Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Bridging the gap between the academic and practical through creative teaching and learning

This chapter explores the use of teaching materials, research on Dalcroze Eurhythmics (DE) and the knowledge of experienced practitioners to show how the principles and techniques used in practice. It addresses the needs of higher education music students in ways that are active, rigorous and creative and so bridge the gap between the academic curriculum and the making of music. The Cartesian split between mind and body, subject and object, thinking and action, intellect and emotion, theory and practice is deeply engrained in Western thought and practice and affects our lives detrimentally. Tochon addresses the role of academic education in tackling the political and social effects of Cartesianism. For Jaques-Dalcroze, the aim of education was to help individuals know themselves and develop their personalities, to act and think for themselves. The DE is found at all levels of music education, from early years to higher education as well as in community and therapeutic settings.