Association, Dissociation, Automatism, and Quick Reaction

“Clap the beat.” “When I say change, change between your hands and feet.” It’s not often that we encounter a eurhythmics lesson without hearing one of these quintessential phrases. They are an integral part of a eurhythmics class and an indicator that students are experiencing one of several frequently used pedagogical strategies: association, dissociation, or…

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DSA Member Spotlight: Mira Larson

Mira Larson is a Salt Lake City-based Dalcrozian and cellist and Dalcrozian. She is currently finishing up her license level studies through the Dalcroze School of Music and Movement. Mira currently teaches in Salt Lake City at the Gifted Music School, La Maison des Enfants, and her own Rythmique Music School. In addition, Mira serves…

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Is the Baby Improvising?

Is the baby improvising when it’s crying? Cynthia Lilley says this is a koan (a question for meditation). Might be, but I want to consider it as a real question—that is, an invitation to an answer. Certainly the baby is vocalizing, and certainly the product is unscripted and urgent. But is it improvisation? In order…

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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…

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DSA Member Spotlight: Sarah Schreffler

Phoenix-based Sarah Schreffler is an invaluable member of the Dalcroze USA community. I first met Sarah a few years ago when she began training towards the Professional Certificate at the Dalcroze School of the Rockies (now the Dalcroze School of Music and Movement). This past summer, Sarah completed all of her personal exams towards the…

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Plastique Animée: The Dalcrozian Analytical Technique

“The acquisition of all the plastic, dynamic, and agogic qualities indispensable to rhythmist or dancer, actor, or mime, will make him only an adapter, a transposer, an automaton, unless these technical qualities are controlled by a wealth of fancy, a supple, elastic temperament, a generous spontaneity of feeling, and an artistic, responsive nature. All plastique…

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Plastique Animée: The Importance of the Embodiment of Musical Expression and Communication

This essay considers the benefits of approaching musical expression and performance using the mindset and practices of a plastician, and how this can provide insight for instrumentalists, audiences, and music students. A personal account of the author’s first hand experience of performing Plastique Animée, it discusses the process and enlightenment from the point of view…

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Group Activities in the Dalcroze Lesson

Perhaps the most enduring negative side effects of the recent pandemic were caused by the social isolation. Families were segregated during illnesses, schoolchildren were separated from their peers, and communities suffered permanent losses of their members. I found myself missing even the most basic, mundane tasks like grocery shopping, taking my children to local playgrounds,…

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Lesson Plan: Dalcroze with Ages 3-6

Overview This is a lesson adaptable for ages 3 to 6, mid-semester. The subject is Phrase & Form. This lesson is centered around the song “The Birdies Fly Away” (adapted from Humperdinck’s “Hänsel und Gretel”). The musical goals include: The materials one needs for this class includes: Lesson Sequence Opening Circle 1. Trace rainbows in…

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