Orff Schulwerk Training
Orff Teacher Education Course
CCSD is proud to host this AOSA approved teacher education course in the summer of 2026. Levels I, II, and III, Introduction to Orff, and a Post Level III Special Course will be offered. This comprehensive three-level curriculum comprised of pedagogy, recorder, and movement is designed to develop the musicianship, creativity, and teaching strategies of the adult learner. Please visit www.aosa.org for more information on Orff Schulwerk, the AOSA professional development conference, or to join AOSA.
Orff Certification Program
The Orff Schulwerk approach to music and dance education is based on the educational philosophy and pedagogy of the contemporary composer Carl Orff and his colleague Gunild Keetman. The basic premise of the approach is that movement, speech, singing and instrumental playing form an inseparable unity in the music teaching process. The blending of these components contributes to the harmonious development of the child’s physical, social, musical and artistic development.
To learn more about Orff Certification Programs visit AOSA.org
Introduction to Orff
This course is for those who are wanting to know more about the Schulwerk, but are not ready complete Level I. This a one week course.
Instructor: Tiffany English
Level One
Level I discusses the foundation of the Orff Process. Concepts include how to teach the process and gaining an understanding of the principles of the Orff philosophy. Discuss basic compositions in the elemental style and learn a variety of strategies for teaching an Orff lesson which includes, singing, movement and instruments. Play and teach the Soprano recorder though recorder pedagogy study. Movement class is an excellent resource on how to incorporate movement/dance into a lesson.
Level I Instructors: Scott Roether
Level I Recorder: Jennifer Prestridge
Movement Instructor: Linzie Mullins
Level Two
Level II continues the study of the Orff process. There is a strong emphasis on pedagogy, as well as continued orchestration in the elemental style. Learn to compose a variety of accompaniment styles that are suitable for all ages of elementary students. In Level II, you focus on your skills as a recorder player, learning to play the Alto recorder and further your knowledge of movement pedagogy.
Level II Instructor: Betsy Carter
Level II Recorder: Jennifer Prestridge
Level II Movement: Linzie Mullins
Level Three
Orchestration possibilities for all diatonic modes (including simple and moving bordun, I-V, I-IV-V, I-II, I-III, I-IV, I-VI and I-VII) are explored in an ensemble setting. Students will also learn principles to create countermelodies. In pedagogy, students will apply Orff process to conceptual teaching. The sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders in a variety of combinations will be studied. Successful completion of Level II is required. The Recorder is an invaluable teaching aid in the implementation of Orff Schulwerk learning experiences. Participants will become competent in playing recorders by ear, from notation, and in improvisation. Movement and dance will also be presented through daily classes. Through guided experiences students will be become more aware of the potential of movement as an expressive medium and dance as an art form. The core of the movement classes will be developmental and creative.
Level III Instructor: Josh Southard
Level III Recorder: Jennifer Prestridge
Level III Movement: Linzie Mullins
Curriculum Course
This course provides elementary music educators with the tools and guidance needed to design engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum rooted in the Orff Schulwerk approach. Participants will explore the pedagogical principles of Orff Schulwerk – including elemental music-making, speech, movement, improvisation, and instrument playing techniques for barred instruments, recorders, and ukulele – and apply them to long-term instructional planning. Through collaborative discussion and guided projects, students will design and refine a curriculum framework that aligns with national and state music standards while embracing the creative and exploratory spirit of the Schulwerk. By the end of the course, each participant will leave with a ready-to-implement curriculum tailored to their teaching context and student population.
This course is ideal for both beginning and experienced music educators seeking to bring structure and artistry together in their teaching practice.
Curriculum Course Instructor: Josh Southard
Details about the CCSD Course
- Cobb County School District is proud to host Orff Schulwerk teacher education Level I, II, and III training courses June 1-12, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Class will not be held on Saturday or Sunday, June 6 and 7.
- Curriculum Course will be held May 27-29 from 9:00-3:00 daily.
- Intro to Orff will be held June 1-5 from 9:00-1:30 each day.
- For more information about the course and current faculty please visit the Course Website.
Erika Brown
Course Director
Michele Sampson
Course Director
The location for the Orff Certification Program classes will be Kell High School in Cobb County.
Kell High School
4770 Lee Waters Road
Marietta, GA 30066