Gunild Keetman’s association with the Schulwerk began in 1925 when she was a student at the Güntherschule, a gymnastic and dance school in Munich, of which Carl Orff was the musical director. Equally talented in music and movement, she soon became his colleague, writing music for the Orff instrumentarium and directing the orchestra of dancers which she formed in collaboration with the brilliant dancer, Maja Lex.

Her early career was highlighted by international tours of this group, performances at the Festival of the Ninth Olympic Games in Berlin and a series of broadcasts with children in 1948 for Bavarian Radio. That same year she wrote the music for The Christmas Story, which Orff produced and broadcast on Christmas Eve.

Her work continued to evolve. In 1949 she was engaged to teach children’s classes at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. This was followed by a series of Orff-Schulwerk milestones: Schott’s publication of Volume I of Das Schulwerk, Musik für Kinder, Columbia/Electrola recordings of Music for Children, and the preparation of children from the Mozarteum for the first of many films to be made throughout the world. As always, she was totally involved – creating the music, coordinating the groups and conducting – always in collaboration with Carl Orff. Throughout Carl Orff’s life, Gunild Keetman (1904-1990), occupied the unique position of devoted friend and colleague, dedicating her artistic integrity to him and his work.

This fund is named in her honour as a tribute to a selfless humanitarian and an example to those who would work in the field of elementary music education.

Scholarships from the Gunild Keetman Fund are awarded in the spring of each year and are available for all approved Orff Schulwerk courses offered in Canada, summer and winter. Applicants must be members in good standing of Carl Orff Canada, who have successfully completed a Level I Orff course. Application forms are on-line and included in the January issue of Ostinato. The application deadline is April 15.

Click on the links below to download the interactive PDF forms. Please follow the directions for completing and submitting forms by e-mail. The deadline for submission of scholarship forms is April 15.

Scholarship Application Form
Reference Form

The Gunild Keetman Fund relies on infusion of new capital in order to provide scholarships for study of the Orff philosophy. The scholarship fund was set up and continues to be financed entirely through donations from individual Carl Orff Canada members and from the chapters. Donations may be sent to the National Treasurer or be made online. They are tax deductible and a receipt will be sent. When making a memorial or celebratory donation, please consider the Gunild Keetman Fund of Carl Orff Canada. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!