Movement is the life blood of music. It is the difference between an exciting performance and a group singing the right notes at the right time. Movement parallels music in all dimensions and makes each dimension tangible. Line, momentum, articulation, expression, dynamics, as well as rhythm and melody, can each be manifest in movement. Talking about a line, articulation, or dynamics communicates with the thinking mind. Moving a line, articulation, or dynamics communicates with the musical mind. Movement is the “sign language” of the musical mind, through which all musical expression can be communicated.
There are two kinds of movement essential to music learning—movement on the beat and movement between the beats. Movement on the beat is manifest through weight. Movement between the beats is manifest through flow, creating momentum. The more students can be engaged in flowing movement with any musical experience, the more musical they will become and the more meaningful movement on the beat will become.
Movement activates rhythm knowing, and together they become the embodiment of rhythmic performance. Movement activates tonal knowing, and together they become the energy that propels the voice to tuneful singing. Movement is the most effective vehicle for communicating the musical execution of line, articulation, dynamics, and expression. What the body does, the voice follows. What the body does, the singer remembers.
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