The Orff Echo is the national, peer-reviewed quarterly journal and philosophical voice of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. 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. Non-members may contact the editor for information.
Interested in writing for The Orff Echo? Check out how to get involved in the process:
Extensions to articles published in The Orff Echo can be found in the AOSA Resource Library.
List of Orff Echo Articles
Sources and Resources
An annotated list of biographical and musical sources and resources in Orff Schulwerk, 1930s-2019, curated by Jane Frazee.
Looking Outside Orff Schulwerk: Resources for Curriculum Design and Equity
A survey of resources outside of music education that might support Orff-inspired professional learning in curriculum design, culturally responsive pedagogy, and teaching for equity.
Magical Music & Timeless Tales: A Pandemic-Borne Collaboration
The story of collaboration in pandemic times of a partnership of a regional orchestra, university music department, school system, musicians, teachers, and students to bring music, inclusivity, diversity, creativity, through Orff-inspired lesssons using children’s literature.
A Living Compass for Orff Schulwerk Teachers
Classroom vignettes of flexibly, joyfully embracing creative inspiration from students, adults, objects, nature, and artistic encounters. Inspired by poet Mary Oliver’s Instructions for Living a Life: “pay attention”, “be astonished”, and “tell about it”.
Mapping Sources: Practicing Reflective Selection and Contextualization in Orff Schulwerk Classrooms
The author shares reflective practices for on-going evaluation and authentic sourcing of musical and classroom materials and open contextualization with students as part of culturally responsive teaching and empowering education.
Singing in the Schulwerk: Vocal Pedagogy in the Orff Classroom
Crabtree and Kershner briefly overview of how Orff Schulwerk’s primary texts do not discuss vocal pedagogy. With this in mind, the authors detail opportunities for the development of vocal pedagogy within an Orff Schulwerk context.
Improvising and Composing Our Way Into Choral Music
Kasper applies improvisation and composition strategies from Orff Schulwerk to creatively engage young choir students in learning choral repertoire. Specific examples are provided as models.
“Vox Humana” in Orff Schulwerk: Helping Students Develop Their Singing Voice
Scott reviews the role and representation of singing in the Schulwerk. Research on pitch-matching informs practical activities and strategies for developing children’s ability to access head voice and match pitch.
Weaving Cultural Recontextualization Through the Schulwerk: A Lahu Children’s Song
Watts and Zhang reflect on their experiences with culture bearers in the Chinese region of Lahu, while proposing teaching strategies to engage students in unfamiliar songs, using a Lahu children’s song as an example.
Crafting Choral Rehearsals with an Orff Schulwerk Mindset
Tynch offers suggestions for engaging your choral students as co-creators in their singing experience. Repertoire and song-selection is also discussed with suggested pieces included.
Songwriting in the Orff Schulwerk Classroom
Dixon provides tools for songwriting and compares the approach to improvisation and composition in an Orff Schulwerk context.
I See a Song
Children’s Book Review: Picture book using only colorful illustrations to encourage children to explore, imagine, improvise, and create. The review includes teaching ideas across multiple grade levels.
Say Zoop!
Children’s Book Review: Interactive picture book using color, shape, sound, and motion to stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the Choral Classroom
Professional Development Book Review: Explores authors’ methods for using Dalcroze eurhythmics in the choral classroom.
We Would Do Well to Listen
Professional Development Book Review: Presents the history and evolution of Orff Schulwerk in Memphis, Tennessee.
Engaging Musical Practices – A Sourcebook for Elementary General Music
Professional Development Book Review: Explores research and practical suggestions applicable to the elementary general music classroom from 15 expert contributors.