The Orff-Schulwerk lesson plan emphasizes which of the following as key to musical discovery?

The emphasis on children's natural tendency to play within the Orff-Schulwerk curriculum is foundational because it aligns with the philosophy that music education should be experiential and engaging. This approach encourages students to explore musical concepts through play, movement, and improvisation, facilitating a more organic and enjoyable learning process. By prioritizing play, the Orff-Schulwerk method allows children to discover music in a way that is intuitive and deeply connected to their natural expressions and interests.

This focus on play fosters creativity, social interaction, and emotional connection, making music education more meaningful for young learners. It promotes an environment where children are encouraged to experiment and express themselves, thus solidifying their understanding of musical elements through hands-on experiences rather than rote memorization or theoretical exercises.

In contrast, other approaches, such as structured theory-based learning or formal instruction on musical notation, tend to focus more on academic aspects and might limit the spontaneous nature of learning that play provides. Similarly, a focus on mastery of specific instruments could also detract from the broader goal of musical exploration that is central to the Orff philosophy.