Introduction
Emile Jacques-Dalcroze was a music educator who believed the human body is the primary musical instrument and music begins when human emotion is transformed into musical movement. The use of the body in the learning process is a crucial method that Western Civilization is frequently forgetting or tries to diminish its importance. Yet the “proficient use of the body” came naturally for the Greeks, who “by means of their artistic and athletic activities, attempted to find and develop a body that was ideally proportioned and fluent in movement, balance, and tone. (Manifold 2008) The purpose of this literature review is to examine how using the Dalcroze Method will help improve my stepping and my band class by responding to the following several questions:
1. What is Dalcroze Eurhythmics?
2. Can Dalcroze be…show more content… 3. Can Dalcroze be used in the stepping class?
What is Dalcroze Eurhythmics?
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is the principles and method of instruction to music learning developed by the Swiss composer and educator Emile Jaques-Dalcroze. Dalcroze Eurhythmics brings into use for the first time a musical concept through movement before the students learn what it looks like on paper. This sequence renders elevated body consciousness and a union of rhythm with a physical experience for the student, by making stronger concepts kinesthetically. The Dalcroze Method covers a large range of musical concepts and applications and benefits and can be taught in various age groups. According to the Dalcroze Society of America, Eurhythmics classes for many ages share a similar goal – to provide the music student with a strong rhythmic understanding through movement in order to intensify musical expression and knowledge. The Dalcroze approach to music education teaches an understanding of music – its underlying concepts, its forthcoming