Utah State University Hosts Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Course Promoting Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to the Orff Schulwerk Course

Utah State University (USU) is currently hosting its nationally recognized Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Course, a two-week intensive program in music and movement education. The course is led by experienced music educator Leslie Timmons and has been offered nearly every year since 1988.

The course introduces educators to the Orff approach, a child-centered music teaching method emphasizing creativity, movement, and collaboration. This approach aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), by fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Orff Approach: A Transformative Music Education Method

• Child-Centered Learning: The Orff approach meets students where they are, encouraging joyful participation through singing, body percussion, improvisation, and ensemble play.
• Creativity and Collaboration: Emphasizes making music together, listening, moving, and creating, which supports SDG 4 by enhancing creative skills and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Historical Roots: Developed post-World War II by German composer Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman as part of educational radio programs for children.

Expert Leadership and Unique Course Features

1. Experienced Instruction: Leslie Timmons brings decades of expertise, including a Fulbright year at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria.
2. Focus on the Recorder: The course highlights the recorder as an accessible and expressive instrument, promoting inclusivity in music education (SDG 4 and SDG 10).
3. Collaboration with Karen Petty: Elementary music educator Karen Petty joins Timmons to guide participants through Level I certification, the first of three levels in the national Orff Schulwerk training structure.

Accessibility and Impact of the Program

• Affordability and Support: USU’s course is distinguished by its affordability, university support, and access to professional-quality instruments and facilities, contributing to SDG 4 by making quality education accessible.
• International Reach: Participants have attended from as far as Europe, demonstrating the program’s global impact and contribution to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Community and Educational Transformation: Alumni have implemented the Orff approach in classrooms across Utah, transforming music education and supporting inclusive learning environments.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

The Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Course at USU supports multiple SDGs by:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Enhancing creative and inclusive music education that supports diverse learners.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Providing accessible music education tools and methods that accommodate all students.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Building international connections through global participation and collaboration.
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promoting mental well-being and social cohesion through collaborative music-making activities.

Upcoming Event and Further Information

A casual sharing of activities from the course will take place on Friday, June 27, in room 214 of the Daryl Chase Fine Arts Center. The event is open to all interested attendees.

For more information about the Orff Teacher Education Course at Utah State University, please visit the official course website.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article focuses on a teacher education course that enhances music education, promoting inclusive and equitable quality education.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Through music and movement education, the program supports mental well-being and social-emotional development.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The Orff approach is child-centered and accessible, supporting learners of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By fostering cultural participation and community through music education, the program contributes to sustainable and inclusive communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers through teacher training programs.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race or other status.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Number of teachers certified in the Orff Schulwerk approach (implied by the certification levels and course completion).
   • Participation rates in specialized teacher training courses.
   • Access to professional-quality instruments and facilities for music education.
2. Indicators related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Improvements in school culture and student well-being through music participation (implied by research cited on benefits of music).
3. Indicators related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Inclusivity of music education methods (e.g., child-centered, accessible instruments like the recorder).
   • Number of diverse learners engaged through the Orff approach.
4. Indicators related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Extent of community participation in cultural activities (e.g., public sharing events like the one on June 27).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: usu.edu