Practical Applications of Dalcroze Eurhythmics

Abstract

This paper examines Dalcroze applications in the field of music education. There are as many variations in the teaching of Dalcroze Eurhythmics as there are teachers. Even so, there are also many commonly shared aspects. In most of its practical applications, Dalcroze Eurhythmics supports other musical studies. The approach is applied to teaching musical behaviour and to deepening the experience and understanding of a musical event or musical concept through bodily movement prior to, or in conjunction with, the development of instrumental or vocal skills. It aims at creating a dynamic partnership between sensing, musical actions, thinking, feeling, and bodily movement. It especially develops creative expression, inner hearing and a sense of rhythm together with a kinaesthetic awareness of musical sounds and it also encourages active involvement and concentration on the part of the students. According to the teacher and the particular application, emphasis is either put on rhythmic movement, ear-training or improvisation. In the professional training of musicians, the Dalcroze approach is applied to various subjects: to solfège, music theory, rhythm, instrumental, conducting, and performance studies. It is also widely used with young children in kindergartens as well as in elementary and music schools.