Sixteenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

One of the biggest constraints on personal freedom comes from within: concern about what others may think of us can keep us from expressing ourselves openly. Among the many benefits of Dalcroze Education is its potential for guiding students to reach out beyond such self-imposed limits. By exploring modes of non-verbal communication in a safe context, through simple physical actions and vocalizations, students leverage music’s capacity to open them up to new possibilities. Supported by the teacher’s keyboard and vocal improvisations, such students interact with one another freed from inhibitions and engage in music-movement inspired play. This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of Dalcroze Education. In the process, it will give them hands-on musical experiences that provide a vehicle for explorations in music and movement, as well as in their own self-concept.