Dalcroze Eurythmics

Experiencing Music ThroughMovement

It’s not a curriculum. It’s a set ofprinciples and techniques, not amethod. STOP SAYING THAT!

Emile Jacques-Dalcroze(1865-1950)

Context

• Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (July 1865 – July 1950)• Switzerland• Focus on musical concepts and movement for

the embodiment of sound• Elements: Solfege, Improvisation, Eurhythmics

Elements

• Solfege – Sight-singing. Trains the ear, eye,and voice in pitch, melody, and harmony

• Eurythmics – Trains the body in rhythm anddynamics

• Improvisation – Brings all elements togetheraccording to the student’s own invention

SolfegeDoTiLaSolFaMiReDo

Solfege Example

• Conduct a 4/4 meter• Chant the solfege syllables up• Chant the solfege syllables down• Up and down – repeat “do”• Twice as fast/slow

Eurhythmics

• Incorporates basic elements of music (rhythm,melody, harmony) with body movement

• Physicality of sports• Aesthetic appeal of the arts• Mentally challenging• For all ages!

Eurythmics Example

• Walk with music pulse• Clap on Beat 1, 2, etc.• Clap on 1 & 3• Step every 2 counts• Change direction on solo, band…• Etc.

Dalcroze Improvisation

• Close to the nature of children’s “play”• To compose, play, recite, or sing without

previous preparation• Improvising through movement helps

internalize complex elements of music• Personal and immediate creative act!

Improvisation Example

• Partner 1 (“La”) sings improvised 4 ctsantecedent (Do-Sol)

• Partner 2 (“La”) sings improvised 4 ctsconsequent (Do-Sol)

• Do it with no breaks• Try making question (antecedent) end on Sol

and answer (consequent) end on Do

Video

Questions or Comments?