Dalcroze Eurhythmics

Emile Jacques-Dalcroze was a music educator around the start of the 20th century who was quite frustrated with the lack of musicality in his students.  His quest to teach his students not only the theoretical aspects of music but also its expressive qualities as well led him to develop his pedigogical principles now commonly referred to as Dalcroze Eurhythmics.

He believed that the body is our first instrument and it is through our body that we can best learn and understand music.  If students are able to physically express the rhythmic and expressive elements of music their embodied sense of the music will translate to performances on their instrument that are much more musical. Dalcroze’s method divides music learning into three areas;  rhythmic and expressive movement (eurhythmics), solfege and improvisation with voices and instruments.

Originally meant for conservatory students, Dalcroze Eurhythmics is brilliant for young children.  It translates their imagination, playfulness and innate sense of rhythm into a musical context.  Dalcroze games strengthen children’s listening, memory, concentration, and attention giving them tools they can use as musicians and learners in all areas of their lives.