Our Partners & Community
Rooted in Cleveland,connected to classrooms everywhere
We do our best to work with local companies whenever we can, while also carrying trusted name brands made throughout the world. We're grateful to the local partners and professional organizations who make our work possible and keep us connected to educators across the globe.
Local & Midwest Partners
Music Is Elementary has called Cleveland home since 1978. We're proud that some of the instruments in your classroom were made right here in Ohio and across the Midwest. From Grover/Trophy here in Cleveland and Akron's own steel pan builders at Panyard to the makers of Joia Tubes in St. Louis, meet the companies close to home behind some of our favorite instruments.
Instrument Makers
Grover/Trophy Musical Instruments
Cleveland, Ohio
A Cleveland family business since 1922, making classroom instruments for generations of young musicians.
Joia Tubes
St. Louis, Missouri
Hand-crafted, American-made pitched tubes designed for the music classroom and Orff ensembles.
Panyard
Akron, Ohio
Akron-based steel pan makers whose Jumbie Jam kits bring Caribbean steel drums into the elementary music room.
Made in Cleveland
Made by Music Is Elementary
We also design and build some of our own instruments right here in Cleveland.
See our instruments →Community Partners
Maestro Musicians Academy
Woodmere, Ohio
Private music lessons for kids and beginners, from piano and violin to voice and drums. Teachers are carefully paired with each student, and students perform in recitals throughout the year.
Visit website →Music & Arts
Mayfield Heights, Ohio
A neighborhood music store offering band and orchestra instrument rentals, lessons, and repairs for student musicians.
Visit website →Professional Associations
Through conferences, workshops, journals, and advocacy, AOSA and the state music education associations connect teachers with fresh ideas, support them at every stage of their careers, and speak up for music in every school.
Music Educator Chapters
We're happy to support local chapters and music educator groups, from Orff chapters to other music education gatherings. Every event has its own purpose, so our support looks different each time: it might be swag for attendees, lunch for the group, or products to share. Tell us about your event and we'll find the best way to help.
Request Support for Your EventArkansas
- Central Arkansas Orff Chapter #112Central Arkansas
California
- Inland Empire Orff ChapterSouthern California
Indiana
- Indiana Orff-Schulwerk AssociationStatewide
Michigan
- West Michigan Orff ChapterWest Michigan
Missouri
- Heart of America Orff ChapterKansas City area
Montana
- MGMTAStatewide
Ohio
- Chapter One Greater Cleveland OrffGreater Cleveland
- Northwest Ohio Orff Chapter 90Northwest Ohio
Texas
- Capital Area OrffAustin
- Central Texas Orff ChapterSan Antonio
- North Texas Chapter of AOSADallas–Fort Worth
Professional Development
Great music classrooms start with well-trained teachers. We support Orff Schulwerk certification courses and teacher in-service days to help music educators keep growing. We're not in every state, but we still offer special course discounts wherever you're teaching or taking an Orff course, so reach out and tell us about yours.
Send Us an EmailOrff Certification Courses
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio
Summer Orff Schulwerk certification courses through Kent State's music education program.
Visit website →Nazareth University
Rochester, New York
The Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Course, part of Nazareth's Summer Music Arts Institute.
Visit website →Teacher In-Service Days
Tri-County ESC Fine Arts In-Service
Wooster, Ohio
An annual professional development day for music and visual art teachers in Wayne, Ashland, and Holmes counties, with giveaways and resources for attending music teachers.