Article

Developing the Musical Skills of Children with Down Syndrome through the Orff Approach

Author

Mahmoud Ahmed Elwakeel, Jacqueline Gamal Seydhom

Information

pp. 113~138 / 2025 Vol.54 No.3

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program based on the Orff approach in enhancing the musical skills of children with Down syndrome, with a particular focus on their ability to play Orff instruments. A single-group pre-test–post-test experimental design was employed to evaluate the program’s impact. The participants were eleven children with Down syndrome residing at the Al-Folk Charitable Foundation in Akwa Al-Hissa, Kafr El-Zayat, Tanta, Gharbia, during the 2022–2023 academic year. They took part in a structured rehabilitation program grounded in Orff’s pedagogy, which emphasizes experiential learning through rhythm, movement, singing, and instrument playing. The program was conducted once a week for 60 minutes over a 20-week period. Data were collected using an observation checklist designed to assess Orff instrument performance skills, supported by a teacher’s guide for program implementation. The findings revealed statistically significant improvements in both overall performance and sub-skills, with post-test scores significantly higher than pre-test scores. Furthermore, the program demonstrated substantial effectiveness in improving musical performance, underscoring its educational value for children with Down syndrome. These outcomes highlight the potential of Orff-based rehabilitation programs and recommend their broader application, as well as future studies to examine long-term benefits and adaptability across diverse educational settings.

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