Homeschool Music Program

My name is Saundra Stortz, and I have just retired as the music specialist at Seton Academy in Plattsburgh. I previously taught at what was St.Peter's Elementary school, for a total of 16 continuous years between the two schools. I am certified in the Orff-Schulwerk approach to music and movement education.

This fall, I am starting a program of music classes targeted at home-schooled students. Lessons would include instruction in instrument playing (recorder, drums, xylophones), singing, movement. Everything you would expect, however, the Orff approach goes beyond rote learning to encourage other life skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Classes are grouped into 10 week Sessions with a one-hour lesson each week. Three Sessions are planned for the 2014-2015 school year. It is hoped that the students will continue from Session One to Session Two and on to Session Three to complete the year. Each Session will have new material.

If you are not familiar with Orff-Schulwerk, you will be amazed by the 2-minute video prepared by the national Orff Association that shows children experiencing the joy of working together to make music. You can view the video at aosa.org.Click the play button in the lime green strip.

Initial plans are for grouping ages 6-8 and ages 9-12 into multi-aged classes.
Classes begin in September. Find out about location, dates, and fees by filling out the form at http://bit.ly/1mqCcSj or emailing saundra.stortz@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

*WHAT IS ORFF-SCHULWERK? Schulwerk translates roughly as “school work” or “the work of children.” It is a hands-on, experience-based way for children to enjoy, create, and participate in music making. Through IMITATION, EXPLORATION, IMPROVISATION, AND NOTATION students are fully engaged in every aspect of learning music. Creativity is unleashed with freedom of choice and a lot of risk taking. It is not a method, textbook, or curriculum but a dynamic approach to the world of music education.