Lessons Learned New Music Education Publication

A new book, Lessons Learned: A Dozen Plans for Orff Process and Improvisation, features lesson plans written by the first cohort of students in UNCW’s Graduate Certificate in Music Education and their instructors. Published by Kendall Hunt in June, the collection provides a framework for using the Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy in K–12 music classrooms.

“The Orff-Schulwerk approach to music education promotes teaching music with creativity and self-expression,” said Daniel Johnson, professor of music and program coordinator. “Our approach is ‘creative joy’ as a counterpoint to the ‘practice makes perfect’ mentality. We’re very proud of this publication, which contains kid-tested lessons that represent the Orff process and effectively engage students.”

The Graduate Certificate in Music Education, introduced in June 2024, centers on three two-week summer professional development courses designed to help music teachers unlock creativity in every learner. In the fall, participants extend their work through applied learning projects that transform daily classroom practices.

“The teachers in our first cohort are very engaged,” Dr. Johnson said. “In January, we held a Zoom celebration to reflect on their fall field experiences. The teachers were so excited to share new ways they’re applying the Orff approach in their classrooms. As a group, we decided to collaborate on a publication that would share these lessons with others.”

The book was co-edited by Johnson and Joan Eckroth-Riley, associate professor of music education at Murray State University and part-time faculty member in UNCW’s summer Orff program.

Contributing teachers represent K-12 schools throughout North Carolina as well as Virginia and Ohio. They include Kaleb Branner, Shanna Collins, Amber Faulhaber, Jason Glashauser, Jordan C. Jones, Jared Miller, Michelle Poeppelmeier, Martin Pruitt, Sarah Rogers, Mary C. Sumner and Meredith Sumner.

“It was inspirational to work with these teachers in compiling their lessons,” Eckroth-Riley said. “Orff lessons can be challenging to write because the process doesn’t follow rigid steps. Instead, learning unfolds naturally as students observe, imitate, explore, improvise, and create. These lessons provide a framework while leaving room for imagination and discovery. This is so important to keep improvisation and creativity as the heart of the Schulwerk.”

The publication has already received impressive reviews, with music teacher-educators praising it as “a must-have for all music teachers,” “a valuable and practical resource with clear, well-thought-out lessons,” and “a delightful gem that brings depth, diversity, and joy to the music classroom.”

About UNCW’s Graduate Program in Music Education

UNCW offers North Carolina’s only graduate certificate in Music Education with an emphasis on Orff-Schulwerk. It is also one of just a few nationwide, leading to a national AOSA-accredited Orff Certificate of Completion. The 18-credit hour certificate program includes intensive summer courses, classroom-based learning labs, and a capstone study-abroad at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria.

Students also have free access to UNCW’s National Board Certification Support program, which helps teachers earn the profession’s highest credential and a 12% salary increase.

Prospective students interested in joining the next cohort should apply by April 15, 2026. Classes begin in June 2026. For more information visit the program website, the summer PD website, or contact Dr. Daniel Johnson at johnsond@uncw.edu