I was recently asked if undergraduate Music Education Majors were allowed to take Orff Level I courses. The answer is a resounding YES! 

Any student who has completed their Junior year can enroll in an Orff Level I course and begin their 3-level certification journey. Students who have not completed their Junior year are still permitted to take an Orff Level I course, but it will not count towards their 3-level Orff certification. In this case, it is considered an Introduction to Orff-Schulwerk.

Here’s why a Level I course is a great idea for your undergraduate students.

Students personally experience quality classroom repertoire.

• During a levels course, participants are actively engaged in the music-making process. Students come away with lessons, speech pieces, movement activities, dances, recorder fundamentals, and Orff arrangements that they have personally experienced and understand the teaching process.

Students build classroom skills.

• Students observe the sequencing, pacing, and process of certified Orff Levels Instructors. The intensive and immersive two-week course is a fantastic way to build their classroom skills.

Students enter student teaching experiences with more confidence.

• Because the students come away with quality classroom repertoire and improved classroom skills, they are going to be more confident during their student teaching experience and continue to develop best practices with confidence.

Students build a life-long community of colleagues and friends.

• Students often start their teaching careers as the only music teacher on their campus. This can feel overwhelming and isolating to new teachers. Having a group of 20 fellow music educators to call, text, or email with questions or for encouragement is empowering and vital to their success. 

Students are more employable.

• Students who have shown the initiative to enroll in extra courses designed to improve their teaching abilities have a significant edge over their counterparts who have not. Research by the Lumina Foundation found that 72% of employers prefer candidates with specialized, self-driven training and 96% of employers agree that specialized training strengthens their resumes significantly. 

Participating in an Orff Level I Course is clearly a fantastic opportunity for undergraduate music education students. To find a course near you, visit the American Orff Schulwerk Association website. Then contact your choice directly for enrollment instructions.  

For more on what to expect in an Orff Level I Course, read Making It Work: Orff Level I

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