What are the advantages and disadvantages of a musical education ...

that music can be used effectively in primary schools, then perhaps the question of whether or
not music is a necessary subject to include as part of the National Curriculum would have a
much clearer and more definite answer.
History of Music Education
Just like language, music is something that distinguishes us as humans. At the present time
music is considered to be a fundamental part of education and plays a large part in the
curriculum. To gain a full understanding of music education it is important to have some
form of knowledge and understanding of its history. It is important to pay credit to those
individuals who moulded and shaped musical education into what it is today. Individuals
such as Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly and Suzuki all developed philosophies on how music should
be taught. Their teachings and methods haven’t always been well received and have caused
much controversy and debate, but despite this they have been influential, and without such
individuals, music education may not have developed into what it is today. Many of the
methods and practices of these influential music scholars are still commonly used in music
education today. This section is going to cover four of the most influential music scholars
from the past: Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, and Suzuki.
Emile Jacques Dalcroze was born in Vienna on the sixth of July in 1865 and became one of
the finest and most influential educators of the 20 th century. His theory was based around the
idea of bringing the body, mind and spirit together to learn the art of music. The Dalcroze
method connects music, movement, mind, and body and binds them together as one.
‘Eurhythmics serves to enhance the skills of coordination, balance, special orientation, and
quick reactions so that the body may attune to every nuance of musical expression. In effect,
the body becomes a living musical instrument’ (Stevenson, 2011). In 1892 he became a
professor of harmony at the Geneva Conservatory. Whilst teaching in Geneva Dalcroze was
able to develop his theory and method of teaching music and rhythm through the art of
movement. This method is knows as eurhythmics. The word eurhythmics is the Greek term
for good rhythm. The definition of eurhythmics is:
‘Musical expression through movement; developing musical skills through kinetic exercises.
Students learn rhythm and structure by listening to music and expressing what they hear
through spontaneous bodily movement. For example, note values and rhythms are
represented by stepping and clapping’ (Estrella, 2005).
The two other facets of the Dalcroze method are Solfege and Improvisation. The use of
Solfege helps to develop ear training and sight-reading skills, and helps to develop an
understanding of pitch, intervals, and harmony, all of which are fundamental skills required
of a musician. They are also useful skills to have when improvising. Improvisation is an
Music Education in Regard to Children CM6002 Emily McGregor 163930
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