Playing with Orff and Classroom Instruments

This chapter begins with a discussion of the relevance of playing classroom instruments in general music settings with children ages 5–12. It provides ideas for defining and categorizing musical instruments that can be used in general music. Pedagogical models based on the Orff Schulwerk approach are illustrated through instructional plans (including assessments) for applying instrumental play and playfulness with children in educational settings with different levels of resources. Applications of musical instruments found in many North American general music classrooms (small percussion, recorders, and barred Orff instruments) as well as body percussion, bucket drums, and found sounds are presented. Technologies such as YouTube play-along videos, apps for musical creativity and recording, and online musical instruments are included to elucidate ways to make music meaningful to learners of different ages, abilities, and cultures, with brief mention of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.