Courses
Introduction to Orff Schulwerk
August 4 – 8, 2026
Level I – Orff Schulwerk Certification Program
August 10 – 21, 2026
Level II – Orff Schulwerk Certification Program
August 10 – 21, 2026
Level III – Orff Schulwerk Certification Program “Old” Level III
GENERAL INFORMATION
Based on the ideas of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, Orff Schulwerk has taken root around the world, inspiring teachers globally. This child-centered approach to music and movement education encourages creativity and play, where the enjoyment of group music making, improvisation, and composition are the focus. Using speech, movement, singing, and child-accessible instruments Orff Schulwerk advocates teaching that relies on the creativity, imagination and musicianship of the teacher.
Orff Teacher Education is available through workshops, Introductory Courses, Level Courses, and Post Level III Courses. Understanding and implementing the Orff philosophy of creative education is a lifetime pursuit, requiring the experience of teaching children while taking the courses to understand and implement the ideas. Only one Levels Course can be taken in each year, with the intention that the course material and Orff philosophy of teaching will be explored and implemented for at least year before continuing to the next Level. Only one Levels Course can be taken in each year, with the intention that the course material and Orff philosophy of teaching will be explored and implemented for at least year before continuing to the next Level.
The BC Orff Chapter is committed to providing these opportunities for teachers.
ORFF SCHULWERK TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Introductory Course is highly recommended for everyone interested in an in-depth understanding of Orff Schulwerk. In the one-week program students are introduced to the Orff philosophy of music and movement, and experience many tools for implementing these ideas. Students will be able to take the inspiration from this course into their classroom, preparing them for the Certified Levels Courses. There is no prerequisite for this course although knowledge of music notation is helpful.
Certified Levels Courses are the primary way to receive in-depth training 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, 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. Please refer to categories under “Courses” for content specific to each Level.
Summer 2026 the Introductory Course as well as the Levels Courses will be offered through the BC Orff Chapter. We are offering Carl Orff Canada’s newly revised Level II Course. If you have taken Level II before 2022 you may take the “new Level II” to complete Level III for your Orff certification. Because the Basic Orff content significantly overlaps in the “new Level II” and the “old Level III” it is possible to combine the two. Supplementary experiences for Level III students will enable the emphasis on leadership and pedagogy. This will not require any additional hours for Level III students, but scheduled times when Level II and III students meet separately. Please make sure to register for either Level II or Level III. Contact Course Director Pam Hetrick if you have any questions.
No university credit will be given for the courses. All courses are endorsed by Carl Orff Canada; completion of all three Levels with required grades enables Orff Certification.