brinkman-Intro-to-Orff-SyllabusDownload

Introduction to Orff Schulwerk

This introductory module will ensure you are able to navigate the LMS platform for this course. This course is designed to immerse you in learning the process of Orff Schulwerk methodology and to develop an understanding of this method. This course will cover an introductory level Orff Schulwerk philosophy, music theory, pedagogy, composing, and arranging. Lessons will cover all the Orff Schulwerk media of speech, body percussion, unpitched percussion, barred instruments, recorder, movement, and singing. Students are expected to read the assigned texts and complete all assignments. This lesson module requires approximately 2 hours to complete.

Lessons

Navigating the LMS Syllabus and Class Overview Assignments and Rubrics Registration with CSU Required Materials Required Reading Information

Module 1: What is Orff Schulwerk?

This module provides a course overview, as well as an overview of Orff Schulwerk methodology and media.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 1 Assignment Module 1

Module 2: Rhythmic Speech and Body Percussion

This module will explain the use of rhythmic speech and body percussion in Orff Schulwerk.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 2 Assignment Module 2

Module 3: Singing in the Orff Classroom

This module will explain the role of singing in the Orff classroom.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 3 Assignment Module 3

Module 4: Movement in the Orff Classroom

This module will explore the role creative movement plays in the Orff classroom

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 4 Assignment Module 4

Module 5: Ostinati and Borduns

This module will explore the use of rhythmic and melodic ostinati, as well as the different types of borduns utilized in Orff Schulwerk.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 5 Assignment Module 5

Module 6: Instruments in the Orff Classroom

This module will explain the role of unpitched and barred percussion instruments in the Orff classroom.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 6 Optional Reading for Module 6 Assignment Module 6

Module 7: Recorders in the Orff Classroom

This module will explore the role and use of recorders in the Orff classroom.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 7 Assignment Module 7

Module 8: Folk Music in the Orff Classroom

This module will explore the role of folk music in the Orff classroom.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 8 Optional Reading for Module 8 Assignment Module 8

Module 9: Elemental Music

This module will define what elemental music is.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 9 Optional Reading for Module 9 Assignment Module 9

Module 10: Composing and Improvising in the Orff Classroom

This module will explore the role of student composition and improvisation in the music classroom.

Lessons

Video Lesson Required Reading for Module 10 Assignment Module 10

Module 11: Creating an Orff Lesson

In this module, you will demonstrate what you have learned by creating an Orff inspired lesson for your general music classroom.

Lessons

Video Lesson Orff Inspired Lesson Examples Optional Reading for Module 11 Final Assignment Model 11

Michelle Brinkman

Michelle Brinkman has 25 years of experience teaching PreK-8 general music and is currently the K-5 music specialist at Nora Elementary School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michelle earned a B.S. with honors in Music Education and an M.M. in Musicology from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and completed her Orff-Schulwerk Certification at Anderson University. Mrs. Brinkman has presented at the American Orff-Schulwerk Professional Development Conference, Music Educators Professional Development Conferences in Indiana and Texas, and presented Orff workshops throughout the Midwest. She has also been a two-time recipient of the prestigious Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program.