Education in Rhythm and by Rhythm: An Exploration of the Holistic Aspects of Dalcroze Pedagogy

• In Event: Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: Music Education SIG: Music Education Pedagogy

Abstract

Holistic education engages students intellectually, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, making connections between the student’s inner and outer worlds. Dalcroze Eurhythmics approaches music education through movement, teaching musical concepts in an interactive setting. This study investigates aspects of holistic education that occur in Dalcroze pedagogy.
The methodology is phenomenological, exploring the sense of becoming 'as one' with music. Five Dalcroze teachers and students convey the holistic experiences they encountered in Dalcroze classes. The data is then developed as narratives, guided by the qualitative research philosophies of Eisner, Bresler, and Clandinin and Connelly. Emergent themes include: community, global education, mindfulness, transformational learning, creativity, personal connections, and emotional involvement. Embodied experiences were also found to develop meaningful connections for non-music students.

Author

• Sharon Elizabeth Dutton