Level II – Orff Schulwerk Certification Program

Orff Training Level 2

Please check back here for information about the 2026 Orff Levels Certification Program.

Contact Pam Hetrick: levels@bcorff.ca with any questions. 

Certified Orff Levels Courses are the primary way to receive in-depth professional development in Orff Schulwerk in Canada, following the guidelines of Carl Orff Canada. They are offered in two-week sessions during the summer, usually running from 8:30 – 5:00, Monday through Friday. Each Level includes 3 hours of Basic Orff instruction, 1 1/2 hours of Movement, 1 hour of Recorder and 1 hour of Special Topics daily

Level II is a newly revised two-week course where educators consolidate the learning from Level I and go on to explore hybrid meters, hexatonic and modal melodies and accompaniments as well as extended forms, through movement, playing, improvising, and composing. Students develop practical skills in lesson planning and teaching in a supportive environment. Recorder includes a continuation of soprano recorder as well as introduction of the alto recorder. Movement vocabulary is built through active participation with opportunities to experience set dances, generate sequences, explore notation, and fundamentally embody the concepts of elemental music as the creative and artistic expression of self. 

Prerequisites     

Successful completion of an approved Level I course with a mark of at least 80%. Please send a copy of your Level I grade to Pam Hetrick if you did not take Level I at VCC


Contact
Pam Hetrick
levels@bcorff.ca


Endorsed by Carl Orff Canada

Required Materials: 

  • Orff/Keetman, Music for ChildrenVols. I, II & IV, Schott, Margaret Murray Ed.
  • The Royal Conservatory of Music Orff Teacher Education Handbook, Catherine West, available for purchase on the first day of the course
  • Windsongs Series Books 5 & 6, Joe Berarducci and Birthe Kulich
  • Recorder Packet available from Instructor
  • Three piece Soprano and Alto recorders (Aulos or Yamaha) required with English/Baroque fingering. Please bring sopranino, tenor and bass recorders if available.
  • manuscript paper or music program e.g., Sibelius or Finale

Suggested Materials (optional): 

  • Paul Cribari and Richard Layton, The Elemental Style: A Handbook for Composers and Arrangers, Part I, Sweet Pipes
  • Doug Goodkin, Play, Sing & Dance: An Introduction to Orff Schulwerk, Schott
  • Steven Calantropio, Pieces and Processes, Schott
  • Spielbuch fur Xylophon I, II, and III, Orff/Keetman
  • Jane Frazee, Artful-Playful-Mindful, Schott 2012
  • A good book of children’s poetry

Successful completion of an approved Level II course with a grade of at least 80% provides participants with the opportunity to continue training in Level III. This course is credited with 4 upper division credits.