Orff Certification Program
Levels 1 & 2 are tentatively scheduled to run October 7, 2026 through April 7, 2027.
Email OrffLevelsNYC@gmail.com for direct questions.
Registration opens
Sept. 5, 2026
The Orff Schulwerk approach to music and dance education is based on the educational philosophy and pedagogy of the contemporary composer Carl Orff and his colleague Gunild Keetman. The basic premise of the approach is that movement, speech, singing and instrumental playing form an inseparable unity in the music teaching process. The blending of these components contributes to the harmonious development of the child's physical, social, musical and artistic development.
The New York City Orff Certification Program (NYCOCP) is offering Level 1 & 2 during the 2026/27 school year.
Our Orff Schulwerk Teacher Educator course is open to:
Music Teachers of all levels and specialties
Undergraduate and graduate music education majors
Regular Classroom Teachers*
Movement/Dance Teachers*
Montessori teachers*
*with a strong musical background are encouraged to attend.
Tuition includes the entire 26/27 Workshop Series sponsored by NYCCAOSA.
Graduate credits are available through Ashland University. More information is available upon request.
Our Orff Certification Program is approved for NY State CTLE Hours.
Location
The location for the Orff Certification Program classes is PS 452, 210 West 61st St. New York, NY 10023 (see map below).
Tuition
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Tuition is $1250** and covers the cost of the course, notes, registration, and the entire 26/27 NYCCAOSA Workshop Series.
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30% off for NYC metro educators paying out-of-pocket
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A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. Payment can be made online via Zelle or by check/money order mailed to the OCP Director.
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The remaining balance can be paid in one or two installments with cash, Zelle, check, or money order made out to NYCCAOSA.
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Tuition must be paid in full by February 28th in order to continue with the course and earn a certificate of completion.
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Different payment schedules can be arranged upon request. Email Craig at OrffLevelsNYC@gmail.com
**Tuition does NOT include the cost of required texts, recorders, nor AOSA membership. We encourage course participants become members of AOSA and active in our chapter. Being a part of our NYC Orff community has many benefits.
Schedule
The course calendar provides the required contact hours by AOSA and follows the NYCDOE calendar. Classes are held Wednesdays with additional Saturdays.
AOSA Contact Hour Requirements:
30 hours Basic Pedagogy
12.5 hours Movement
12.5 hours Recorder
5 hours Special Topics
Attendance at all classes and one NYCCAOSA workshop is required for successful completion of the course.
See Participation and Attendance Policy below.
Wednesdays
6:00PM - 9:00PM
Saturday 11/8
Level 1 8:45 - 11:45AM
Level 2 12:00noon - 3:00PM
NYCCAOSA Workshops
Saturday
10:00AM - 2:30PM
B = Basic Pedagogy
R = Recorder
M = Movement
Materials
Required materials for each level are posted below.
Level 1
Basic Pedagogy
Music for Children Volume 1 Pentatonic (Murray Ed.)
Rhythmitsche Übung (Gunild Keetman) published by Schott
Elementaria (Gunild Keetman) published by Schott
Recorder
Sweet Pipes Recorder Book for Adults by Burakoff and Hettrick
Yamaha Soprano Recorder YRS-24B (Baroque)
Level 2
Basic Pedagogy
Music for Children Volume 2 Major: Drone Base-Triads (Murray Ed.)
Music for Children Volume 4 Minor: Drone Base-Triads (Murray Ed.)
Movement
Creative Dance for All Ages - Anne Green Gilbert
Recorder
The Trapp Family Recorder - Volume 2: for Treble, Sopranino or Bass Recorder
Yamaha Alto Recorder YRA-28B (Baroque)
Participation and Attendance
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Attendance in all OCP sessions is required for completion of this coursework.
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ONE NYCCAOSA Saturday Workshop must be attended to count towards your Special Topics hours. Course tuition includes admittance to all Saturday Workshops.
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A maximum of 6 hours of classes can be missed.
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Classes can not be attended through Zoom.
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All assignments including journal entries must be completed on time.
Email Craig at OrffLevelsNYC@gmail.com with questions.
Use the following buttons to apply to the NYC Orff Certification Program and find out additional information.
