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Source: https://dalcrozeusa.org/about-dalcroze/what-is-dalcroze/
The Dalcroze method, also known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics, incorporates the basic elements of music (i.e. rhythm, melody and harmony) with body movement. Students are encouraged to improvise their own movements based on their intuitive knowledge of rhythm, as the means to bring together their understanding and experience of the music. This allows them to explore possibilities and generate novel ideas.
WHAT
WHAT
The components of the Dalcroze approach includes (i) eurhythmics - engaging the whole body in the physical exploration of music; (ii) ear and voice training through rhythmic solfege combined with rhythm and movement; and (iii) improvisation of movement to react spontaneously to music.
How this Strategy Links to Inventive Thinking
How this Strategy Links to Inventive Thinking
Dispositions of (i) Being curious and inquisitive to notice, observe, ask questions and seek to address them; (ii) Being open-minded, creative and imaginative to consider different possibilities; (ii) Being courageous to take calculated risks; and (iv) Being caring and responsible for others and the world in creating solutions
The Dalcroze approach invites students to be curious and explore how they can use their body movement to reflect their musical experiences. Students also have the opportunity to think about their observations and consider possible options to relate to the music.
In deciding on their movements, students also need to be aware of others around them and show care for others to ensure that everybody has sufficient physical space and psychological safety to participate actively. Through these activities, students will also learn to be alert to respond to the constantly changing situation around them.
Socio-emotional skills of empathy, problem-solving and situation analysis:
When learning with the Dalcroze Approach, students are encouraged to be mindful of others’ movements as they move around. They also interact and collaborate with each other, practice thinking skills to solve problems together. (STAR, 2020)
CAIT5: Generating different ideas, perspectives and responses through divergent thinking.
The Dalcroze approach allows students to react physically and intuitively to abstract music, with ample room for divergent ideas and perspectives to be expressed.
CAIT6: Having awareness of and control over one’s thinking through reflection
Through the teacher’s facilitation of the activities, students have a chance to think and reflect on their personal response during the activity. They may also observe their peers’ choice of movement and consider how they may wish to adjust their own movements accordingly.
Suggested Strategies for Using in the Music Classroom
Suggested Strategies for Using in the Music Classroom
Movement and Musical Expression: Students can be instructed to move freely to music, improvising their gestures based on changes in tempo or dynamics. They may also be invited to create a dance sequence that represents a specific rhythm or musical phrase.
Combining Solfege with Movement: The teacher can make use of solfege syllables in a ‘Call and response’ activity where students respond to musical phrases not only with singing but also with a movement that they feel matches the pitches. This allows them to experiment with different ways of embodying musical ideas.
Quick Reaction Games: Teachers can play a “stop-and-go” game with students for them to move according to the music and must freeze or change their movement when the music changes. This encourages them to improvise new movements based on specific musical cues, encouraging creative decision-making.
Collaborative Group Improvisation: With students divided into small groups, the teacher can provide a musical prompt for them to create group performances using movement, body percussion, vocal sounds and/or instruments to create a cohesive performance.
More on Dalcroze Approach
More on Dalcroze Approach
Website: Dalcroze Australia (https://www.dalcroze.org.au/dalcroze-eurythmics)
Website: The Approach of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (https://www.allianceamm.org/resources/dalcroze/)
Video: Dalcroze Eurhythmics with Lisa Parker (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEyyeoc_t-U)
References
Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the aRts. (2020). Providing a Rich Music Learning Experience. Singapore: Ministry of Education. (Link to eBook: https://issuu.com/moe_star/docs/providing_a_rich_music_learning_experience_music_c)
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