Developing the Whole Child Through Movement in the Music Classroom
type: CreativeWork
description: The early twentieth century brought forth some very strong figures in the world of arts pedagogy. Among them were Carl Orff and Emile Jacque-Dalcroze. Both were composers as well as music educators. Both believed that in order for a musician to perform expressively rather than mechanically, one had to feel music in the body. Orff and Dalcroze followers today uphold these men’s idea that movement is an essential part of the music class. Seeking to feel more comfortable and knowledgeable about movement in teaching K-6 general music classes, I set out to research through books, films, my own movement experiences and activites through which I guided my students. Through the process, I discovered how important movement is for complete human development. In this paper I present examples of movement activities that can be incorporated in music classes. All examples have been tested in my classroom. Through the engagement of such activities we can find a means to bring craft beyond function and into the realm of art. We can be enriched through movement in our co-ordination, learning, problem solving, sense of community and healthy well being. We can find a means of self expres- sion as well as an empathy toward others, important ingredients for living in a free world.
abstract: The early twentieth century brought forth some very strong figures in the world of arts pedagogy. Among them were Carl Orff and Emile Jacque-Dalcroze. Both were composers as well as music educators. Both believed that in order for a musician to perform expressively rather than mechanically, one had to feel music in the body. Orff and Dalcroze followers today uphold these men’s idea that movement is an essential part of the music class. Seeking to feel more comfortable and knowledgeable about movement in teaching K-6 general music classes, I set out to research through books, films, my own movement experiences and activites through which I guided my students. Through the process, I discovered how important movement is for complete human development. In this paper I present examples of movement activities that can be incorporated in music classes. All examples have been tested in my classroom. Through the engagement of such activities we can find a means to bring craft beyond function and into the realm of art. We can be enriched through movement in our co-ordination, learning, problem solving, sense of community and healthy well being. We can find a means of self expres- sion as well as an empathy toward others, important ingredients for living in a free world.
author: Morris, Laura Rosenberg
keywords: Boal, education, Gilbert, Hannaford, K-6, cross-curriculum, human development
date published: 2009-01-01T08:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T03:10:36Z
provider: University of Montana
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Montana