Department of Music
College of Liberal Arts

Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education for Music Educators K-8

29th Orff-Schulwerk Summer Certification Course

July 7-18, 2025– Level I, II, III

Changing Minds and Challenging Lives through Orff!!!

Join us for the 29th Orff-Schulwerk certification course at the Jackson State University.

LEVEL I, II, III & Masterclass 

What is Orff Schulwerk?
Composer Carl Orff (Carmina Burana) and his colleague Gunild Keetman developed Orff Schulwerk as an active approach to music and movement education based on the central idea that music, movement, and speech form an inseparable unit. Through singing, rhythmic speech, body percussion, and movement, children gain experience and develop instincts for making music in a joyful and accessible way. Orff Schulwerk uses songs, rhymes, games, and dances to explore traditional and original music in the elemental style, introducing skills and concepts in a logical and integrated way. Music and movement are often accompanied by clapping, snapping, and stamping, or with pitched and unpitched percussion as well as recorders.  The Orff Schulwerk program at Jackson State University is a proud member of the American Orff Schulwerk Association.  See AOSA website.

Levels Courses: Earn Your Certification in Orff Schulwerk
Orff Schulwerk Certification offers the opportunity for professional growth through a comprehensive program in one of the leading philosophies of active music education including music and movement skills, theory, and pedagogy for grades K-8.  Certification in Orff Schulwerk is widely recognized as a significant professional step in both the public and private school sector as Orff Schulwerk often forms the foundation of a music curriculum.  Learning to create original teaching materials that have meaning for your students and developing supportive connections with colleagues and instructors are only two of the important benefits of participation in the program.  The courses also help prepare teachers and therapists for the challenge of developing music programs adapted to the needs of their students.  Levels I – III are offered, and certification is awarded upon successful completion of LEVEL III – you can sign up for one course per summer.  Level courses are also eligible for Continuing Education Units {CEU’s} or Teacher Recertification Points {TRP’s} in many school systems. Check with your district for verification. Contact Dr. Ramon Jackson for more information.

Credit and Non-Credit Options Available
At Jackson State University, you have the choice of taking Orff Courses as a “FOR-CREDIT” participant and receiving 3 graduate credits for each Level (applicable towards the Masters in Music Education Degree) or enrolling as a “NON-CREDIT” participant. While each has different requirements/costs, BOTH paths lead to a Certification award upon completion of Level III!

Click here to register today Registration Application

Course Director