Developing Aural Skills with Card Games

Introduction by Aaron Butler Émile Jaques-Dalcroze’s vision of musical education was joyful and kind. He said, “It is the function of teachers, by care and perseverance, to create in students’ souls the ray of joy.” (Rhythm, Music and Education, 1915) Herbert Henke connected this to the delight of puzzles. In a 1999 interview he said,…

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Options for Improvising

Herb Henke (1931-2015) inspired many of today’s Dalcroze educators. Here, he guides us in improvisation by suggesting simple but profound changes to a piece of music. After playing the piece as written, try the following versions: Add three flats (b-flat, e-flat, a-flat) to the key signature. The indicated b-naturals, however, should be retained. Create a…

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