The Hellenic Orff-Schulwerk Association (ESMA): Historical Review, Evolution and Prospects – Olympia Agalianou & Katerina Alexiadi

Ειδικό Τεύχος 5 (2) 2013 – Article 

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The Hellenic Orff-Schulwerk Association (ESMA): Historical Review, Evolution and Prospects

Olympia Agalianou & Katerina Alexiadi

(pp. 207-214)

Abstract

This article provides a historical review of the Hellenic Orff-Schulwerk          Association (ESMA) from its founding until today. Polyxeni Matéy introduced the Orff approach in Greece during the third decade of the 20th century and her students have played an important role in expanding the Orff approach in Greece. After a brief reference to the history of the two first decades of the successful function of ESMA, the article focuses on the associations’ goals and perspectives in the third decade of its existence. In the current situation of Greece and its socioeconomic conditions, ESMA places great importance on linking its activity to fields such as inclusive education and social work providing scientific support to teachers that work in these areas.

Keywords

relations; values; redefinition; goals; inclusive education; Greece

Biographies 

Olympia Agalianou obtained her PhD in pedagogy in the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy and Psychology at the University of Athens. She also has a degree in physical education, also obtained at the University of Athens. She has completed studies in music harmony; music and movement education Orff-Schulwerk; dance therapy (GADT); systemic thinking and epistemology (AKMA). She is a co-author of the physical education school books (1st – 4th grades, Greek primary education), and has published articles in academic journals. She is a primary school PE teacher, educator of teachers in life-long education programmes and a member of the teaching staff in the three-year programme of music and movement education Orff-Schulwerk at Moraitis School.

Email: oagalianoou@yahoo.com

 

Katerina Alexiadi graduated from the Department of Philosophy and Pedagogy at the University of Crete. She completed postgraduate studies in philosophy – pedagogy – sociology at the University of Thessaloniki. She studied music and movement education Orff-Schulwerk  at Moraitis School and she holds an MA in theatre studies and– musicology, from the Theatre Studies Department of the University of Athens. She has studied classical singing, music harmony, and classical and contemporary dance. She is a secondary school language teacher at the Musical Experimental High School of Pallini, Athens. She is a member of the editorial committee of the journal Education & Theatre.

Email: katerina.alexiadi@gmail.com