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Sounds & Rhythm

Dalcroze Eurhythmics

Nazia Ahmed

Eurhythmics also known as Rhythmic Gymnastics - an education through music which aims to engage and utilize our whole being in the learning process.
~ It opens the ears and nurtures the musical mind.
~ It inspires spontaneity and imagination.
~ It tunes and coordinates the body for rhythm.
~ It is fun, inter-active and creative.
This method utilizes the expression of physical movement and musical rhythms to reinforce the concepts, which affect the student's performance and retention of musical basics. The Dalcroze Method involves teaching musical concepts through movement. A variety of movement analogues are used for musical concepts, to develop an integrated and natural feel for musical expression. Turning the body into a well-tuned musical instrument, Dalcroze felt, was the best path to generating a solid, vibrant musical foundation. The Dalcroze Method consists of three equally-important elements: eurhythmics, solfège, and improvisation. Together, according to Dalcroze, they comprise the essential musicianship training of a complete musician

Through participation in simple games, exercises and improvisations the students learn to combine music and movement in order to develop rhythmic unity between the eye, ear, mind and body. The definition of eurhythmics can get more complicated, "Of all music teaching methods, the Dalcroze approach is probably the most nebulous to define. That is because it lives in the teachers themselves, not in specific books, songs, or other materials. "

The system grew directly out of Jaques-Dalcroze's experiences as a music theory teacher at the Conservatory in Geneva. He found that his students could not appreciate rules for music without any understanding of the corresponding musical experience. His system encouraged students to feel changes in time, space, and energy that occur in music through discovery through learning..

Effectiveness of Dalcroze Eurhythmics
Research shows that pre-schooled children (ages 4-6) who are involved with movement programs such as eurhythmics have a better sense of rhythmic movement and a sense of space. It helps one learn music through their ears and whole body, not just the eyes and fingers. It replaces drill with challenging musical encounters. You can improvise on your own instrument (as well as play Mozart). You will feel playful and creative as well as serious and dedicated. This will make you become more integrated, more confident, more expressive.

Dalcroze Eurhythmics is applicable to any age or musical level. In a Dalcroze Eurhythmics class you become the instrument. You are asked to "live" the music. You are freed from the specific demands of your particular instrument to immerse yourself in music, hear it, express it, understand it and create it.
WHO SHOULD DO IT?
~ Teachers learn valuable techniques for problem solving with students
~ Performers find new spontaneity and vitality and a sense of rhythmic security
~ Conductors study the expressive power of gesture
~ Composers get out of their heads and into their bodies
~ Children learn in an enjoyable, integrated way using both body and mind
~ Musical amateurs learn in a supportive yet challenging environment
~ Senior citizens stay alert, focused, and physically tuned through activities designed to develop concentration and listening.

Sources: Internet