What is another way for our audiences and our communities to engage in the music listening experience? In a word: Eurhythmics, also known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics: the active embodiment of music rhythm, tempo, phrasing and melodic contour, dynamics and musical expression using movement.
Eurhythmics can be of great benefit when working with:
Students with special needs as a sensorimotor treatment. Eurhythmics helps with auditory processing, proprioception and movement inefficiencies.
- It can be part of a program for the transition to group home living or to school.
- It can be part of a weeklong summer music camp and music weekends throughout the year.
- It can be introduced at sensory friendly concerts or as part of pre-concert activities.
Those experiencing trauma, stress, anxiety or emotional anguish such as Vets, refugees, or victims of violence.
Patients who had a stroke, or who have MS, Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy or paralysis. It can also help address body changes after surgery or chemo, to help reclaim a sense of wholeness.
Eurhythmics can also be part of a Successful Aging program for adults, designed to improve balance and strength, organize sensory information, speed processing and response, or counter depression. Eurhythmics could be part of a music academy week for adults (See Baltimore Symphony Academy week). Successful Aging programs address resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and needs. Weeklong programs could include Eurhythmics, side -by -side rehearsals, conducting, lessons, chamber music sessions, and themed programs like music for meditation, bedtime beats, music for renewal, sing-alongs, improvisation sessions, or a composing class on telling your story with music.
If you aim for developing a weeklong program rather than single sessions, you can go more in-depth and create deeper connections.
Identifying Dalcroze Eurhythmics Certified instructors
It is likely that you will be able to find Eurhythmics programs and trained instructors near you: in Pittsburgh there are classes in Dalcroze Eurhythmics at Carnegie Mellon University as well as Duquesne University.
For further reading:
- Dorita Berger Eurhythmics for Autism Kingsley 2016
- American Eurhythmics Society David Frego, President
- Rudolf Von Laban
- Irmgard Bartenieff Bartenieff Fundamentals
- Feldenkrais
- Alexander Technique
- Kodaly and Orff methods
By incorporating Eurhythmics into your programs you will be cultivating a whole new group of active listeners!
April 27,2016