Orff

Carl Orff: History

Born in Munich in 1895 in a musical/theatrical family. Loved to create his own stories and music. Influenced by Montevedi's work. Founded a music school w/Dorothee Gunther in 1924. Taught theater, dance and theory. Orff began his focus on rhythm: improv and creativity were the center of his teachings. ostinato is the for-giving element in improv By 1926 came the arrival of xylophone and recorder in his teachings. By 1931 he was giving lectures, demos and training. Post WWII brought music and the arts back to life in Germany; Schulwerk then became known as "Music for Children." Natural starting point for children should be the songs of children. He always taught young adult musicicans and dancers. He never had to communicate musical vocabulary. He always stressed participation, not vocabulary. Thus others have had to develop steps for American music teachers to be able to implement Orff ideals.

Orff challenges the teachers to devise the methods that will allow students' capabilitites to flower in their own ways. Orff instruction should liberate students from the mechanical instruction of rote music education and allows students to participate in their own musical growth.