Carl Orff devoted much of his life to music for children. His pioneering work continues under the guidance of teachers and educators in many countries. The five basic German volumes of Music for Children by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman were published between 1950 and 1954. The considerable growth of Orff-Schulwerk in the United States led to the publication of the American Edition (1977) to satisfy the requirements of a different educational system and national heritage.

Music for Children is a stimulating source of material for music teaching. The American Edition assembles works by all the leading contributors to the Orff movement. In three volumes, the techniques of "knowing" and "doing" are used to teach music through rhythm, melody, texture, and form. It's an unbeatable resource for music teachers. This first volume was made for preschool to kindergartner students.