What is the Orff-Schulwerk Method? The Orff-Schulwerk method was developed by composer Carl Orff (1895–1982), in the 1920s and 30s (schulwerk means schoolwork in German). Orff believed that music was inherent in everyone and these abilities were best brought out through developing students’ natural rhythmic and melodic intuition. Orff himself designed instruments to be used by students including glockenspiels, xylophones, and other percussive instruments. Today the method is used in early childhood music classes with an emphasis on rhythmic patterns, melodic tunes, and movement, focusing on developing not only students’ musical ability, but also their improvisational skills, creative thinking, coordination, and teamwork. What is Dalcroze? The method known as Dalcroze was named after Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865–1950) a composer and educator who was born in Vienna but moved to Geneva at a young age. Dalcroze instruction focuses on discovering music through the body’s movements. Dalcroze believed that developing an individual’s “kinesthetic sense”—a sensory experience derived from muscles in movement—enhanced one’s expressive musicianship. With a strong emphasis on rhythm, Dalcroze develops skills through techniques such as ear-training and improvisation. As a practical method, young students who study Dalcroze are exposed to concepts such as meter and rhythm, dynamics, tempo, pitch, articulation, and duration. A Dalcroze class is a great introduction for young children to the fundamentals of music and enables a seamless transition to instrumental study. Orff and Dalcroze Classes at Bloomingdale School of Music Orff •    5 classes available based on children’s developmental stages from birth to 4 years • Instruction focuses on music and movement • Nursery songs, folk tunes, and classical works played in class • Instructors sing and play instruments including recorder and piano • Instructional props used in all classes such as egg shakers, a trampoline, and rhythm sticks • Xylophones, glockenspiels, and other percussion instruments used in 3 and 4 year old classes Dalcroze •    Class is designed for 5 year-olds • Movement based activities designed to awaken and stimulate children’s senses • Students participate in improvisation, conducting, and composing excercises • Instructor plays the piano incorporating selections specially written for the class along with jazz, classical, and popular music • Students leave class ready for instrumental study at Bloomingdale with knowledge of basic rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and tempo