What is Orff Schulwerk?

The ‘Orff Schulwerk’ was founded by Carl Orff, a German composer and music educator (1895 -1982) and colleague Gunild Keetman (1904 – 1991). It is a general artistic education rather than a method of music instruction. It is “Music for Children”, designed for ALL children, a unique approach to learning music. Each child is encouraged to contribute according to his or her ability. and every child is believed to be innately musical.

Orff Schulwerk is based on things children naturally like to do such as sing, chant rhymes, dance, clap, etc. These instincts are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first, then reading and writing it later. This is the same way we all learn our native language. The approach is centred on teaching the elements of music through integrating the various media used in music including speech, singing, movement and playing instruments

An Orff approach helps to educate the whole individual intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, aesthetically and creatively through active music making, individual input and group improvisation.