What’s in a (note) Name?
If note-naming exercises are a step toward music literacy, do they have a purpose beyond that point?
Barbara Mettler: A Dancer of Purpose
"These experiences lead to a richer more meaningful life. Also, the understanding of how to dance together in a group, I think, answers a contemporary need." - Mary Ann Brehm
Sherman Center Announces Monica Dale as 2020-21 Research Fellow
Research award to support study of MusiKinesis® in urban Baltimore The Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities is pleased to announce its 2020-2021 research fellow, Monica Dale, Music Coordinator & Adjunct Faculty in UMBC’s Dance Department. Ms. Dale will work with early childhood educators at Arundel Elementary School to investigate the effects [...]
Celebrating the Centennial of Women’s Suffrage: The Music of the Movement
Happy Anniversary! Today is the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. It’s hard to believe it was only two generations ago that American women were disenfranchised. My own grandmother was prohibited from casting a ballot. Even after the ratification of the 19th amendment, black women (as well [...]
Summer Highlights!
Special Features of This Year's MusiKinesis® Courses Daily classes in eurhythmics, teaching techniques, repertory, improv/composition and related areas form the foundation. Plus, the programs in both Baltimore and Rochester include a rich variety of added experiences, too! Baltimore County – July 8-12 This week will feature guest classes from experts in their fields. Teaching Children [...]
Memorial Day: Ravel, Augmented Chords, and Whole Tone Scales
What do Memorial Day, Ravel, augmented chords, and whole tone scales have in common? Find out in a new "Idea to Try" for piano improvisation, here.
“The Physical Reality of Being Human” (interview, 2017)
https://www.esm.rochester.edu/blog/2017/04/the-physical-reality-of-being-human-monica-dale-discusses-music-and-dalcroze-eurhythmics-2/
Dance Legends: A few choice quotes on music
‘’Often I thought to myself, what a mistake to call me a dancer – I am the magnetic centre to convey the emotional expression of the Orchestra.” - Isadora Duncan “I couldn’t move, I don’t even want to move, unless I hear the music first. I couldn’t move without a reason, and the reason is [...]
Video – “Walking Technique” with Jack Stevenson
https://youtu.be/bO0sgeLDujY Here's a clear example of the Jaques-Dalcroze method in practice, specifically addressing technique to help musicians step seamless equal durations.
It’s Official: 5 Magical Stories in Music and Movement is released!
It's January 15th, and the iBook is officially on the market! Children love stories in music and dance! This iBook engages them in meaningful experiences combining music, dance, rhythmic movement, emotional expression, verbal skills, patterns, and more! Rooted in a contemporary approach to traditional principles of Dalcroze Eurhythmics, 5 Magical Stories in Music and Dance [...]