Music at MdTL The music program at MdTL is founded on a dynamic approach to teaching known as the Orff Schulwerk. This approach begins with the premise that children are innately musical and naturally love to sing, dance and play. Developed by German composers Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, the philosophy of the Schulwerk embraces music, movement and speech as equal partners in awakening the creativity and rhythm of the child. It recognizes the learning differences from one child to the next and provides many opportunities for aural, visual and kinesthetic learners to feel successful in the music-making process. This feeling is also readily accomplished through the use of specially-designed, easy-to-play Orff instruments.

In general, a typical class will have a mix of activities. We might begin with a circle dance, in which we strengthen our understanding of community and cooperation as a group, and then move into playing a game that exercises memory and pattern recognition. Following the game, we could work with a poem to stimulate our sense of rhythm and imagery. We could take the poem, sing it and create a melody; then take this melody to the instruments and explore how tonality works. Finally, we might create movement or gesture that acts out the text, rounding off our experience and bringing it back into the body. The selected material varies from one age group to the next, so that each class is structured to meet each child according to his or her developmental needs.

Active musical experience provides a sense of meaning that we all need to feel healthy and connected. The Schulwerk provides that and more. It builds confidence through joyful work and play. My efforts are directed towards awakening your children to their own inner rhythms, and helping them realize their own innate, musical being.

Kevin Gerzevitz
(415) 505-0573
gerzartz@comcast.net