Department of Music

The McIntire Department of Music at the University of Virginia will present a Dalcroze Eurhythmics class on Friday March 25 at 4pm in 107 Old Cabell Hall. This free class, facilitated by Stephen Neeley of Carnegie Mellon, is open to University and community members of all ages. This class is supported by the Eleanor Shea Music Trust.

Developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, the Dalcroze method trains the primary instrument, the human being. It consists of three components: eurhythmics, solfège, and improvisation. Eurhythmics considers rhythm, structure and musical expression through movements while solfège fine tunes aural comprehension and improvised vocal expression. Improvisation encourages musical structure through natural musical conception. In this class, Stephen Neely will explain the approach and its history, facilitate movement experiences, and discuss its application for other arts and sciences. Attending more than a lecture or demonstration, participants will have the opportunity to move freely and express their musical understanding and experience in response to improvised music.

The Dalcroze Eurhythmics Class participants should expect to experience an introductory and educational workshop focusing on rhythmic movements, ear training and improvisation to strengthen understanding of musical ideas and stimulate awareness of the physical movements in performance situations. This innovative approach to musical education is also employed to assist emotionally and developmentally challenged students, to soothe terminally ill patients, and to stimulate heightened coordination and concentration.

Dalcroze License, Carnegie Mellon Artist Lecturer in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and past President of the Dalcroze Society of America, Stephen Neely is a conductor, teacher, clinician, and performer enjoying principal and comprimario roles with opera and musical theater companies throughout the region. He travels extensively presenting Dalcroze Eurhythmics workshops and classes to students young and old, professional and novice. Mr. Neely holds a BFA in Vocal Performance, and a MM in Music Education from Carnegie Mellon University. He teaches Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Voice for the Carnegie Mellon School of Music and Voice and Musical Theater Literature and Repertoire for the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama Pre-College program. He teaches Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Private Voice, and directs the Opera Chorus at Pittsburgh's High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

Participants should expect to have fun and experience an innovative approach to music performance and understanding at the Dalcroze Eurhythmics Class. Comfortable clothes and socks or light weight slippers are recommended. Hourly parking is available at the Central Grounds Parking Garage. For further information please call 434-924-3052.