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The Orff Process

© Deborah Jeter

Carl Orff was a German composer and educator. Orff defined the ideal music for children, "never music alone, but music connected with movement, dance, and speech - not to be listened to, meaningful only in active participation." Orff said, "Experience first, then intellectualize." What this approach does is provide the student with empowerment and ownership of a concept and then all that is left is just to name the concept and practice it.

Orff-Schulwerk is designed for all children. Orff-Schulwerk uses poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dances as examples and basic materials. With Orff-Schulwerk, improvisation and composition start students on a lifetime of knowledge and pleasure through personal, musical experience. Sound like something you'd like to be doing more of in your music classroom? Then read on, because there's much more where that came from.

Carl Orff and his Schulwerk Improvisation and creation were at the center of his teaching. He made the ostinato (a repeated rhythmic, spoken or sung pattern) serve as the form-giving element in all improvisations.

A quick reference and overview of Orff's life

Application

The Orff Echo A quarterly Orff Journal, that is received by AOSA members. AOSA (American Orff-Schulwerk Association) is an organization for Orff-Schulwerk teachers that provides support and teaching ideas for implementation in the classroom.

Orff Instrumentation

Other Orff Links

The Orff Process An in-depth look at the philosophy of Orff is offered in this article. There are some very helpful links and a few applications for use in the classroom.

Carmina Burana Lyrics

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