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DALCROZE EURHYTHMICS or DALCROZE METHOD

Eurhythmics forms the basis of the Jaques-Dalcroze method.  By teaching music through music, it develops coordination amongst natural body movements, musical rhythms and the student’s imagination and intellectual capabilities.

Its practice develops simultaneously the ability of the ear to distinguish rhythms and pitches and of the body to express what has been heard.  It develops memory and concentration, sensitivity, spontaneity, creativity and the harmonious integration of mind and body.

The development of a musical ear is based on encouraging the body as a whole to experience the relations with the space that surrounds us.

The natural extensions of eurhythmics are, on the one hand the study of solfège (Music Theory) which leads in turn to the study of a musical instrument and improvisation; and, on the other hand the study of how to express oneself through movement: dance and choreography.

CLASSES

EURHYTHMICS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

How to stay young longer?

Scientific investigations have confirmed the benefits of Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics for senior citizens.  In particular, a recent study shows that the risk of falling can be reduced by up to 50%.

This course is open to adults over 60 who wish to improve their well-being by practicing eurhythmics. The course can be taken for several years in a row.

The objective is to propose moderate physical activities that develops sensory perceptions and the mastery of movement, to increase mobility, and to increase self-confidence through pleasure in music and group interactions.

EURHYTMICS FOR CHILDREN (no longer available)

Lessons are oriented towards a global education: the purpose of the courses is to facilitate a balanced development of the perceptions of the ear and of the body.

Multiple rhythmical exercises adapted to the age of the child are presented in the form of games, dances, songs, with or without accessories such as balls, hoops, skipping ropes, and so on.  The exercises develop the child’s imagination and power of concentration.

Music is used for all exercises: the child learns to distinguish and then to be able to use the basic musical concepts related to rhythmsmelodiesbeatsexpression, etc.  Children learn the concepts by practicing them and this course is recommended for those who also take an eurhythmics-solfège course.

CHILD-PARENT EURHYTHMICS (no longer available)

The lessons have the same purpose as Eurhythmics for children (see above) but the exercises take the form of interactive games with the parent.  The child develops awareness of his/her body, others’ bodies, of the space that connects them and of the basic musical concepts.

Those basic concepts, whether related to body movementshearing, or space are at once, are introduced through opposites: small/big; loud/soft; slow/fast; near/far; inside/outside, etc.

EURHYTHMICS AND THEATRE (no longer available)

In addition to eurhythmics, children develop their verbal and body language through short stories, phrases, poems and so forth.

EURHYTHMICS & SOLFÈGE (MUSIC THEORY) (no longer available)

These courses are for children of primary school age: level one for children in the first year of primary school, level two second year, etc.

Through eurhythmics exercises, the child develops his or her motor coordination and musical ability.  Building on these motor and auditory experiences, he or she will learn the basic elements of solfege that is how to identify notes, recognize their time values and pitches, and how to read music.

In five years, the eurhythmics-solfège courses cover the elementary solfège program of the Geneva Music Schools.

Examinations: They take place at the end of the second, fourth, and fifth years (Cost = CHF 30)

Requirements: Regular and active attendance, homework 10 to 30 minutes 2 or 3 times a week supervised by a parent

Supplies: A book, photocopies and a metallophone are sold by the teacher (cost = approximately CHF 50).

EURHYTHMICS AGE 10 AND OVER (no longer available)

Eurhythmics is not only for small children, it is a satisfying activity for all age groups.

Eurhythmics exercises for older children (and adolescents) develop a finer sense of musical hearing as well as more-and-more precise coordination and body control.  Such exercises include canons complex rhythms, etc.

The improvisations and creations are more and more challenging and allow the students to live their movement as inspired by music.  The goal here is to be in harmony with the music and with one’s own natural movements.  There is no homework or examinations, it is pure fun: the fund of moving and creating, and the satisfaction of mastering one’s own body during the eurhythmics exercises.