The Los Angeles County Orff Teacher Education Course
Levels I & II
June 17th - 28th 2024
Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Pasadena, CA
June 17th - 28th 2024
Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Pasadena, CA
The Los Angeles Orff Chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association is pleased to offer the 2024 Los Angeles County Orff Teacher Education Course (formerly the LA Orff Course). We hope that you will join an energetic and supportive community of arts educators as we explore practical, real-world strategies for using the Orff process in a variety of classroom settings.
LACAOSA is working in partnership with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, who will host our course at their North Hill Street campus in the shadow of the beautiful San Gabriel mountains.
LACAOSA is working in partnership with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, who will host our course at their North Hill Street campus in the shadow of the beautiful San Gabriel mountains.
Established in 1984, Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) is an independent, nonprofit, nationally-accredited community school whose mission is to educate, advocate, inspire, and share through music study and performance. PCM offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses traditional and contemporary music for children and adults. More than 1,200 students attend the school annually and over 3,000 students in schools throughout the Pasadena, CA community benefit from its extensive outreach programs.
What is Orff Schulwerk Levels Training?
"Orff levels" are the primary way in which the philosophy and instructional practices of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman are taught to music educators in the United States. The AOSA-NBT curriculum standards describe the first task of Orff levels instruction to be familiarizing participants with an exploratory learning approach in part “by experiencing music learning from the perspective of children.”* In Orff, musical understanding is developed through creative play, peer collaboration, and, above all, joyful music-making where, more often than not, children are the composers.
The goal of levels training is to first introduce (in level I) and then develop (in levels I and II) strategies and techniques to construct musical understanding through experience. In this way the Orff Schulwerk method is aligned with the creative, problem-solving approach at the heart of our National Education Standards in language and math, as well as the arts.
* From “What is Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education” © 2012, The American Orff Schulwerk Association
What is Orff Schulwerk Levels Training?
"Orff levels" are the primary way in which the philosophy and instructional practices of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman are taught to music educators in the United States. The AOSA-NBT curriculum standards describe the first task of Orff levels instruction to be familiarizing participants with an exploratory learning approach in part “by experiencing music learning from the perspective of children.”* In Orff, musical understanding is developed through creative play, peer collaboration, and, above all, joyful music-making where, more often than not, children are the composers.
The goal of levels training is to first introduce (in level I) and then develop (in levels I and II) strategies and techniques to construct musical understanding through experience. In this way the Orff Schulwerk method is aligned with the creative, problem-solving approach at the heart of our National Education Standards in language and math, as well as the arts.
* From “What is Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education” © 2012, The American Orff Schulwerk Association
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Course Description
Level I is FULL
please register to be on the waiting list
June 17th - 28th 2024
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Level I will introduce and develop basic elemental Orff-Schulwerk musicianship, through the study of pentatonic melodies, rhythmic speech, simple accompaniment styles using a variety of classroom instruments, and pathways to improvisation. This initial course also features skill development in playing the soprano recorder and its applications to learning music in the Orff Schulwerk pedagogy. In addition, students explore creative movement vocabulary and folk dance as a tool for musical understanding.
Instructors: Kerri Lynn Nichols, Mika Inouye, Richard Lawton
For additional information please contact Course Director Rachael Denny at [email protected].
please register to be on the waiting list
June 17th - 28th 2024
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Level I will introduce and develop basic elemental Orff-Schulwerk musicianship, through the study of pentatonic melodies, rhythmic speech, simple accompaniment styles using a variety of classroom instruments, and pathways to improvisation. This initial course also features skill development in playing the soprano recorder and its applications to learning music in the Orff Schulwerk pedagogy. In addition, students explore creative movement vocabulary and folk dance as a tool for musical understanding.
Instructors: Kerri Lynn Nichols, Mika Inouye, Richard Lawton
For additional information please contact Course Director Rachael Denny at [email protected].
Level II is Full
June 17th - 28th 2024
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Level II focuses on classroom applications through the further study of Orff Schulwerk pedagogy. Diatonic major, minor, and modal melodies and improvisation are introduced and developed, along with more advanced accompaniment structures. The alto recorder is introduced as a melodic instrument. Movement exploration continues, along with folk dance, play parties, and small group choreography.
Instructors: Patrick Ware, Mika Inouye, Richard Lawton
Prerequisite: Orff Level I at an AOSA approved course
For additional information please contact Course Director Rachael Denny at [email protected].
June 17th - 28th 2024
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Level II focuses on classroom applications through the further study of Orff Schulwerk pedagogy. Diatonic major, minor, and modal melodies and improvisation are introduced and developed, along with more advanced accompaniment structures. The alto recorder is introduced as a melodic instrument. Movement exploration continues, along with folk dance, play parties, and small group choreography.
Instructors: Patrick Ware, Mika Inouye, Richard Lawton
Prerequisite: Orff Level I at an AOSA approved course
For additional information please contact Course Director Rachael Denny at [email protected].
Faculty/Staff
Kerri Lynn Nichols — Basic Pedagogy I
Kerri Lynn Nichols has been a teacher of Orff-Schulwerk for over thirty years, receiving her Master level Orff certification from UC Santa Cruz and the University of Memphis and attending the international course at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. She is a composer, recording artist, choreographer and accomplished vocalist. Her compositions, choreography and musicals have been commissioned for community projects with children and dance companies such as Kaleidoscope and Enertia of Seattle and local children’s theatre groups.
Kerri Lynn has taught all ages in both the public and private sectors and has presented multiple workshops for state, national and international conferences. She has designed and implemented courses for educators in music through movement, academic integration and brain-based learning. Currently, she teaches PreK-8th grade music at Evergreen Christian School in Olympia, WA and directs The Olympia Peace Choir, which she founded. She is the author of several books and recordings for educators and children. The core of her work is to encourage others to become aware of their abilities and gifts through the magic of music and movement.
Kerri Lynn Nichols has been a teacher of Orff-Schulwerk for over thirty years, receiving her Master level Orff certification from UC Santa Cruz and the University of Memphis and attending the international course at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. She is a composer, recording artist, choreographer and accomplished vocalist. Her compositions, choreography and musicals have been commissioned for community projects with children and dance companies such as Kaleidoscope and Enertia of Seattle and local children’s theatre groups.
Kerri Lynn has taught all ages in both the public and private sectors and has presented multiple workshops for state, national and international conferences. She has designed and implemented courses for educators in music through movement, academic integration and brain-based learning. Currently, she teaches PreK-8th grade music at Evergreen Christian School in Olympia, WA and directs The Olympia Peace Choir, which she founded. She is the author of several books and recordings for educators and children. The core of her work is to encourage others to become aware of their abilities and gifts through the magic of music and movement.
Patrick Ware — Basic Pedagogy II
Patrick Ware is an internationally known Orff - Schulwerk clinician and choral conductor. With a service to education spanning more than 25 years, he holds a B.A. in Music from Westfield State University, an MS.Ed from Radford University and a DMA from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University. Dr. Ware is a National Board Certified Teacher in Music/Elementary and Middle Childhood. He is an AOSA Teacher Educator for all levels of movement and recorder as well as Levels I and II Basic Pedagogy. Patrick is published through Beatin’ Path Publications including works for treble choir with Orff Ensemble. Patrick teaches k-5 General Music and Chorus in Prince William County Virginia. His special focuses
include Jazz and the use of children’s literature.
Patrick Ware is an internationally known Orff - Schulwerk clinician and choral conductor. With a service to education spanning more than 25 years, he holds a B.A. in Music from Westfield State University, an MS.Ed from Radford University and a DMA from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University. Dr. Ware is a National Board Certified Teacher in Music/Elementary and Middle Childhood. He is an AOSA Teacher Educator for all levels of movement and recorder as well as Levels I and II Basic Pedagogy. Patrick is published through Beatin’ Path Publications including works for treble choir with Orff Ensemble. Patrick teaches k-5 General Music and Chorus in Prince William County Virginia. His special focuses
include Jazz and the use of children’s literature.
Mika Inouye — Movement
Mika Inouye is a performing artist and educator in Durango, Colorado and the Four Corners region. She is a member of 20Moons, a contemporary dance theatre company in Durango, teaches inclusive creative dance classes throughout the school district, and is the elementary music and movement specialist at Juniper School. Mika performs regularly as a pianist with 3rd Ave. Arts, is the artistic director of 3rd Ave. Arts Chamber Music Festival, and co-director of Piano Academy at Fort Lewis College.
Mika completed her Orff certification at the University of Montana, George Mason University and Southern Methodist University (Level III), and apprenticed in movement with Jacque Schrader at University of St. Thomas, with Christa Coogan at San Francisco Orff Course, and with Danai Gagne at Utah State University. She is the founding president of Four Corners Orff Chapter of AOSA and has presented workshops at the AOSA national conference, Hong Kong, Kuwait, and New Zealand.
Mika Inouye is a performing artist and educator in Durango, Colorado and the Four Corners region. She is a member of 20Moons, a contemporary dance theatre company in Durango, teaches inclusive creative dance classes throughout the school district, and is the elementary music and movement specialist at Juniper School. Mika performs regularly as a pianist with 3rd Ave. Arts, is the artistic director of 3rd Ave. Arts Chamber Music Festival, and co-director of Piano Academy at Fort Lewis College.
Mika completed her Orff certification at the University of Montana, George Mason University and Southern Methodist University (Level III), and apprenticed in movement with Jacque Schrader at University of St. Thomas, with Christa Coogan at San Francisco Orff Course, and with Danai Gagne at Utah State University. She is the founding president of Four Corners Orff Chapter of AOSA and has presented workshops at the AOSA national conference, Hong Kong, Kuwait, and New Zealand.
Richard Lawton - Recorder
Richard Lawton teachers K-5 general music at Gardner Street School in Los Angeles and is an adjunct faculty member at California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA. Richard is a past-president of the Los Angeles AOSA Chapter Board and a graduate of the Los Angeles Orff Course. He received his M. Mus. and Orff certification at Cal State LA and has done post-level III work at the Arizona State, Villanova, University of St. Thomas, and University of Missouri, St. Louis Orff courses. In his classroom he has made blues improvisation and the use of vernacular music learning techniques an area of concentration.
Richard has been a presenter at numerous state and national conferences, is a member of the Journal of General Music editorial board and the 2018 California Music Educators Association/Peripole General Music Teacher of the Year.
Richard Lawton teachers K-5 general music at Gardner Street School in Los Angeles and is an adjunct faculty member at California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA. Richard is a past-president of the Los Angeles AOSA Chapter Board and a graduate of the Los Angeles Orff Course. He received his M. Mus. and Orff certification at Cal State LA and has done post-level III work at the Arizona State, Villanova, University of St. Thomas, and University of Missouri, St. Louis Orff courses. In his classroom he has made blues improvisation and the use of vernacular music learning techniques an area of concentration.
Richard has been a presenter at numerous state and national conferences, is a member of the Journal of General Music editorial board and the 2018 California Music Educators Association/Peripole General Music Teacher of the Year.
Rachael Denny — Course Director
Rachael has been an enthusiastic teacher of classroom music to children aged 2-14 in Minnesota and California since 1993. She holds a Master’s Degree of Music Education, Orff-Schulwerk concentration, from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Her Orff journey began in 1994 at the special summer course at the Orff Institut in Salzburg, Austria. Rachael obtained her Orff certification at Cal State LA and repeated her levels at the University of St. Thomas as part of her graduate studies.
Rachael currently serves as Young Musicians Department Chair and Outreach Department Chair, as well as Young Musicians instructor and Adult Studies instructor at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). She supervises a school-wide general and applied music program for elementary students PreK-5 in Pasadena Unified School District and teaches music education methods courses at Pasadena City College. Rachael has presented at the AOSA National Conference, the California State Music Educators Conference, and locally in Southern California.
Rachael has been an enthusiastic teacher of classroom music to children aged 2-14 in Minnesota and California since 1993. She holds a Master’s Degree of Music Education, Orff-Schulwerk concentration, from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Her Orff journey began in 1994 at the special summer course at the Orff Institut in Salzburg, Austria. Rachael obtained her Orff certification at Cal State LA and repeated her levels at the University of St. Thomas as part of her graduate studies.
Rachael currently serves as Young Musicians Department Chair and Outreach Department Chair, as well as Young Musicians instructor and Adult Studies instructor at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). She supervises a school-wide general and applied music program for elementary students PreK-5 in Pasadena Unified School District and teaches music education methods courses at Pasadena City College. Rachael has presented at the AOSA National Conference, the California State Music Educators Conference, and locally in Southern California.
Housing/General Information
PCM satellite campus is located at 73 North Hill Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106.
Please note that PCM does not offer housing. However, there are several comfortable and affordable places to stay in easy walking distance. Out-of-area students who are interested in sharing a room, can join our Los Angeles Summer Orff Facebook page or contact course director, Rachael Denny at [email protected] to facilitate a match.
More house information will be posted once registration begins.
Please note that PCM does not offer housing. However, there are several comfortable and affordable places to stay in easy walking distance. Out-of-area students who are interested in sharing a room, can join our Los Angeles Summer Orff Facebook page or contact course director, Rachael Denny at [email protected] to facilitate a match.
More house information will be posted once registration begins.
Tuition for the 2024 course is $1200. A deposit of $200 holds your place in course and is refundable May 15th 2024. Full tuition is due June 1st. This does not include materials, lodging or meals.
For more details, please contact our course director, Rachael Denny at [email protected]
Hope to see you this summer!
For more details, please contact our course director, Rachael Denny at [email protected]
Hope to see you this summer!