of. Literacy is taught by learning musical notation and becoming familiar with forms of music like rondo and ABA. Improvisation is the act of creating something, especially music, without prior preparation. To improvise, a student must have "a preliminary knowledge and comprehension of concepts." Students of the Orff Approach learn to create their own melodies in a comfortable environment that allows for mistakes and promotes creativity. Orff Schulwerk in Aotearoa/New Zealand Orff New Zealand Aotearoa (ONZA) is a professional society dedicated to the promotion of the Orff Schulwerk approach in New Zealand. The organisation is a member of the Orff Schulwerk Forum Salzburg. In association with the University of Waikato, ONZA offers a four-tiered course of study in the Orff approach, which includes practical workshops and critical investigation. Other applications The Orff Approach was originally intended to teach music to children but because of the different benefits that it offers with coordination, dexterity, and concentration the technique is often used to teach individuals with special needs. The simplicity of the technique allows all ranges of handicapped students to participate in the learning process. Mentally handicapped students can easily perform the tasks without fear of being ridiculed or being left behind. The visually impaired/blind who tend to have "hesitant, jerky, and over controlled" movements because they "often breathe quite shallowly" can use the different breathing and movement exercises to relax their body and breathing. Students with a hearing impairment can use the Orff Approach by feeling the vibrations that are created by different instruments. Since music is mostly resilient, students who have had injuries that have mentally impaired them can use the Approach as a form of therapy. Even elderly individuals who often become weak with old age can use the Orff Approach to help with memory, dexterity, and agility. Notes References Orff Carl; Keetman G.(1950) Musik für Kinder I. Mainz: Schott. Orff Carl; Keetman G. (1950) Musik für Kinder: Reime und Spiellieder. Mainz: Schott. External links Carl Orff Canada American Orff Schulwerk Association Victorian Orff Schulwerk Association, Australia Australian National Council of Orff Schulwerk Orff-Schulwerk Association (Singapore) Orff New Zealand Aotearoa MagicaMusica – an Italian blog dedicated to musical propedeutical methodologies ORFF SCHULWERK Italian Wiki dedicated to Orff Schulwerk Dutch Wikipedia: Pierre van Hauwe The Institute for Music and Dance Pedagogy-Orff Institute of the University Mozarteum Salzburg Orff Center – Munich Carl Orff Foundation Orff-Schulwerk Forum Orff Resource for Teachers