On Sunday, April 6, from 1–1:45 pm PDT, Dr. Michael Joviala and Mari Izumi will be giving an information session on 2025 Dalcroze Summer Intensive via Zoom. This summer program is designed for music educators. Mari will share an overview on the program and Dr. Joviala will answer any questions regarding the curriculum. Please email Mari Izumi at mizumi@colburnschool.edu if you would like to attend.
“I am dreaming of a musical education where the body will play the role of intermediary between sounds and thoughts and would become the direct instrument of our feelings”
– Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865–1950)
The Dalcroze Summer Intensive offers musicians and music educators the opportunity to immerse themselves in Dalcroze education.
Dalcroze education is a playful, experiential approach to teaching and learning music. The Dalcroze approach emphasizes the use of the whole body and highlights ear training as an essential component of music education.
Dalcroze education is divided into three main categories:
– Eurhythmics engages the body in rhythmic movement and active listening – Solfège develops internal melody and harmony, along with a holistic response to musical notation – Improvisation brings out the creative spirit with the voice, an instrument, or the body
Eurhythmics: Awaken, develop, and refine your innate musicality through active listening, creative and purposeful movement, improvisation and social interaction. Unlock easier, more expressive performance as you study the essential elements of musical rhythm such as meter, duration, dynamics, texture and form.
Solfège: Dalcroze Education is a playful, experiential approach to teaching and learning music. In this ear-training class, the entire body is used to explore musical concepts such as scales, functional harmony, phrase, and form. Active listening games, improvisation, and social interaction encourage the development of internal melody and harmony, as well as a holistic response to musical notation.
Improvisation: Bring out your creative spirit with voice, instrument or the body in this introductory encounter with improvisation. Students will create original music in a variety of styles in an exploratory and encouraging environment. No improvisation experience necessary! Music teachers interested in incorporating improvisation into their own teaching will gain introductory experience with creating music for Dalcroze games and activities. All instruments including voice are welcome, though there will be a special emphasis on the piano. Join the party!
Pedagogy: Introduction to the basic principles of Dalcroze education as well as some of the core teaching strategies and techniques. Students will explore ways to apply their experiences to their own teaching as well as view demonstration classes with children.
The Professional Dalcroze Certificate is awarded after students have passed 3 levels of personal exams in eurhythmics, solfège and improvisation. Students also complete 2 juried teaching exams and produce a portfolio of written work. Dalcroze teacher training operates on a basis of mastery rather than clock hours. Evaluations are offered to students at the discretion of their instructors. Please note that students wishing to take evaluations must be enrolled in the full 9-day course. There are additional fees for exams.
“Dalcroze has had a profound impact on me and my students. The kinesthetic activities appeal to all different types of learners in my classes. Students stay engaged and have fun developing their musical language and means of expression. As a professional musician, Dalcroze has changed the way I experience music. The way the methodology approaches improvisation has opened a flood gate of creativity for me.”
– Jennifer Quan, Elementary Music Teacher
Schedule June 19–27*, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
*We also offer a 4-day Intensive from June 19–22
9:30–11 am: Eurhythmics 11:15 am–12:15 pm: Pedagogy 1:15–2:15 pm: Solfège 2:30–3:30 pm: Improvisation
Age Range 18+ years
Faculty Michael Joviala, Primary Instructor* Cynthia Lilley*, Dalcroze License (9-day course) Mari Izumi, Dalcroze License, Program Director
*Guest Instructor
Student Requirements This program is designed for music educators.
Tuition and Fees
No application or additional documents required. Payment is due at the time of registration.
Registration Deadlines
Apply Now
Summer Music Camps