The Chinese Proverb, above, expresses in few words what we believe happens when we teach using techniques of Orff Schulwerk.  The manner in which we present these techniques is termed the "process."

In Orff Schulwerk, all facets of expressing, creating and performing music are integrated from the first moment class begins.  The elements of music - melody, rhythm, texture, harmony and form - are always in the forefront of carefully planned lessons.  The child is the participant involved in and making his own music.  In an Orff class the child is never the spectator.  He is working and playing simultaneously, because for a child work and play are the same.  Music for the child may come from  many sources including chants, rhymes, playground melodies, traditional melodies, games, and created melodies.  Integrated into each lesson are contributions from the teacher, which may include such things as folk songs from different cultures, stories, elements of theory and opportunities for creativity. 

Orff Schulwerk principles of teaching include the following:

Totality: Beginning with the total (the entire song or the entire poem), breaking the total into parts, returning to the totality in a musical form.

Activity: Making certain the learning includes ways for each child to be actively involved.

Motor Activity: Planning time in each lesson for movement and motor activity.  This helps concentration, coordination, and is a means of self-expression.

Theory: Including in lessons theoretical ideas to help expand the child's concrete knowledge.  This might be visuals of rhythms, melodic reading games, fragments of melodies.