Orff and Kodály Training
At the University of Mary, we are pleased to offer Orff and Kodály training as a two-week summer course. Our course rotates through different levels of both certifications based on the needs of the community.
Orff Training
Orff training introduces participants to the Orff-Schulwerk process of music education. While doing coursework in basic pedagogy, recorder, and movement, participants will not only discover how to ‘process teach’ in a way that makes sense to kids, but they will discover their own musicianship and teaching strengths. Orff-Schulwerk focuses on creating music in a deep and meaningful way through singing, speaking, body percussion, instruments, movement, and more.
Orff training at the University of Mary is approved by the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) and is sponsored by the University of Mary's music department.
While the University of Mary is not offering an Orff course in 2025, we plan to offer more in the future. Please email the Music Department with any questions.
Kodály Training
Kodály training introduces participants to the Kodály method of music education with curriculum sequencing and personal musicianship. Level I training covers kindergarten to second grade. Level II training covers third and fourth grade. Participants will complete coursework in pedagogy, folk song collection, conducting, choir, and musicianship.
Our Kodály training follows recommended guidelines set forth by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (AOKE) and is sponsored by the University of Mary music department.
Instructors
Kodaly Level II — Folk Song Collection and Pedagogy
Niki Bernier currently teaches elementary music in Mandan, ND. In addition, she serves as the instructor for Elementary Music Methods and is the Orff-Schulwerk levels course director and Kodály instructor at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Niki is an active member of the Prairie Winds Orff Chapter, having served as the program chair, secretary, vice president and is currently the president. She has also been an active member of the Northern Plains Kodály Chapter, having served on their board for six years as their ‘Public Relations Member at Large.’ She was on the middle school choral staff at International Music Camp from 2013-2019. Passionate about active music-making that merges the Kodály method and the Orff-Schulwerk process, Niki creates a dynamic classroom that focuses on singing, classroom instruments, composition, movement, and creativity. Niki is a Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk certified elementary music specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and a bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She graduated with a Master of Arts from The University of Iowa in 2011. She earned her Kodály levels certification from Minnesota State University Moorhead and Orff-Schulwerk certification from the University of St. Thomas.
Kodaly Level II — Musicianship, Choir, and Conducting
Charlotte Morey received her bachelor of music from Dickinson State University in North Dakota and her Kodály Mastery Certification from the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has been a guest conductor for choirs of all ages, but mainly children’s choirs, throughout North and South Dakota. She has presented numerous sessions and workshops regionally and statewide, demonstrating the Kodály methodology in action. Charlotte was an instructor for the Kodály Summer Certification Program at Moorhead State University in Minnesota and a guest clinician at the NDSU Summer Symposium in Music Education in Fargo, North Dakota, for several years. She has received the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame Award, the Dickinson State Alumni Fellows Award, the Distinguished Service Award from the International Music Camp, and the North Dakota Hall of Fame Award in Music Education.