Sharon Dutton
Music Lessons
Georgetown/Halton Hills Ontario
Piano Lessons, Voice Lessons, Instrumental Lessons, Dalcroze Lessons
Dalcroze - Eurhythmics Music Lessons
Dalcrose Classes
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is a joyful and interactive way of learning music through movement. The approach encourages students to explore musical ideas like volume and tempo by moving their bodies in response to what they hear. During the classes, students are taught to listen closely and to let their movements represent what they hear in a playful and improvisational way. For example, students might interpret changes in dynamics by making their movements bigger or smaller.
Teaching Rhythm through Movement
While teaching music theory at the Geneva Conservatory in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, Jaques-Dalcroze recognized, that although our bodies naturally move in
rhythms—like walking or speaking—many of his students did not play with rhythmic
fluency. The exercises are designed to encourage rhythmic and musical development
through a discovery approach, such as drawing a detailed musical phrase with an
imaginary paintbrush.
This method is especially delightful for children, who naturally love to move and play. Through fun games and activities—sometimes using props like bouncing balls or paper plates—kids internalize musical concepts that stay with them as they grow into musicians.
Experience Precedes Cognition
More advanced musicians often discover that Eurhythmics classes draw out deeper
levels of musical understanding and expressive opportunities. The use of space, time, and
energy draws close parallels to musical expression. Dalcroze students often experience
profound revelations about music and rhythm, thereby strengthening connections
between themselves (body, mind, spirit), their performances, and their audience.
Sharon first encountered Dalcroze Eurhythmics during her undergraduate studies in
music education and became a passionate advocate and lifelong learner. She is grateful
and excited for the opportunity to continue teaching the Dalcroze activities and games
she developed over her 27-year career in the music classroom.