NEW FSL PROGRAM!
The Intro to Orff course / AQ Part 1 is offered with a focus on French for teachers working in FSL settings.
- Half days are spent in the FSL / Basic Orff component
- Language of instruction is mostly in English but most repertoire is in French
- French language terminology is introduced but the curriculum is the Ontario English document
- Lead instructor is fluent in French
- Participants can go into Orff Level I and II to complete their AQ Part 2 and Ontario Specialist
- Participants receive an Intro to Orff certificate endorsed by Carl Orff Canada
- Register for Primary Junior Music Part 1 with FSL Focus, with or without AQ
Within the Province of Ontario, the Oscar Peterson School of Music is the exclusive Orff Teacher Education provider, offering summer intensive and evening courses as well as workshops and webinars year-round. All Orff programming at the Oscar Peterson School of Music is led by internationally renowned clinicians.
Four levels of Orff Courses for teachers are offered through the Oscar Peterson School of Music – Intro to Orff, and Levels I, II and III. The first three courses run as 10-day intensives every summer, and Level III Orff is offered every other year. The Intro and Level I courses are often programmed during the school year as evening programs, and/or in partnership with different school boards. Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) members may complete additional components to receive
Additional Qualifications (AQ) in Primary Junior Music with Orff Focus under Regulation 347/02.
NOTE: All Orff candidates will will need to bring or purchase recorders, except for the bass recorder in Level III which RCM will supply. All other instruments are provided by RCM at no extra cost. Detailed information will be sent to teachers before classes start.
Students who successfully complete an Orff Summer Intensive course will receive a certificate. Schedule includes one Saturday during the first week due to Canada Day Holiday on Monday, July 1. If you have questions about Summer Orff Intensive, please contact [email protected].
DATES: July 2-12, 2025
TIME: 8:45 am-5:15 pm
INSTRUCTORS: Oscar Peterson School Faculty
The Orff philosophy is an internationally recognized approach to teaching music in schools or group classes, fully aligned with Ontario Ministry of Education (2009) Arts Curriculum for music K-8. With the Orff approach teachers learn to foster student musical performance, literacy and creativity through carefully sequenced musical experiences using songs, games, rhythms, poems, dances, and stories from around the world. Participating teachers learn from specialists in recorder playing, vocal techniques, the basics of movement education, playing percussion (Orff) instruments, and the Orff philosophy of music education.
Additional Qualifications (AQ) for Orff
What types of AQs does the RCM offer?
Schedule D (Part 1 – Part 2 – Specialist)
We do not offer ABQ or Honours Specialist courses.
What AQs are offered through the Oscar Peterson School of Music at the Royal Conservatory?
The AQ in Primary/Junior Vocal Music with Orff Focus, Parts 1-2-Specialist
The AQ in Primary/Junior Vocal Music with FSL Focus, Part 1
The AQ in Instrumental Music, Parts 1-2-Specialist
The AQ in Intermediate/Senior Vocal Music, Parts 1-2 (Specialist to be added)
I am not a member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Can I register for an AQ course?
No, but you can take any of our AQ courses as Certificate programs instead.
I have some music qualifications already. Can I skip AQ Part 1 and go directly into an AQ Part 2 course?
Under the regulations laid down by the OCT, the answer is no except under some fairly unusual conditions. Please contact the AQ Coordinator (
[email protected]) for specific advice.
I have the music qualifications or experience to enter AQ Part 2 but I have to take AQ Part 1. Will I be bored?
These courses provide valuable training for those with prior musical training and/or significant teaching experience. The practical emphasis on creative strategies for the classroom, thoughtful presentation of issues in music education and exciting repertoire drawn from a wide variety of world cultures are valuable to both the novice and the experienced musician.
I took AQ Part 1 from another provider. Can I go directly into AQ Part 2?
Yes, providing you have the musical qualifications.
I took AQ Parts 1 and 2 from another provider. Can I go directly into AQ Part 3 (Specialist) at the RCM?
You must have taken both the OCT’s PJ Vocal Music Part 2 and Orff Level I from a provider endorsed by Carl Orff Canada in order to take the RCM’s AQ Part 3 (Specialist) with Orff Focus.
Does it cost more to take the course with AQ?
There is an additional fee for the AQs to cover the assessment of your AQ work and registration with the Ontario College of Teachers.
Do I need to provide proof of teaching experience to take an AQ?
If you are taking Part 2 or 3 (Specialist) you will need to upload a teaching experience form signed by a superintendent. This form is available on the AQ registration page or by contacting
[email protected].
I can’t reach my Superintendent during the summer to sign my experience form. Can I still register for AQ Part 2 or Specialist?
Yes, complete the AQ registration without the experience form. Your AQ completion will be registered once you upload the form in the fall.
I’m a new teacher graduate and the OCT has not registered me as yet. Can I still take the AQ?
Yes. Just let us know when your registration comes through and we will post your AQ completion right away.
I understand these courses are hybrid. When do I complete the online portion of the courses?
All online course work is completed after the 10 days of in-class instruction. The online work for the AQ in Primary/Junior Vocal Music Part 1 is not due until October 1 of the year you take the course, because you are asked to select amongst several activities that can only be completed during the school year. The deadline for Parts 2 and 3 is August 1.
How and when does the Ontario College of Teachers register the AQ?
The RCM will submit your completion to the OCT when you have successfully completed all course components; the College will enter the completion on your teaching certificate. This usually takes about 1 month or less from the time you submit your final assignment. There will be no direct notification to you, but you can check your status at
www.oct.ca.
I am a pre-service teacher (or planning to complete my teaching qualifications in the near future). Can I start, or even complete, my AQ part 1 before I am an OCT?
No, you must have completed your teaching qualifications before you start the AQ course.
Further questions? Please contact:
[email protected].
Where is the course venue?
The courses run in the home of The Royal Conservatory's downtown Toronto location at 273 Bloor Street West, steps from St. George subway station. This state-of-the-art dedicated music facility is air conditioned and features fast, reliable, and free wifi. Please visit our website for location details.
What is the daily schedule?
These intensive courses provide ten full days of in-class instruction, comprising 3 hours of basic pedagogy, and 1 hour each of recorder, vocal and movement. In addition, nightly practice and assignments are expected. Two short breaks and a one-hour lunch break are incorporated into the schedule, and extra assistance is always available at the end of the regular day.
What will I need to bring to class?
We ask you to purchase a few resources we know will be valuable as ongoing resources for your teaching career. You will be sent a list of required materials in addition to that provided by The Royal Conservatory (RCM). These will be communicated to you ahead of time and available for purchase on the first day of the course. You do not need to purchase or own an Orff instrument.
Wear casual clothing appropriate for movement and bring layers. Please do not wear heels.
What amenities are available?
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch or visit our in-house café, b espresso, to purchase meals or beverages. There are also several places in the neighbourhood where you can purchase food.
What if my plans change? What is the withdrawal policy?
Our registration policies are available on our Student Information Page. Please note that when completing registration you agree to these policies.
Further questions? Please contact:
[email protected]