Brandman University
Extended Education

Orff Schulwerk Music Training for Teachers

Orff Schulwerk is a process to teach and learn music, based on children’s natural ways of learning through singing, chanting, rhyming, clapping, dancing and keeping a beat on anything that they are near. Through their natural instincts, children are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first and then reading and writing it later. We learn language in the same way. All children can learn through the Orff Schulwerk, not just the privileged, talented or chosen few.

Levels I, II and III will focus on basic skills and their applications to the classroom, simple dance forms, and specific folk dances- introduced in careful sequential process-building to simple choreography and improvisation. (Wear comfortable clothing). The recorder will be incorporated into each Levels class. Level I (soprano), Level II (alto) and Level III (alto) Ensemble work at all levels, recorder instruction explores classroom application, techniques, improvisation and skill development.

Join the growing number of educators moving toward active music education in the classroom. Based on the teachings of Carl Orff.

EDDU 9000: Intro to Orff Schulwerk
An introduction to Orff-Schulwerk will focus on the development of the whole child. It is an innovative approach to music education based on the ways in which children naturally communicate: through sound, using their voices to speak, chant, and sing, and through their bodies to move and dance. With this knowledge, you will be able to join the growing number of educators moving toward active music education in the classroom. Learn to teach musical skills through the imaginative use of poetry, children's literature, folk songs, pitched and non-pitched instruments, creative movement and drama. Explore student-tested materials, practicing yourself in a "safe learning environment" with A.O.S.A.-approved instructors who use the Orff process in the classroom "now". Based on the teachings of Carl Orff, instruction includes: basic pedagogy, movement, recorder and special topics.
EDDU 9001: Orff Schulwerk Level 1
Recommended for anyone with a working knowledge of music, this course will outline basic pedagogical principles and skill development in classroom applications of Orff Schulwerk techniques in rhythmic and melodic training through speech, singing, body percussion, playing Orff instruments, improvisation and elemental movement. Develop simple arrangements using pentatonic scales and ostinato, bordun accompaniments and elemental forms using common meters. Suggested texts: Orff/Keetman Music for Children, Vol. 1 Murray Ed., available at sessions: Soprano recorder provided by West Music and Yamaha Corporation
EDDU 9002: Orff Schulwerk Level 2
Level II will focus on continued skill development building on Level I; addition of alto recorder, arranging and composition using major and minor scales and more advanced ostinato structures, exploration of diatonic modes, mixed meters, bordun and chord accompaniments, with classroom applications. Group compositions with harmony structured accompaniments. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level I at any A.O.S.A. approved course. Required recorder text: Sweet Pipes for Alto Recorder., Book 1.
EDDU 9003: Orff Schulwerk Level 3
Level III will focus on continued skill development building on Level II with advanced study in modes, jazz improvisation, orchestration, explorations in mixed meters, borduns. Group compositions with harmony structured accompaniments, particularly focusing on modes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level II at any A.O.S.A. approved course. Required recorder text: Sweet Pipes for Alto Recorder., Book 1.