College of Fine Arts

Orff-Schulwerk - (Graduate Certificate)

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Headshot of Martina Vasil

Martina Vasil

Director of Graduate Certificate

Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Summer Music Education

College of Fine Arts

203 Wessell’s House

Lexington KY 40506

Program website

859-257-8203

  • GC

Orff Schulwerk is “Music for Children”, a way to teach and learn music using poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dances as basic materials. The Schulwerk was created by composers Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman in Europe. The emphasis is on students as improvisers and performers. It is the most exciting way to teach and learn music. The University of Kentucky has offered Schulwerk certification for teachers for over twenty years, taught by a most prestigious team of master teachers.  These training courses, if taken for credits, can be used to count towards a Graduate Certificate in Orff Schulwerk and a MM degree concentrating in Orff Schulwerk. More information can be found here.

Orff Schulwerk is the music approach created by composers Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. The schulwerk is a way to teach and learn music using poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dances as basic materials. The University of Kentucky offers schulwerk teacher training courses, mostly in the summers, taught by orff experts. Training is given at levels 1, 2, 3 and advanced master’s courses in different topics such as curriculum design, and composition. The graduate certificate in Orff Schulwerk is a twelve-hour curriculum in four components: 1. Orff teacher training level one (mus 560/561, 2-4 credits). 2. Orff teacher training level two (mus 560/561, 2-4 credits). 3. Orff teacher training level three (mus 560/561 2-4 credits). Or orff master courses (prerequisite: orff teacher training level 2) 4. Certificate project (mus 767 1-3 credits) (prerequisite: orff teacher training level 2) Each student must take all four of the components, each at two credits minimum, for a total of 12 credit hours. Each component is offered at variable credits. All credits earned in this certificate may be applicable towards the Master of Music in Music Education degree (M.M.M.E.) or the rank i in music education program. Admission requirements are the same as those in effect for post-baccalaureate status, and approval of the certificate director. The certificate is awarded upon completion of the certificate curriculum within five years, and with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Application Deadlines

Fall: July 22

Spring: December 9

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.


Contact

Headshot of Martina Vasil

Martina Vasil

Director of Graduate Certificate

Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Summer Music Education

College of Fine Arts

203 Wessell’s House

Lexington KY 40506

859-257-8203