This research study focuses on the role of kinaesthesis and motor response in promoting musical memory. The main questions addressed are: What is the nature of musical memory? How is it promoted? Is a kinaesthetic or muscular strategy a particularly effective means of promoting musical memory? The investigation which follows is mainly conceptual, yet reinforced by some empirical work. It falls into three parts: 1) Cognitive processes; 2) The potential role of kinaesthesis and movement as imagery strategies; 3) Empirical investigation. In part one a framework for the investigation is established. The study of general aspects of memory is linked to research in music cognition and memory. A chapter on representation and imagery is concerned with those techniques and strategies by which musical memory is developed. Part two examines the nature of kinaesthesis and its role in cognitive processes and musical cognition. Rhythmic experience is considered in relation to kinaesthesis and its overt manifestation in physical movement. The major contribution of Emile Jaques- Dalcroze is presented, as a study of kinaesthetic strategy in practice. The close correspondence between music and expressive movement is examined, before a chapter in which a conceptual framework is proposed. The third and final part presents the empirical work undertaken in testing the kinaesthetic principle: 'The stronger the muscular sensations, the clearer and more precise the images' (Jaques-Dalcroze) A replication experiment is described which forms the basis for an experiment on kinaesthetic strategy, the success of which lends support to the theoretical evidence presented. Conclusions are drawn and Dalcroze practice reviewed in the light of these findings and the preceding theoretical work.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:437060 |
| Date | January 1990 |
| Creators | Taylor, Dorothy A. |
| Publisher | University College London (University of London) |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10018496/ |
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