Dalcroze eurhythmics is a developmental way of teaching music and music theory to students who do not have any previous musical experience as well as to those who already play an instrument. The method is divided into three main areas of knowledge:
- Eurythmics (movement)
- Solfege (singing technique used to teach pitch)
- Improvisation
These areas are woven together both practically and theoretically by the following principles, known as the Five Dalcroze Principles:
- Movement = time + space + energy
- Experience = theory follows practice
- Basics of music education = listening
- Unity of mind, body and spirit = joy
- Main goal of eurhythmics = positive self-expression
Dalcroze Eurhythmics Key Concepts
Through rhythm-induced activities and games, eurhythmics classes integrate solfege, improvisation and ear-training through listening, singing, dictation and notation. The larger areas of development are:
- Breath control and balance (awareness of the positive and negative space around you)
- Sound discrimination and recognition
- Sound reproduction
- Refining gross motor skills (precise normal dexterity)
- Sensory motor skills (coordination of vision, hearing and touch with movement and hand-eye coordination)