Movement is the “embodiment” of music. It might be called the sign language of music, as all musical expression can be communicated through movement. The more your children engage with movement in every musical experience, the more your children “practice music,” literally. Movement is the life blood of music. It propels music in time—it gives flight to music. A dull performance, whether amateur or professional, is generally dull because it is lacking in movement.
There are two kinds of movement that we need to concern ourselves with for music learning—movement on the beat and movement between the beats. Movement on the beat is generally thought to be rhythmic movement, but movement between the beats is necessary to provide momentum. Movement between beats serves like the motion between still frames that creates animation—in this case, animated music—music that comes alive. Movement on the beat is manifest through weight. Movement between the beats is manifest through flow, creating momentum. Model flowing movement for your children with every musical opportunity and you will help them to feel that momentum. Keep some part of the body flowing through space throughout the musical experience. Use the whole body—extend the arms in space, activate the hips, bend the knees. Let the music move you, and your children will do the same.
Movement is essential for music learning—for rhythm development and for tonal development. Movement activates rhythm knowing, and together, they become the embodiment of rhythmic performance. Movement also activates tonal knowing and together, they become the energy that propels the voice to tuneful singing.
Little children understand better than grown-ups that music and movement are inseparable. Take your cue from the little child who just can’t sit still when music is present. Movement makes music come alive and it makes your little musicians come alive.
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