There is an ongoing discussion regarding the best way to transfer music from the teacher’s mind to the students’. A method I have used and am currently using in one of my assignments is adopted from the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education. The way I am using the approach is by developing percussion parts that are able to be transferred between multiple methods of performance for example, introducing the idea on body percussion (ST = stamp, P = patsch, CL = clap, and FN or SN for snap) and transferring this to classroom instruments.
The assignment I have been working on is a mixed-bag arrangement and through the integration of key principles of Orff pedagogy such as transfer and imitation I have created percussion parts that are both easily transferrable and repeatable. As such these ideas are easily taught through rote, another key principle of Orff pedagogy. Developing these parts so that they transfer onto classroom instruments without difficulty such as a ‘ST’ part that works well on djembe for instance is an ideal way of extending the classroom repertoire. Doing this also adds an extra step in the learning process which can inadvertently assist students in playing the part/rhythm.
Something I have also realised is that this can be taken 1 step further. In the assignment that I mentioned previously I was required to create a ‘mixed bag’ arrangement for classroom use. I created a selection of percussion parts (3 in total) that could be transferred from ORFF body percussion (ST, P & CL) to classroom instruments (Djembe, Claves, Hand Cymbals/Bells) to then go one step further and ensure all were playable together on a drum kit part with the CL representing the high-hat/cymbals, the P representing the snare and the ST representing the Kick drum. It certainly wasn’t the easiest task in the world to complete but it was certainly worth it and as teachers, going the extra mile for our students is always worth it.
LJS Music Education 