Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to wear anything special for courses?

All Dalcroze workshops and courses are practical in nature. Participants should be willing to use whole body movement to explore the language of music. It is therefore advisable to wear loose fitting clothing that allows a full range of movement (i.e. ankle-length leggings or tracksuit). It is conventional to work in bare feet, although participants can choose to wear jazz shoes or other pliable sole shoes if they wish.

• Should I bring my instrument?

If you are coming to a course that is offering improvisation you can choose to improvise on your preferred instrument (if this is not the piano) including voice. If the course is offering Dynamic Rehearsal and you wish to perform then you should bring your instrument plus two copies of the piece you are playing.

• Are there any handouts on courses?

Some handouts are given on courses. For practical sessions, however, you will be expected to make your own notes as this encourages a better understanding of the work. Time is generally given for this.

• Do the courses include accommodation and meals?

The Summer School is the only course to offer accommodation. Students may attend on a daily basis if they live near enough to commute. The cost of meals is not included in the course fee.

The Easter course is non residential, and students are responsible for finding their own accommodation and food.

The Certificate Training Course is non-residential, but the cost of lunch is included in the course fee.

• Do the courses cater for vegetarians/vegans?

Courses where food is provided will generally cater for vegetarians. Participants with other specific food requirements, however, are encouraged to bring their own food.

• Can I cater for myself?

The Summer School, being residential, allows you to cater for yourself if you wish. The Easter course is non-residential, and students are reponsible for providing their own food. Lunch is provided on the Certificate Training Course by the Royal Russell School as part of the course fee; there is no reduction of fees should you decide to bring your own.

• Can I practise in between sessions?

While this is often possible it is at the discretion of the institution where the course is being held and participants may need to check with the college or university directly.

• Is the course accredited towards other qualifications?

We do not have accreditation as yet, although participants will receive a certificate of attendance on completion of each year of the Certificate Training Course and at the end of the Easter Course and Summer School.

• What can I read before a course to give me a better idea of the work?

A number of books offer a perspective on Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Books, such as Comparing Dalcroze, Orff & Kodàly by Gilles Comeau, offer a succinct overview of the subject, while Dalcroze Today by Maire-Laure Bachmann offers a more comprehensive guide to the work.
Please see the Book list for further reading.

• Can I buy books on the courses?

There is always a bookstall on the Summer School, Easter Course and at several weekends of the Certificate Training Course. It offers books, DVDs and teaching material.

• What is Stepping into Music?

Stepping into Music is a flexible Early Years workshop and accredited training programme, delivered by the Dalcroze Society in partnership with local authorities and arts agencies.  It seeks to provide under-fives from all sections of society with access to the proven developmental benefits of integrated music and movement sessions.  By equipping Early Years, music and dance practitioners with the skills to develop their own practice, Stepping into Music will provide a legacy of embedded activity, responsive to local need, which places music and movement at the heart of the Early Years agenda.

If you'd like to find out more about Stepping into Music, click here