Orff-Schulwerk Level 1 | Summer 2026
20 July – 31 July 2026
UNC Charlotte—Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts
Each year, the AOSA (American-Orff Schulwerk Association) approves comprehensive Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Courses throughout the United States. The Department of Music is pleased to announce that we are approved to offer Level 1 Orff for Summer 2026, and the Department of Music is partnering with the Piedmont North Carolina Chapter of AOSA to offer local teachers this level’s content leading to Level I completion/certification. Orff Level courses develop adult learners’ musicianship, creativity, and teaching strategies through pedagogy, recorder, and movement, providing practical skills and knowledge that enhance classroom instruction with children.
The class will run 20 July – 31 July 2026, 8:00am – 4:00pm (M-F) in Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts on the main campus of UNC Charlotte. Tuition for the course is $1,078.
The daily program includes basic Orff pedagogy, soprano recorder, movement, and varied special topics instruction. Content focuses on the following:
- Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy
- Rhythmic and melodic training
- Improvisation
- Movement
- Ostinato
- Bordun use and role in accompanying music
- Soprano recorder
- Literature to use for teaching
- Fun!
Tuition & Details
The tuition for the two-week class pays for the clinicians’ fees, facilities and personnel fees, a t-shirt, parking, and some light snacks. UNC Charlotte has several places to each lunch that are within walking distance to Robinson Hall, and the light rail on campus connects to Uptown Charlotte. One stop away is The Shoppes at University Place. Parking for the event is in East Deck on Mary Alexander Road. Allow 5-7 minutes to walk from East Deck to Robinson Hall. There is a convenient handicap lot directly across from Robinson Hall for those who need it.
What do participants pay for?
- Course fee: $1078
- Course materials (recorder, books, etc.) that are not digital. The list will be sent to each participant upon full tuition payment so that they can order the materials for the course. Approximately $175.
- Meals, although a mid-morning coffee service will be provided
- Transportation to and from the venue
- Parking Garage per day (East Deck). If a participant leaves during the lunch break and returns in the afternoon, that cost will be the participant’s responsibility.
What do i wear?
What do I wear? Robinson Hall is air conditioned, but some may find it too cool. We recommend a light sweater that can be taken off easily, if need be, comfortable and cool clothing, and shoes for dancing/movement.
For more information, Contact the Course Director, Ms. Crystal Briley at pncclevelscourse@gmail.com
meet our clinicians
Aimee Curtis Pfitzner has dedicated over thirty years to working with children and educators through joyful, playful, and purposeful music making and learning. She holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and completed Orff-Schulwerk certification training through Level I at Bridgewater State University (MA), Levels II and III at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Master’s Level training at the University of Memphis. Aimee is also an approved Level I Orff-Schulwerk Teacher Educator.
Aimee is a frequent presenter at national and international music education conferences and workshops. Her numerous published resources for music educators are available through Beatin’ Path Publications. Beyond her professional work, Aimee is passionate about singing, gardening, adoption, and a wide range of creative pursuits including painting, zendoodling, jewelry making, and sewing. When she’s not singing, teaching, writing music, or presenting, Aimee shares her thoughts and inspirations on music education through her blog: www.ofortunaorff.com.
Kerri Lynn Nichols has been a teacher of Orff-Schulwerk for over thirty years, receiving her Master level Orff certification from UC Santa Cruz and the University of Memphis and attending the international course at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. She is a composer, recording artist, choreographer and accomplished vocalist. Her compositions, choreography and musicals have been commissioned for community projects with children and dance companies such as Kaleidoscope and Enertia of Seattle and local children’s theatre groups.
Kerri Lynn has taught all ages in both the public and private sectors and has presented multiple workshops for state, national and international conferences. She has designed and implemented courses for educators in music through movement, academic integration and brain-based learning. Currently, she is the founding artistic director for Common Sound Ensemble, which serves low-access populations and facilitates community programs for different age groups including seniors. Kerri Lynn is the author of several books and recordings for educators and children. The core of her work is to nurture individual growth through the magic of music and movement.
Register Now
Register for the workshop here. You will need to pay a $100 deposit to reserve your spot with the remainder of the payment due by 15 May 2026. There are limited spots for the course (only 20), so reserve today.