Early Years Orff Music Practitioner
Hi, I'm Hannah Forster
Hannah is a qualified primary school teacher with a specialism in music. After many years teaching in London schools, she now lives in Essex, where she has recently founded a community music group for preschoolers and their parents. Hannah previously served on the Orff UK committee and is delighted to return after eight years. Passionate about the Orff approach, which has been at the heart of her teaching since attending her first summer school in 2008, Hannah brings a deep commitment to accessible, creative music education.
This is my journey as a specialist Music Educator
I am a qualified Primary School teacher and music specialist with over fifteen years’ experience working with children, families, and educators. Music has been at the heart of my professional life from the very beginning, shaping both my teaching philosophy and my commitment to inclusive, creative music-making.
I completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Music degree before going on to train as a teacher, achieving a PGCE with Music Specialism in 2009. Alongside my academic training, I am a skilled practical musician, holding Grade 8 Piano, Grade 8 Voice, and Grade 5 Classical Guitar. Before completing my PGCE, I worked for a local music service teaching guitar, gaining valuable experience delivering instrumental tuition and supporting young musicians in a range of settings.
After qualifying as a primary school teacher, I worked in schools across London, where I taught music across the age range and coordinated music across the whole school. During this time, I developed and led a rich and inclusive music curriculum and went on to establish a Saturday Music School, providing additional opportunities for children to engage in high-quality music education beyond the school day.
Central to my work is my deep commitment to the Orff Approach. Since 2008, I have undertaken extensive Orff training in the UK and internationally, completing numerous courses and workshops. My professional development includes attending the Orff Institute Summer School in Salzburg and completing Orff Level 1 training in San Francisco. I am an active member of the Orff UK committee, contributing to the development and promotion of Orff-based practice nationally, and I continue to advocate for creative, child-centred music education.
Today, I run Hannah’s Music Box, a programme of community music groups for young children and their parents in Leigh-on-Sea. These sessions draw on the Orff Approach to nurture musicality through singing, movement, speech, play, and exploration, supporting children’s musical, social, and language development in a joyful and inclusive environment.
My work is rooted in the belief that every child is musical and deserves access to rich, meaningful musical experiences from the very earliest years. Through my teaching, leadership, and advocacy, I continue to champion music as a vital and transformative part of childhood.