The American Orff-Schulwerk Association is a professional organization of educators dedicated to the creative music and movement approach developed by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. Learn about AOSA History and Founders.

Our Mission is:

  • to demonstrate the value of Orff Schulwerk and promote its widespread use;
  • to support the professional development of our members; and,
  • to inspire and advocate for the creative potential of all learners.

Please visit our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access page to learn about AOSA’s commitment to promoting an understanding of issues relating to diversity, inclusion, equity, and access throughout our organization and programs.

AOSA’s Core Values direct the work of staff, the National Board of Trustees, and the membership of AOSA. As music and movement educators dedicated to the creative music and movement approach developed by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, we believe that:

  • Every learner deserves the opportunity to actively create, improvise, sing, play, move, speak, and listen.
  • Every learner should experience music and dance from cultures represented in both our diverse American society and the larger global community.
  • Every learner deserves a passionate, committed music educator who values the importance of active music making.
  • Every Orff Schulwerk educator deserves high-quality opportunities to improve their pedagogy and musicianship through active, collaborative professional development.
  • Every Orff Schulwerk educator should cultivate the creative potential in all learners.
  • Every AOSA member deserves opportunities to engage in open and constructive dialogue regarding the future and well-being of their chapter and the national organization

There are 96 local chapters of AOSA offering frequent opportunities to network and participate in professional development. AOSA members receive a subscription to our publications, are eligible for scholarships and grants, and have on-line access to classroom resources and other member benefits.

Download and print AOSA informational materials about Orff Schulwerk:

What is Orff Schulwerk?    ¿Que es Orff Schulwerk?
Tri-fold brochure
Music is Critical to Child Development
La Música es Fundamental al Desarrollo del/de la Niño/a
Card insert designed for parents
Orff Schulwerk and 21st Century Skills    Orff Schulwerk y Habilidades del Siglo 21
Card insert designed for administrators
Join Today    Ingrese Hoy
Card insert about AOSA member benefits and membership rates

Hard copies of these materials may be ordered in the following quantities from AOSA Headquarters:

  • Free to AOSA members: 100 for individuals each year
  • Free to AOSA members: 500 for state/regional conferences each year
  • Free to AOSA chapters: 100 upon request
  • Non-members of AOSA and members requesting more than 100 copies must prepay cost of printing and postage.