Music Theory and Dalcroze Eurhythmics

 

 

Walker J. Jackson has a great love for teaching music theory, especially for the advancement of vocal music.  He continues to promote the idea that the understanding of music theory can propel vocal music and vocal instruction to new heights.  While a theory student in school, he created models for various theory classes specifically designed for singers, including a modern day sight-singing/ear-training class which addresses specific ways of “chunking” information, as well as a Schenkerian Analysis course used to visually map the placement of the vocal line within a given song or aria, with relation to Linear Intervallic Patterns (LIPs) and the descending Urlinie. 

Walker J. Jackson is also a certified instructor of Dalcroze Eurhythmics, which is one of several developmental approaches, including the Kodaly Method, Orff Schulwerk and Suzuki Method used to teach music to students. Developed in the early 20th century by Swiss music educator, Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, Eurhythmics teaches concepts of rhythm, structure, and musical expression through movement.  This method includes three main components – Eurhythmics (rhythmic understanding), Sight-Singing, and Improvisation.  Classes can be offered as early as ages 4-6, well into collegiate musical training.  

Teaching specialties are:

  • Keyboard Harmony and Improvisation
  • Sight-Singing (Numbers and Movable 'Do' are preferred methods)
  • Eartraining and Aural Theory
  • Syncopations, Poly-Rhythms, and Hemiola Understanding
  • Jazz Theory and Improvisation
  • Schenkerian Analysis for Singers: Applications for Vocal Registration
  • Dalcroze Eurhythmics

He has taught Music Theory and/or Dalcroze Eurhythmics at the following:

  • The Third Street Music School Settlement | New York, NY
  • The Cleveland Music School Settlement | Cleveland, OH
  • College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH

Walker J. Jackson holds a Master of Music in Music Theory from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Dalcroze Eurhythmics (double major with Voice) from the Cleveland Institute of Music.