What is the Dalcroze Method?

“Dalcroze Education is a playful, experiential approach to teaching and learning music. It is a process for awakening, developing, and refining innate musicality through rhythmic movement (often called eurhythmics), ear-training, and improvisation.” (Dalcroze Society of America).

This method was developed by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, who designed games and exercises based on the instinctive gestures he observed in his students during performances. He named this approach “Eurythmics.”

The Dalcroze Method supports a wide variety of artists, but for musicians, the primary goals align into these categories as listed by the Dalcroze Society of America:

  • Strengthen your sense of rhythm and harmony

  • Achieve more expressive and effortless performance

  • Sharpen listening skills and musical intuition

  • Deepen your understanding of music through movement.

Why is the Dalcroze Method useful for Neurodiverse Individuals?

Neurodiverse individuals may struggle to express strong emotions or connect with the intention of music due to a disconnect between mind and body. Questions like, “What does this music make you feel?” or “What do you want to convey in this passage?” can be frustrating if emotional connection isn’t a practiced skill or feels unsafe.

The Dalcroze Method offers a supportive starting point for bridging this connection. It can be explored privately, with headphones and an open space, free from the pressure of performing "correctly" or "well enough." For those with coordination challenges, ensure the space is free of sharp furniture edges and tripping hazards for a safe and comfortable experience.

Here is an example of the Dalcroze Method from an Auditory Perspective:

Alt. Text: A group moves with similar motions to their teacher's piano playing, responding to various rhythmic patterns.

Ian Gunnarschja - Standing Example

Ian Gunnarschja - Sitting Example

Dalcroze Society of America - Embodying a Major Scale

Note: The first two videos illustrate that adjusting to the Dalcroze Method can be challenging. While I have attempted to incorporate it into my practice and downtime, I am still visibly uncomfortable. It's okay if the movements feel unfamiliar or awkward at first. Find a safe, private space to explore freely and allow yourself time to discover what works best for you.

How Does the Dalcroze Method Help as a Performer, Teacher, and Person?

The Dalcroze Method helps individuals become aware of their instinctive gestures while listening to music, allowing them to intentionally apply these movements to enhance their musical expression or spatial awareness in practice or performance. It can also enhance nonverbal communication within ensembles, fostering stronger musical connections.

For teachers, it offers a fresh perspective on music-making, encouraging students to engage with music in a new way. On a personal level, recognizing these subconscious movements can deepen self-awareness and understanding of how we interact with our environment.

Note: As a teacher, never assume a student naturally connects with their body, instrument, space, or music. Instead, observe, ask questions, and introduce Dalcroze concepts if they seem beneficial. The Dalcroze Method isn’t just for those facing challenges—it’s for anyone looking to deepen their connection to themselves and their craft.

Wait, Isn’t the Dalcroze Method just for Kids?

(Spoilers: No!!) While movement-based activities are a core component in the elementary music curriculum, playful and energetic movement is beneficial for all ages. The Dalcroze Method is used by everyone from young children to professional artists to deepen their connection with music!

A Perspective: the Dalcroze Method through Vibration

Individuals who experience auditory overload, auditory processing disorders, tinnitus, or fall within the spectrum of deafness may worry about their ability to engage with the Dalcroze Method. However, I propose an alternative approach that focuses on vibration as the primary sensory connection.

In traditional Dalcroze Method practice, music—whether recorded or improvised—guides movement, either as a form of self-expression in response to sound or as choreography for performance. By incorporating vibration, one can adapt this method by placing a speaker on the ground and remaining barefoot to better perceive the vibrations. This sensory input can serve as an alternative to auditory cues, allowing movement to be guided in a similar expressive manner. This approach also encourages a deeper connection with the ground, which may naturally shift movement expression to the upper body.

Alt. Text: Three androgynous figures in motion, each accompanied by green arrows indicating their movement direction.