The Orff Echo Editorial Board is soliciting articles for the Spring 2027 issue. The featured topic is “Simplicity and Complexity.” The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2026.
The duality between simplicity and complexity is one we often have to confront in an Orff Schulwerk classroom. Ultimately, we desire to find a balance between these two seemingly opposing forces. In this issue, we seek to explore how foundational structures lead to sophisticated musicianship and deeper understanding. We emphasize the elemental style as the north star, guiding students from simple musical beginnings to complex artistic expression.
We invite various types of submissions, such as: (1) philosophical and theoretical work reflecting the application of Orff Schulwerk; (2) interpretation and adaptation of Orff and Keetman’s pedagogical techniques for music and other teachings; (3) empirical and/or historical research related to Orff Schulwerk; (4) articles that support AOSA’s diversity statement.
We encourage writers to consider the following questions:
- How does a spiral curriculum create opportunities to differentiate levels of challenge?
- What about elemental structures sets the framework for improvisation and creativity?
- Can you be an Orff Schulwerk-inspired teacher without instruments?
- What is the value of transference in the Orff Schulwerk process?
- In what ways do elemental structures help students understand and manage complexities in other domains?
- What are some ways to compare and contrast the use of the Volumes for simple and complex elements?
The Orff Echo Editorial Board is always interested in original research and informative articles covering all aspects of Orff Schulwerk and music education, such as movement, play, song, assessment, and curriculum planning. Our format allows for submissions dedicated to your area of interest in addition to our featured topic. We remind potential authors that lesson plans are reserved for Reverberations. For the Echo, we invite you into a broader conversation—one that examines how you engage with simplicity and complexity across various areas of your practice.
In addition to feature-length articles, the editorial board seeks shorter contributions, which provide opportunities for individuals to share windows and insights into Orff Schulwerk context, history, and professional practices. These short-form spotlight pieces (500–1,000 words) are reviewed and published on a rolling basis.Please contact coordinators Austin Cooper ([email protected]), Sharon Mazion ([email protected]), Kelly Poquette ([email protected]), or Alan Spurgeon ([email protected]) with submissions or questions regarding the Spring 2027 issue, “Simplicity and Complexity.” Email inquiries/general questions about The Orff Echo to Linda Hines ([email protected]). Articles can be submitted through the Echo Submissions Portal at bit.ly/echosubmission