What is Orff?

What is Orff Schulwerk?

Carl Orff & Gunild Keetman

Carl Orff & Gunild Keetman

Orff Schulwerk is a way to teach and learn music, based on what children like to do: sing, chant rhymes, clap, dance, and play instruments. These instincts are directed into active music making by hearing and creating music first, and reading and writing it later, the same way language is learned; first through the ear and then later through the eye.

Developed by the composers Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, the Orff approach weaves together the strands of speech and poetry, movement and dance, drama, improvisation, singing, and playing musical instruments. Classes take place in a non-competitive atmosphere where joy, play, and exploration lead naturally to the pleasures of making music and dancing with others.

The Instruments

Studio 49 instrument collectionThe specially designed Orff instruments include wooden xylophones, metallophones, and smaller metal glockenspiels that create a beautiful sound when played together. They may be combined with other percussion, melody instruments, and voices to create an ensemble. The instruments have removable bars that allow teachers to easily differentiate instruction. Bars can be removed or added depending on the needs of each student. There are various layered roles in the ensemble, and some parts may be simple and repetitive while others can be quite challenging and complex. These can be played simultaneously, which each student playing the part that suits them best. Students of all abilities can participate and contribute to the whole of the ensemble in their own unique way. Playing these instruments together helps students become sensitive listeners and considerate participants. Click here to see a video of Orff Schulwerk in action with children.

The Approach

Xylo circleThe Orff approach involves scaffolding lessons by building up complex music out of simple elements such as echo, call and response, and repeated patterns called ostinatos, where each student has their own unique and valued role. Improvisation is also a fundamental part of the process, and students are frequently encouraged to create their own variations and make contributions to pieces, allowing them to develop collaboration skills and individual creative expression. In the typical Orff class, students may be singing, playing instruments, clapping, chanting, or playing a music-related game. Lessons frequently involve the integration of other arts, including dance or movement, drama, and visual art. Orff Schulwerk embraces the music and dance of cultures around the world and teaches diverse artistic traditions not as fixed artifacts but as fresh and evolving expressions of human creativity.


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If you have questions about Orff Schulwerk in Northern California, please contact the President of NCAOSA at president@ncaosa.org.

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