Aural Reactions #1

The 21st century Dalcroze teacher often uses current technology in the classroom to connect with students in a contemporary manner. Such technology includes the use of recordings. While the use of recorded music versus improvised music can be a topic of hot debate, it is no secret that recorded music has a definite place in the Dalcroze hall. For one, the Dalcroze teacher can move freely throughout the room, interacting with the students in closer proximity.

As such, Dalcrozians around the world are constantly on the lookout for recordings that fit the musical subject of their lesson plan. Finding a ‘well-behaved’ recording can sometimes be difficult!

Gameify time!

This feature of the DSA blog aims to provide the DSA membership with recordings that have been successfully used in a Dalcroze lesson of any kind, whether eurhythmics, solfège, or plastique animée, etc. However, it is up to you, the reader, to analyze the track to know the musical goal of the piece.

Was the piece used in a class on meter? Phrase? Rhythm? Melody? Harmony? The possibilities are endless, but there will be one correct, and hopefully obvious, answer. 

If you’d like to play, take a listen to this track, perhaps move to the music in your space, and leave a comment below with your guess as to the musical goal!

Those who write in with the correct answer will get their names published in the next issue of Dalcroze Connections (to be released in early May 2024!).

The recording:

a track by one of hip-hop’s greatest emcees, Q-Tip (of A Tribe Called Quest)

Share with us!

If you are a professional Dalcroze teacher and have a great recording you’d like to share with the community, please send a link to the piece to the email address above.


Find more information about use of recorded music on our website or let us know what other topics you’d like featured here.

About Katie Couch

Katie Couch holds the Dalcroze Certificate and License from the Dalcroze School of the Rockies. She lives and works along the Colorado Front Range as a Dalcroze teacher with classes that range in age and level from early childhood through adult enrichment, with several other children’s classes as well.

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