Rediscovering the Émile Jaques-Dalcroze Approach in the Training of Music Professionals

Abstract

By the end of the 19th century, Émile Jaques-Dalcroze developed an educational approach that aimed to help the students of the Conservatory of Music in Geneva, Switzerland, to overcome the technical and musical challenges they faced in their professional training. The areas of opportunity that Jaques-Dalcroze observed in his disciples more than 100 years ago, are the same much students have today in many music schools. Unfortunately, in spite of the success achieved, the Jaques-Dalcroze approach has almost been completely dismissed in the training of professional musicians. In the present article, the author reflects on the validity of this music education approach, provides a review concerning its enormous contributions to the field of professional musicians´ training and offers some recommendations for its application in tertiary music schools. Finally, the author urges authorities and teachers of conservatories and music departments to consider its incorporation in the curricula as a pedagogical resource of great value.