MASTERCLASS ARCHIVES
VDM MASTERCLASS ARCHIVES
Links to the Virtual Dalcroze MASTERLCASS SERIES can be accessed through the registration site.
Descriptions of the masterclasses are listed below.
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Masterclass #42 |
April 6/7, 2025 with Fumiko Honda Bauer (Japan/USA) Teaching Dalcroze parent-child classes for over thirty years has strengthened my belief that, during early childhood, Dalcroze training is essential for human development. Certainly mixed-age Dalcroze classes offer many benefits for children, but parents benefit as well. By playing, moving, and singing in my class, parents learn new ways to interact with their children. In our Zoom session, we will watch video segments from my classes, and I will share my teaching plans and observations about my students. Come and find out how I use the Dalcroze approach in this context, and you'll see why I love to teach parent child classes. |
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Masterclass #41 |
March 2/3, 2025 with Adriana Ausch (USA/Romania) |
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Masterclass #40 |
February 1/2, 2025 with Anne-Gabrielle Chatoux (France) |
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Masterclass #39
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November 16/17, 2024 with Jerison Lee (Singapore) In this wonderful class, Jerison led us through the classic Dalcroze "Do to Do Scales". For anyone new to the Dalcroze work, this is required viewing. While Dalcroze routines are regularly praised for the Eurhythmics lessons, the work was actually founded based on Solfege teaching and the Do-to-Do scales are foundational to Dalcroze philosophy. Throughout the 80 min class, we worked through many variations of the scales reinforcing the basic Dalcrozian truth: Music is supposed to feel. Jerison did a wonderful job of helping everyone in the class understand this important concept. |
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Masterclass #38
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October 19/20, 2024 with Sachiko Muranaka (Japan) Within the many traditions of Dalcroze teaching, there are a number of stragegies that have been time-tested and highly rewarding. The Complementary Rhythm classes are high on this list. If you are looking to expand your set of Dalcroze pedagogy tools, or if you just want a great experience to work on your own musicianship skills, we highly recommend Sachiko Muranaka's class on complementary rhythm. Thanks for Sachiko for preparing this beautiful class and giving the rest of the world a glimpse into the Dalcroze Japan routines. Amazing class! |
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Masterclass #37
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September 28/29, 2024 with Jacqueline Vann (England) The name Jacqueline Vann has been a mainstay of European Dalcroze teaching for many years. The VDM is thrilled to feature Jacqueline's teaching in this class and introduce her to an even wider international audience. Her class features mixed-meter grooves in a wide range of repertoire. It was an absolute joy to work through song selections from classics to pop music and see and feel the motion through the Dalcrozian lens of the moving body. If you have not taken a class with Jacqueline Vann prior, we know that you will be greatful for this introduction. And for those of you who have studied extensively with her, this is yet another example of excellence in teaching and a reminder of how her modeling continues to encourage us all to better musicianship. |
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Masterclass #36
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June 15/16, 2024 with Tamaé Gennai Deveaud (Switzerland) |
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Masterclass #35 |
April 27/28, 2024 with Fumiko Honda Bauer (Japan/USA) |
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Masterclass #34
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March 2/3, 2024 with Sylvie Morgenegg (Switzerland) This is a Dalcroze solfege course in which participants will experience a range of fun and varied activities designed to develop their own abilities to improvise vocal melodies. |
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Masterclass #33 |
January 27/28, 2024 with Arthur Simões (Brazil/Switzerland) This class will introduce you to some of the rich rhythmic language of Brazilian music. Through active listening, physical movement and kinesthetic awareness, you will embody some of the core elements of Samba, Bossa Nova, and Baião. At the same time, you will discover and experience some of the core principles and techniques of Dalcroze Eurhythmics and see in practice how they can be applied. |
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Masterclass #32 |
November 18/19, 2023 with Bethan Habron-James (Wales)
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Masterclass #31
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October 21/22, 2023 with Yi-Ru McAllister (Taiwan) Chinese is different from western languages in a number of ways. For example, each Chinese word is combined by different strokes with a specific order in a precise direction, which is comparable to a music score. The goal of this workshop is to use the different strokes and characters of the Chinese language as the starting point to inspire our imagination, in order to create the link between the language and the musical subject. |
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Masterclass #30 |
September 23/24, 2023 with Aaron Butler (USA) Combining 3/4 and 6/8 is endlessly fun! In this class, we'll focus on how we prompt the shift between these two meters – how we physically signal it to each other – as well as how to recognize it quickly in the score. We'll also see how Brahms cleverly layers them beneath a deceptively simple folk song. |
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Masterclass #29 |
June 17/18, 2023 with Kai Liu (China)
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Masterclass #28 |
April 22/23, 2023 with Cynthia Lilley (USA) In my workshop we will be working with the theme and variation form, zeroing in on Brahms’ wonderful work. Through movement we will examine the theme, particularly for its structure, which will be constant throughout the variations. Then we will move through the entire piece, experiencing the myriad ways the theme is treated. |
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Masterclass #27 |
February 11/12, 2023 with Toru Sakai (Japan) “Rhythm”. We hear this word often, but rarely have the opportunity to consider what it really means. Rhythm is a combination of long and short notes. People usually focus on timing only, but it is also very important to consider different weights and how energy flows. Where the mathematical values of specific rhythm is set and does not require a performer/composer/listener to be “correct”, the actual music of rhythm is found in the motion of that music, as experienced in the feeling participant. There is only one way to feel and understand rhythm. That is to move to the music. In this masterclass, we will explore this through Dalcroze Eurhythmics. |
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Masterclass #26 |
March 18/19, 2023 with Anetta Pasternak (Poland) Plastique Animée in Dalcroze's method is an artistic way of embodying music expressed in movement. This idea, based on creative action, develops musical sensitivity, imagination, and musical and movement expression. As a result of this process, an image of a musical work is created based on a thorough analysis and interpreted through the author's movement. The interpretation of music in Dalcroze's concept of Plastique Animée reflects the musical form through expressive movement in space. This expressive form requires the use of spatial-movement arrangement to show the internal structure of the work and its individual elements. The essence of interpretation is the expression of movement resulting from the emotional feeling of music. |
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Masterclass #25 |
October 15/16, 2022 with Ruth Alperson (USA) “Bringing the Page to Life: Moving with the Music" The beautiful slow movement of a Beethoven Piano Sonata has been playing in my head for weeks. I look forward to exploring this piece, and its performance, with participants, using Dalcroze strategies . Prior to our session, I will interview Garrick Ohlsson, the pianist whose recording we will listen and move to; his comments on the work will enrich our experience. |
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Masterclass #24 |
September 17/18, 2022 with Lauren Hodgson (USA) Shared musical experiences in the Dalcroze practice are inherently personal and deeply rooted in the connections between music, the mind, and the body. One of the pillars of fostering motivation and building trust among the teacher and students is the language used in creating and shaping musical experiences. In this workshop, we will investigate and practice methods for implementing focused and intentional instructions and feedback that informs, inspires, and ultimately, intrinsically motivates. |
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Masterclass #23 |
June 23/24, 2022 with Stephen Moore (USA) What does it mean to be “in 2” in terms of body, mind and spirit? |
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Masterclass #22 |
April 23/24, 2022 with Maria Luisa D'Alessandro (Italy) "Instrumental improvisation according to Dalcroze" Improvising to discover music, in all its aspects, starting from the spontaneous gesture on the piano. Improvising in a natural way to communicate and to get know ourselves
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Masterclass #21 |
March 19/20, 2022 with Jack Stevenson (USA) Jack will present a Jaques-Dalcroze Improvisation/Solfège lesson on the the dominant seventh and the fully diminished seventh chord in the minor mode and how they modulate.
Have your singing voice ready, and your keyboard fired up.
We will be working hard! Jack will share all workshop materials during class
and have handouts available by email afterward.
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Masterclass #20 |
February 5/6, 2022 with Joan Pope (Australia) I intend to make a study for you of one of the ‘early’ exercises of Divisions of Time and therefore of the Space involved. It was known as ‘The twelve quavers’ (les douze croches) by rhythmics students well over one hundred years ago. I also reprise one of my favorite topics, that of the types of Clouds and their changing shapes. You’ll find both topics become intertwined. Such Divisions and subdivisions may be Equal or Unequal, Symmetric or Asymmetric, Formal or Free. Some will emphasize CHANGE: Planned and Predictable, Sudden Surprises, Some ever-changing shapes. This session will focus on several aspects of the Jaques-Dalcroze approach which have created a life-long interest for me in devising practical ‘music through movement’ and thinking experiences, whether for toddlers, student teachers or seniors. Some will be the big abstract notions of SPACE and of TIME. Some feature THINGS we can see and touch in the world in which we live. My examples use visual resources and rich language rhythms to ensure shared understandings and create linked pathways for personal development. I acknowledge my indebtedness to the numerous EJ-D ‘first generation’ teachers I met in 1953 at the London Dalcroze Training Centre in Newton Road; to Heather Gell in Australia in 1956 and 1957 and beyond, and to Mlle Edit Naef in Geneva. Their classes and comments made indelible impressions on me, and it is with pleasure I pass some of it on to you. |
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Masterclass #19 |
November 13/14, 2021 with Hélène Nicolet (Switzerland) "Exploration of Phrase Structures" In this session open to all levels, we will benefit from the Dalcroze eurhythmics experience to make connections with aural training (solfège) and instrumental improvisation. We will also expand some of the ideas for teaching to children and seniors. Bring a tennis ball and prepare your instrument! |
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Masterclass #18 |
October 16/17, 2021 with Pablo Cernik (Argentina) "What Can I Do With This Song?" In this Masterclass, we will use different pedagogical and improvisational strategies to work with some old Latin American indigenous songs. |
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Masterclass #17 |
September 18/19, 2021 with Ana Quílez Ibáñez (Spain) "Mini-Athletes" is a session of music and movement based on a single theme, Sports. From the symbolic game we will become "Mini-Athletes", developing a sporting, musical and fun session.
The session is organized in 3 blocks:
- Warm-up: where activities are proposed for the body and vocal warm-up of Athletes. - Sports: the central part of the session where different sports will be developed working on musical content such as pulsation, accentuation, time signature, phrasing, structure, harmony, etc. - Relaxation: where activities are proposed to change muscle tone and consolidate what has been learned. |
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Masterclass #16 |
"Bringing the Page to Life: Dalcroze Applications Using Composed Literature"
Composed music offers direct application of the artistic and practical musicianship we experience in Dalcroze Education. This workshop will focus on strategies on how to find well-behaved examples from the standard repertoire while creating meaningful activities that maintain the spirit of play and cultivate the imagination. We’ll move to pieces that demonstrate a variety of Dalcroze applications and study the processes by which we can begin to create our own Dalcroze games using composed literature. Participants will leave with new ideas and fresh perspectives on how to bring Dalcroze Education into their own studios!
Participants are encouraged to bring a short piece that we might work on together (if you are able to legally share the copy electronically that’s great!). If you have simple props handy, for the class that would be wonderful: (a tennis ball, chopsticks, a flowy scarf, etc.). |
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Masterclass #15 |
July 11/12, 2021 with Karin Greenhead (ENGLAND)
"A masterclass on ‘Follow’ exercises in Dalcroze Eurhythmics"
In this class we will look at some classic “Follow” exercises: what they are and why they are at the core of Dalcroze training at all levels from beginner to advanced and from child to experienced adult. Beginning with some simple exercises we will work through a variety of examples, looking at why we do them in certain ways, what enables the exercise to work well, and the pedagogical dimensions for teachers. As these exercises rely on the teacher’s improvisation, there may be opportunities for attendees with pianos (and for certain exercises, other instruments) to try playing for the class as well.
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Masterclass #14 |
June 12/13, 2021 with Manuel Zazueta (VIETNAM/MEXICO)
“Together in the distance – Transferring energy through the screen. Crafting your online eurhythmics lesson using various platforms and tools"
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Masterclass #13 |
April 17/18, 2021 with Iramar Rodrigues (SWITZERLAND)
"Dalcroze Eurhythmics (in times of pandemic) - A journey of music, the body, and movement exploring the theme of complementary rhythms and their variations."
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Masterclass #12 |
March 21/22, 2021 with Greg Ristow (USA)
"Suspension & Resolution" Few things are more exhilarating than the journey a consonant note makes as it becomes a dissonant suspension and resolves. Through body work, eurhythmics, plastique and improvisation we’ll dive into the world of musical suspensions. We’ll our own bodies in conversation with physical objects, prepare a plastique on Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and vocally improvise suspensions following rules drawn from Handel’s figured bass treatise. |
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Masterclass #11 |
"Structure and Proportion in Eurhythmics"
The long-standing tradition of using syllables—in dance as well as in percussion—is an organic tool that facilitates both our physical and intellectual grasp of structure and proportion in Eurhythmics. In this workshop Fabian Bautz will present examples to practice multi-layered coordination and independence in our movements. The all-embracing incorporation of complex and polyrhythmic structures in music has to occur throughout our whole body. In its absence our artistic and pedagogic performance lacks full confidence and conviction; how can it be otherwise, for if we are engaging only a part of ourselves, then we are partially absent as opposed to fully present.
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Masterclass #10 |
"Music and Grounding"
A Dalcroze lesson focused on inner listening, sensations and integration of learning.
The class will be based on the same ideas as Françoise wrote about in the following article,THE INNER LISTENING BASE OF ALL PEDAGOGIES |
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Masterclass #9 |
"Moves, Modes & Motifs"
You are invited to move, speak, sing, and play as we explore a collection of rhythmic motifs and modal melodies from a range of repertoires. These musical materials will become the basis of our very own improvisations and compositions. No matter your level of musical training or teaching experience, this session offers a hands-on approach to making new music from old. Please bring your body and voice, an instrument of your choice, and a piece of manuscript paper. PowerPoint slides will be shared and a PDF handout will be available after the session.
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Masterclass #8 |
November 21/22, 2020 with Elda Nelly Treviño (MEXICO)
"Lullabies: A Dalcroze Masterclass with Elda Nelly Treviño" Even before being born, babies listen to music. The sensation of rocking in a peaceful atmosphere, gives a feeling of security and peace. Lullabies written in compound meter are present all around the world. In this session we will explore with our bodies and voices the fine musicality present in the phrasing, melodic contour, and rhythmic design of a beautiful Mexican Christmas lullaby.
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Masterclass #7 |
October 24/25, 2020 with Louise Mathieu (CANADA)
"Dalcroze Eurhythmics: A way to musical expression"
Dalcroze Eurhythmics helps to develop capacities that are indispensable to all musicians. It enhances auditory perception, favors a better control of nervous sensitivity, stimulates musicality and sense of rhythm and develops musical expression. For Jaques-Dalcroze, the acuity of our musical perception depends on the acuity of our senses.
Music and movement lie at the heart of the Dalcroze approach which comprises interrelated areas of studies (Rhythmics–Aural training–Improvisation–Plastique Animée). In this workshop, the participants will experience these interdependent branches through exercises combining listening and physical movement and will explore how Dalcroze Eurhythmics stimulates, develops and refines all the capacities we use when we engage in music. |
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Masterclass #6 |
October 3/4, 2020 with Sui Ming Chu (Hong Kong)
"Dynamic in action, meeting the mind of Dalcroze and Laban" Both Dalcroze and Laban are interested in expressivity, one in music and the other in dance. After Laban met Dalcroze and saw his work in 1912. He said “It was an experience that will play a part in my own development” (Perrottet 93). It is fascinating to see how Dalcroze’s thought continues into Laban’s work and at the same time how Laban’s work could contribute back into the work of Dalcroze. This workshop is an attempt to integrate Laban’s movement concept of how emotions were expressed and communicated through the rhythmic use of the human body and its application into eurhythmics training, ultimately how it helps our creativity and expressivity.
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| Masterclass #5 |
"An (ENCORE) Dalcroze Masterclass with Michael Joviala –Alone Together: A Dalcroze Exploration of Relationship "
Due to some technical difficulties with the July 11/12 masterclass, the VDM asked Michael to repeat his brilliant class from July 2020.
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| Masterclass #4 |
"A Dalcroze Masterclass with Sandra Nash – In the footsteps of Heather Gell: the formal and the free"
The Masterclass will include a paper presentation about Gell and her book, “Music, Movement and the young Child,” including some games for children and how to play for them, and a historical section on formal techniques and elements of the Dalcroze work for adults including some of his 'Esquisses’.
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Masterclass #3 (no recording available) |
"A Dalcroze Masterclass with Michael Joviala –Alone Together: A Dalcroze Exploration of Relationship "
Associations and dissociations, systems and follows… the names of many commonly performed Dalcroze activities parallel the language of our social, interpersonal and even political lives. Against the present dramatic backdrop of disruption, adaptation and reaction (also core aspects of Dalcroze experience), we use our bodies, minds and hearts to find the music in relationship to one another across boundaries both virtual and real.
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| Masterclass #2 |
"A Dalcroze Masterclass with Monica Wilkinson – Solo Chamber Music"
This aural-based lesson will be an exploration of hearing and performing two lines, with a focus on phrase.
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| Masterclass #1 |
“A Dalcroze Masterclass with Ava Loiacono – Sharing ideas for Rhythmic, Improvisation, and Pedagogy”
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