Fostering creativity and improvisation in the elementary general music classroom using the Orff approach

Abstract

This project examined the use of the Orff Approach to foster creativity and improvisation in the elementary general music classroom through study of the extant literature on the topic and generated a presentation to be shared with both in-service and pre-service music educators. The literature stated that most elementary music teachers have had training in improvisation and how to teach it, yet do not include improvisation and creation activities in their lessons. This project also compiled several structured activities that can be used by elementary music teachers to teach improvisation, as well as a brief definition and overview of the Orff Approach and its foundational concepts. The results of this project could be used by elementary music educators to begin teaching improvisation and creation in their classrooms, allowing opportunities for students to express themselves through sound and music and grow in the affective domain of learning.