The Orff Approach through "Rytmireissu": A Finnish TV Show for Children
If you're a music teacher looking for inspiration or simply curious about innovative teaching methods, then you've probably heard of the Orff Schulwerk, or Orff Approach. This developmental approach to music education was developed by German composer Carl Orff and colleague Gunild Keetman during the 1920s. The term "Schulwerk" is German for (literally) "school work" or "schooling", in this regard in the area of music. Today, the Orff Approach is used all around the world to teach students music in a natural and comfortable environment.
The Orff Approach of music education uses very rudimentary forms of everyday activity for the purpose of music creation by music students. The Orff Approach is a "child-centered way of learning" music education that treats music as a basic system like language and believes that just as every child can learn language without formal instruction so can every child learn music by a gentle and friendly approach.
It is often called "Elemental Music making" because the materials needed to teach students are "basic, natural, and close to a child’s world of thought and fantasy". In order for the Orff Approach to work effectively, teachers must create an atmosphere that is similar to a child's world of play. This allows participating children to feel comfortable learning a new and often abstract musical skill, greater exploration of a musical instrument or musical skill, and keeps a student from feeling evaluated or judged by his or her peers and teachers.
In this article, we will take a look at a great source of inspiration for music teachers interested in Orff Approach - a Finnish TV Show Rytmireissu ("Rhythm Journey"). In this show, musicians Satu Sopanen and Soili Perkiö introduce children to the world of rhythms using the Orff Approach games and activities, and playing songs along with a small professional orchestra. Each episode of the show has its own central theme around which all the songs and activities revolve.
The show's educational content is based on the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education, which emphasizes the importance of active music-making and movement as a means of learning. This approach encourages students to explore and create music in a fun and engaging way, using instruments, singing, and movement.
For Orff music teachers, "Rytmireissu" can be a valuable resource for teaching about different musical cultures and styles, and for introducing children to new instruments and rhythms. The show's emphasis on active participation and movement also aligns well with the Orff Schulwerk approach.
In this article, we will cover all recorded episodes of this short, but interesting and helpful TV series.
1. Izakazoomba
An episode with African Rhythmes and traditional African drums.
2. Toy queue
Children and adults sorting toys and assemble them into a line with songs and music.
3. Call Everyone!
Rhythmic games with clapping and loud noises to bring all the friend together.
4. I Walked On The Tammerkoski Bridge Last Night
An unusually quiet episode, with games and songs illustrating a walk in the middle of the night.
The teacher uses different percussion instruments, such as the Bali xylophone, gong, claves, tambourines, and rattles, to create a beautiful melody.
5. Sauna Song
An episode about a traditional Finnish sauna and all the sounds it may make. Orff Approach often include ethnic songs and themes depending on students' heritage and culture.
6. Shoe Catalog
An episode with songs and activities including all kinds of shoes, and sounds like rustling, shuffling, the creaking, clacking of heels, creaking of boots. The teacher explores different rhythms and sounds that can be made with shoes, incorporating them into a fun and engaging musical activity.
7. Inside Me, The Rhythm Was Rough
Activities and songs with various things made of crumpled paper. The Orff teacher leads a group of children in creating rhythms and beats using paper and a kalimba instrument.
8. Giant Pies
In this episode, adults and kids are "making giant pies" with various games and songs.
The teacher leads the group in creating rhythms and beats using their bodies, while also incorporating massage techniques to help the children relax.
9. The Guys From Kauko
This episodes focuses on finger games and gestures, with games where each gesture is associated with a certain sound
Overall, these videos serve as a great resource for Orff music teachers looking for new and creative ways to engage their students in music-making and rhythm exploration.