Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Courses
Introduction to Orff Schulwerk, June 29 – July 3, 2026 Level II, June 22 – July 3, 2026
Register OnlineA creative approach to teaching and learning
Orff-Schulwerk is a creative approach to teaching and learning music through speaking, singing, playing instruments, and moving. Created by composers Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, the Schulwerk is an exciting way to teach and learn music. For more information about the Kansas Orff Chapter, please contact president@kansasorff.com or visit sites.google.com/view/kansas-orff-chapter.
Baker University’s beautiful tree-filled campus with its brook, bridge, and an English village chapel (moved to the campus in 1996) will be a fantastic site on which to enjoy this rewarding workshop.
The Baker campus is located just 45 minutes from Kansas City and Topeka and 20 minutes from Lawrence, with many recreational opportunities such as swimming, restaurants, historical sites, and parks. Classes meet 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Registration & Fees
Introduction to Orff Schulwerk course fee: $300
Level II teacher education course fee: $600
You may register for either course online.
Minimally, a $150 nonrefundable deposit is due by April 1 (*refundable only if the class is canceled due to low enrollment). The balance of payment for the course is due on or before the first day of classes, June 22, 2026 for Level II, and June 29, 2026 for the Introduction to Orff Schulwerk course.
Graduate Credit
You may earn 1 hour of graduate credit at $80 for Introduction to Orff Schulwerk or 3 hours of graduate credit for Level II at $240 ($80 per credit). Be sure to click the link for graduate credit embedded in the course registration form.
On-Campus Housing
Inexpensive housing is available through Baker University. The apartments include private bedrooms, shared bath, and kitchen facilities. Plan to bring your own bedding (extra-long twin) and towels. For more information about registration, credit, and housing, contact the Department of Music and Theatre at 785.594.8478 or email tlyerla@bakerU.edu.
Special Invitation to Orff Chapter Members
We wish to extend a special invitation to the members of the Kansas Orff Chapter and the Heart of America Orff Chapter to attend this workshop.
Cancellation Policy
Baker University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is cancelled or postponed, Baker University will refund all registration fees but cannot be held responsible for other costs, charges, or expenses incurred by the registrant.
Courses
Introduction to Orff Schulwerk
This course is designed for any music education students, pre-service teachers, or music educators who are curious about the Orff Schulwerk process. Upon completion, you will be ready to join us for our teacher education courses each summer on Baker University’s campus. Level I Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education is next slated to be offered in Summer 2027!
Level II
Students who enroll in this Level II course must have successfully completed Level I course work. This course is designed for music specialists who aspire to ultimately become certified in Orff-Schulwerk. Students in this course will be provided the necessary knowledge, resources and experience necessary to further enhance their classroom music teaching.
Instructors
Jennifer Donovan: Pedagogy and Recorder Level II
Jennifer Donovan teaches at Clear Creek Elementary School in Shawnee, Kansas. She is a past president of the Kansas Orff Chapter and has served on the AOSA National Board of Trustees as Region III representative and treasurer. She served as national conference chair for the 2016 AOSA Conference in Atlantic City and served in the same position for the 2020 AOSA Conference in Kansas City. Jennifer served on the 2009 and 2018 Kansas Teacher of the Year teams. The 2012 recipient of the World Village Wildcard scholarship, Jennifer attended the JaSeSoiRy World Village in Finland.
Freedom Brass: Movement Level II and Introduction to Orff
Freedom Brass teaches K-5 Elementary Music in Junction City, Kansas. She has over 20 years of music teaching experience in elementary and secondary classrooms. Freedom earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and holds a master’s in special education with an emphasis in difficult and challenging behaviors. She received all three Orff Schulwerk Music Certifications from Baker University in Kansas and is an AOSA-Certified movement Instructor of all three levels. Her professional affiliations include being a member of AOSA, the Kansas Orff Chapter, and a partner of Kansas State University’s student internship program. Freedom was the Geary County District Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2020. Her professional passions are music advocacy, mentoring new music teachers, building positive relationships with students, and creating an inclusive environment for all learners.
Greg Gooden: Course Director
Levels I & III
Greg Gooden retired from a 39-year career as a music teacher in May 2020. The last 15 of those years were spent teaching military children at Fort Riley Elementary School. He is the director of the Geary County Children’s Choir and previously directed the McPherson Arts Council Children’s Choir. He is a past president of the Kansas Orff Chapter. Greg was the Elementary Outstanding Music Teacher of the Year in 2006 and 2012 for the North Central District KMEA. He was a presenter at the 2005 AOSA National Conference in Birmingham and the 2006 National Conference in Omaha. Greg has been the Orff course director at Baker University since its inception. He retired from serving as the recorder instructor at the end of 2021.