Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is Orff?
2. What is Kodaly?
3. When does my child learn to play recorder?

What is Orff?

Orff methodology is one way to teach music using the philosophy of Carl Orff 
and Gunild Keetman's Schulwerk ( Music for Children ).  We believe that 
music is a living force, vital to the activities of every child. 
The opportunity to create speech, movement, and music in an ordered 
framework with the guidance of trained teachers should be made available to 
every child.

We begin with simple chants and rhymes, adding body percussion, movement, 
percussion instruments, and melodic instruments.  St. Mary School is 
fortunate to have a complete set of Orff instruments, including xylophones, 
metallophones, and glockenspiels.  Additionally, we have 11 large African 
drums and too many assorted percussion instruments to count!

Back to Top

What is Kodaly?

The students at St. Mary School will also learn music using their voices as 
their primary "instruments."  We begin singing with solfege syllables (do, 
re mi, fa, sol, la, ti) and using hand signals in first grade.  Our rhythmic 
syllables may sound foreign to you also: "ta," "ti-ti" and "tika tika."  
My Kodaly training included many singing games that I have passed on to the 
students at SMS.  It is so rewarding to see EVERYONE participating with 
smiles and enthusiasm!

Back to Top

When does my child learn to play recorder?

We begin recorder training halfway through 3rd grade.  By this time many 
students have mastered reading musical notation and are ready to apply their 
knowledge to a real instrument.  I use "Recorder Karate," a program designed 
to motivate student to practice their new instrumental skills.

Back to Top