Our music program is based on the philosophy and practice of Orff Schulwerk, a vibrant approach to music education developed by composer and educator Carl Orff in collaboration with colleague Gunild Keetman.  Orff defined the ideal music for children as “never alone, but connected with movement, dance and speech – not to be listened to, meaningful only in active participation”.  Orff said, “Experience first, then intellectualize.”

Based on this ideal, the approach begins from the premise that every child is innately musical and naturally loves to play, sing and dance.  Children build understanding of concepts and skills through experiencing music on all levels including speech/chants, movement, singing, drama and playing pitched and non-pitched instruments.

Children are encouraged to experience music at their own level of understanding.  They learn in their natural environment of play.  They add their own ideas to each experience through improvisation composition and choreography.  Their activities call for the children’s use of intellect, imagination, senses, emotions, social and physical skills in ways that contribute to their total educational experience.

Music at DCS Montessori is part of every child’s school experience throughout the K-6 span.  Children come to music classes once a week.  Kindergarten classes learn routines of working together in musical ways - playing with their voices, bodies and simple props, developing a movement vocabulary and engaging their fantasy life through improvisation, story and drama.  They freely explore the possibilities of musical expression at their level of thought and emotion.

Elementary students begin ensemble playing on specially designed tonebars known as Orff instruments.  They learn vocabulary for musical concepts and broaden their repertoire of musical pieces, songs and folk dances.  The students move into a technical phase of musical training learning details of musical grammar, fundamental concepts and correct techniques while maintaining a playful, exploratory approach.  Improvisation and composition expand both their involvement and understanding.

“Tell me, I forget...

show me, I remember… 

Involve me, I understand.”  

Carl Orff