Date of Award

5-2020

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Department

Music

First Advisor

Jonathan Kilgore, DMA

Advisor Department

Music

Abstract

The main purpose of this thesis project was to examine the incorporation of movement in preschool and elementary classrooms and identify its effects. A review of methodology from musicians/educators such as Zoltán Kodály, Carl Orff, and Emile Jacques-Dalcroze provided a foundation for the research topic. Other factors surrounding music and movement included the physical, mental, and developmental aspects. These factors were studied through the lens of authors and researchers such as Howard Gardner.

The practice used was primarily observation, which took place in local music classrooms as well as at a Carl Orff Workshop. Observation led to the conclusion that a variety of movement should be included in education because of its positive effects on students and on education as a whole. Results showed that movement, especially when used in tandem with music, is necessary for brain development and is beneficial for classroom management, retention, and engagement.

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