ORFF-SCHULWERK PROGRAM

June 22-July 3, 2025

In the 1980’s West Chester University began an Orff Schulwerk Levels program as one of the original and premier centers for Orff Schulwerk teacher education in the United States. Continuing to strengthen the fabric of music educators in the Philadelphia Metro Area and beyond, we spent the last two years rebuilding and redefining our Orff Schulwerk Certification and Master’s Degree programs. Growing stronger every year, we are thrilled to continue to offer all three levels of Orff Schulwerk at West Chester University this summer.

WORKSHOP
DETAILS

Daily Schedule

Monday–Friday - June 17 - June 28 *No class on Saturday or Sunday.

**Schedule subject to change but classes will occur between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. regardless.

  • 8:00-8:45am – Group Cannon and Announcements
  • 8:45-10:15am
    1. Level I – Pedagogy I
    2. Level II – Pedagogy II
    3. Level III – Movement III
  • 10:30-11:45
    1. Level I – Recorder I
    2. Level II – Movement II
    3. Level III – Pedagogy III
  • 11:45am-12:45pm – Lunch
  • 12:45-2:15pm
    1. Level I – Pedagogy I
    2. Level II – Recorder II
    3. Level III – Pedagogy III
  • 2:30-3:45
    1. Level I – Movement I
    2. Level II – Pedagogy II
    3. Level III – Recorder III
  • 4:00-4:45 – Special Topics

Levels

Level I

Begin your journey in Orff Schulwerk! Open to all educators. A background in music is recommended, but a degree in music is not required. Completion of student teaching, or equivalent classroom experience, is recommended.

  • MUE 570: Orff – I BaMusic
    • 2 credits
    • Designed to develop fundamental Orff pedagogical processes through the acquisition of basic musical skills through Orff Media of speech, body percussion, and pentatonic activities.
  • MUE 571: Orff I Recorder
    • 1 credit
    • Designed to develop fundamental Orff pedagogical processes through elemental proficiency on the soprano recorder.
  • MUE 572: Orff I Movement
    • 1 credit
    • Designed to develop fundamental Orff pedagogical processes through movement, locomotor, dance, descriptive, and free improvisation.

Level II

Successful completion of Level I at any AOSA approved course is required to take Level II.

  • MUE 573: Orff – II BaMusic
    • 2 credits
    • Designed to develop pedagogical skills and theoretical comprehension of the evolution of elemental music. Hexatonic melodies and diatonic modes are used as vehicles in developing harmonic concepts. Pre / Co requisites: MUE 573 requires prerequisites of MUE 570 and MUE 571 and MUE 572.
  • MUE 574: Orff II Recorder
    • 1 credit
    • Designed to develop pedagogical skills on soprano and alto recorders through improvisation, accompaniment, and ensemble playing in various styles and historical periods. Pre / Co requisites: MUE 574 requires prerequisites of MUE 570 and MUE 571 and MUE 572.
  • MUE 575: Orff II Movement
    • 1 credit
    • Continued development of pedagogical movement techniques through improvisation, choreography in set or free focus with either rhythm, music, or dramatic content, or a combination thereof. Pre / Co requisites: MUE 575 requires prerequisites of MUE 570 and MUE 571 and MUE 572.

Level III

Successful completion of Level I and Level II at any AOSA approved course is required to take Level III.

  • MUE 576: Orff – III BaMusic
    • 2 credits
    • Designed to develop pedagogical approaches and student comprehension of functional harmony through improvisation and other experiences incorporating a broad spectrum of historical periods and musical genres. Pre / Co requisites: MUE 576 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
  • MUE 577: Orff III Recorder
    • 1 credit
    • Continuation of Level II pedagogical processes and proficiencies as well as the exploration of consort materials found in Orff-Schulwerk, Volumes 1-5, and other historical and contemporary resources. Pre / Co requisites: MUE 577 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
  • MUE 578: Orff III Movement
    • 1 credit
  • Continuation of Level II pedagogical proficiencies as well as the analysis of contemporary, culturally relevant, and historical dances with a variety of choreographic notation standards, and unconventional, in static and/or free forms. Pre / Co requisites: MUE 578 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.

Required Texts and Materials

There are required texts, recorders, and materials necessary for the course. The required materials information list is available here.

Use the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet to see each Level’s required and recommended materials.

Expedited ordering is provided here through West Music. Please see the required materials list for more information.

Course Enrollment and Workshop Registration

Enrollment Options In-State Out of State

Masters+

Apply Now

Enroll Now

Tuition - $316 per credit*

Fees - $139 per credit

*Reflects $200 tuition discount

Tuition - $574 per credit*

Fees - $151 per credit

*Reflects $200 tuition discount

Non-Degree Seeking

Apply Now

Enroll Now

Tuition - $516 per credit

Fees - $139 per credit

Tuition - $774 per credit

Fees - $151 per credit

Masters Students

Apply Now

Enroll Now

Tuition - $516 per credit

Fees - $139 per credit

Tuition - $774 per credit

Fees - $151 per credit

Act 48 Workshop*

Workshop Registration

*students enrolling for the workshop do not receive graduate credit

$1200 - Participant

$500 - Audit (for students that have previously completed the course)

$500 - Current WCU Undergraduate Student

Courses by Level

  • Level I - MUE 570, MUE 571, MUE 572
  • Level II - MUE 573, MUE 574, MUE 575
  • Level III - MUE 576, MUE 577, MUE 578

WORKSHOP
INSTRUCTORS

Drue M. Bullington

Drue M. Bullington
Program Director
Level II

Ashley Brown Woodside

Ashley Brown Woodside
Movement

Tara Clayburn

Tara Clayburn
Level I

Cyndee Giebler

Cyndee Giebler
Level III

Russell Nadel

Russell Nadel
Recorder