Montessori Orff
Music
Elemental Music and Movement
in the Montessori Classroom
ABOUT
Montessori Orff Music is based on an elemental approach to music. Skills and learning strategies are accessible to all, independently of any formal music training. Like acquiring a native language or learning how to walk, the creative process emerges from primal musical instincts. Movement, speech, rhythm, stories, poems, dramatic play, dance, and singing form a unity and are playfully explored, using the natural human instruments, body and voice. The improvisational nature of this child-centred music-making is structured by universal forms of Echo-imitation, Call and Response, Question & Answer, and Ostinato. Multisensory entry points can include different learners of various abilities, aid comprehension of Montessori concepts, and adapt to other cultures and languages.
PROGRAMS
Level 1 establishes fundamental skills and strategies in rhythm, movement, dance, singing, play, elemental forms, percussion instruments, and reflection. They are designed to be classroom-integrated and explored with the whole group, in daily short sessions after the 3-hour work period. The Lesson Manual highlights classroom management, lesson planning, recoord keeping, and a glossary for music and movement terms.
Level 2 adds multi-layered ostinati, guided improvisation, independent small group work for elementary and adolescent levels, and deep work with the Laban analysis and vocabulary for movement and dance. The goal is to develop an embodied cognition for concepts in science, literature, visual arts, and provide tools for exploring and expressing social and emotional issues of the times.
ENROLLMENT
Training is offered in two formats: Whole School In-Service for professional staff development and Open Enrollment.
To schedule professional development at a specific site, please contact Inga Sieminski in the contact box below.
Registration for Open Enrollment workshops will be listed HERE, when they are offered to the general public or hosted by a Montessori school for the a wider community.
Training can be scheduled as an in-person all-day course or two 4-hour sessions. Level 1 is also available online (synchronous) in two 4-hour or four 2-hour sessions. For questions, please contact Inga Sieminski.
Inga Sieminski
Inga has enjoyed 35 years as a Montessori teacher for primary (ages 3-6) and elementary (ages 6-12) levels and worked as administrator in various capacities. She holds an M.Ed. in Montessori Studies from Loyola University Maryland and a Master’s degree in Arts Administration from American University, Washington DC. Based on her certification in Orff Schulwerk Music for Children and studies in Orff Music Therapy, Inga has always included an elemental approach to music and movement to support different learners and connect with multiple cultures. She has written a 230-page integrated lesson manual for implementation in the Montessori classroom and now gives training workshops around the world. Inga serves on the executive boards of Virginia Montessori Association (VMA) and Washington Montessori Institute (WMI).