The Dalcroze Method

 Also known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics, is another

approach music educators use to foster music
appreciation, ear-training, and improvisation while
improving musical abilities.

In this method, the body is the main instrument. Students

listen to the rhythm of a music piece and express what
they hear through movement. Simply put, this approach
connects music, movement, mind, and body.
 
Who Created This Method?

This method was developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, a

Swiss composer, music educator and music theorist who
studied with Gabriel Fauré, Mathis Lussy, and Anton Bruckner.

 
 Emile Jaques-Dalcroze

Dalcroze was born on July 6, 1865, in Vienna, Austria. He became a

professor of harmony at the Geneva Conservatory in 1892, by which
time he started developing his method of teaching rhythm through
movement, known as eurhythmics. He founded a school in Hellerau,
Germany (later moved to Laxenburg) in 1910, and another school in
Geneva in 1914, where students learned using his method. Dalcroze
died on July 1, 1950, in Geneva, Switzerland. Several of his students,
such as ballet teacher Dame Marie Rambert, used eurhythmics and
became influential in the development of dance and contemporary
ballet during the 20th century.
• 
What Are the Key Elements of the Dalcroze Method?

Eurhythmics (Greek for "good rhythm") - Musical

expression through movement; developing musical skills
through kinetic exercises. Students learn rhythm and structure
by listening to music and expressing what they hear through
spontaneous bodily movement. For example, note values and
rhythms are represented by stepping and clapping.
Solfege (fixed-do) - Helps develop ear-training and sight-
singing skills.
Improvisation - Using instruments, movement, and voice.
What is a Typical Lesson Like?

Although it is generally referred to as a method, there is really

no set curriculum. Dalcroze himself didn't like his approach to
be labeled as a method. Hence, each teacher uses a different
approach based on his/her interests, training, and skills while
keeping in mind the age, culture, location, and needs of the
students.
 
What Are the Key Concepts Learned?

The Dalcroze Method helps foster imagination, creative

expression, coordination, flexibility, concentration, inner hearing,
music appreciation and understanding of musical concepts.
What Trainings Are Available to Teach This Method?

Dalcroze Certificate - Requires a Bachelor's degree in Music;

may teach children.
Dalcroze License - Requires a Masters degree in Music; may
teach adults.
• Diplôme - Given after completing studies from the Jaques-
Dalcroze Institute in Geneva, Switzerland; may teach other
teachers and award certifications.
• In the United States, colleges that offer a certificate and license
in the Dalcroze Method include Carnegie Mellon University,
Columbia College, and the University of Maryland, College Park.
 REPORTERS
 JULIE BELANGEL
MICHELLE BRITANICO
JERICO B. MILANA