DSC Certification Training - Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

1. Do I need to be a professional musician to complete the Dalcroze Certification Training (ie. dance teacher, school teacher, therapist)?
Dalcroze work is an education for the music and through the music. If you are not a professional musician, you should have basic music knowledge and piano proficiency (minimum RCM Grade 6) to meet the criteria of the curriculum for this teacher training certification course. Each person comes from a rich background and a variety of musical competencies. Please contact us for further consultation.  For non-musicians, we also hope to offer adult beginner classes in the near future.

2. I am interested in the Dalcroze work for my own personal/professional development.  I am not planning to become a Dalcroze teacher.  Are these courses still right for me?
Yes, students also come to the courses for self-enrichment and professional development

International Recognition

1. Will the DSC Dalcroze Certificate be recognized worldwide or only in Canada?
Canada is a participating member of the Dalcroze Eurhythmics International Examination Board under the management of Karin Greenhead, Sandra Nash and Louise Mathieu. Participating countries include the UK, Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. The certification is recognized worldwide and approved by the Jaques-Dalcroze Institute in Geneva, Switzerland.

2. How does this certificate program resemble or differ from other certificate training programs in the US or Europe?
The DSC has adopted the curriculum for teachers at Certificate level, which was developed by the Dalcroze Societies of Australia and United Kingdom, specifically for those who train through part-time or intensive courses. These courses currently run in Australia, the UK, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. While delivery of the Dalcroze certification programs will vary by country and even by institutions, the required competencies are consistent.

3. At which point of the training can I call the class that I teach a "Dalcroze class"?
Individuals who attain Certificate level status may call themselves a Dalcroze teacher and promote their music classes as a “Dalcroze class”. Please refer to the ‘Dalcroze Training” section of our website for more information.

Courses and Pre-requisites

1. Can I start my Dalcroze training at anytime or is there a specific intake period for new students?
Over the span of the curriculum delivery cycle, participants will eventually attain the required course work content. If the student is on the certification track, we will ensure that all content are covered through our regular feedback/evaluation process.

2. I have taken all DSC courses offered to date.  If new students are allowed to join at anytime, will I be repeating the same course content, or will newcomers be expected to "catch up"?
Although certain musical elements will recur and be re-addressed in different ways and combinations, the content will rarely be the same. In Dalcroze work, learning often occurs in a spiral manner. Even when one returns to a previously covered music element, there is always more room for deeper internalization. There will be always some moments of recapitulation needed even for returning students because while our intellect ‘knows’, we still need to experience for an embodied knowing.  

3. Is a "Practicum" required? Are there opportunities for me to observe Dalcroze classes and teachers?
There will be practicum component at the Certificate level in the form of observation reports. There are opportunities to observe local Dalcroze classes.

4. I thought the purpose of these courses was to become a Dalcroze teacher.  When are teaching applications addressed?
Teaching application is addressed through out the course in different contexts. However the teaching applications will be addressed separately at the Certificate level when the candidates will be making teaching DVDs.

5.  How long will it take for me to become trained as a Dalcroze Teacher?
The Dalcroze approach is highly individual and as a result, it is not possible to say how long it takes to complete a certain level. A student’s progress is based on previous experiences in music, movement and improvisation and overall suitability for the work.

6.  Are grades assigned after each course completion?  How will I know if I am progressing?
Grades will be assigned when the exam takes place. Formal and informal feedbacks will be given throughout the courses from instructor(s). For each registered certificate candidate, formal private consultations and evaluations will be arranged.

Equivalency

1. What is a Dalcroze passport?
A Dalcroze Passport documents all the training experiences and records of the Certification candidate. Only the registered Certification candidate will be given the passport. Apart from the training modules offered through DSC, the registered candidate can and should also consider opportunities to study in other accredited Dalcroze Teacher Training Programs abroad to deepen the perspectives of the work. These hours at the recognized centers can count towards the required hours of the training for each level. Please contact the DSC for a list of recognized certification programs offered internationally.

2. I have previous Dalcroze experience from a music school / institution, however, it was not an accredited Dalcroze Training Centre.  Can this count toward my required certification training hours?
At the discretion of the Director of Studies, the DSC may allow a maximum of 8 hours to be applied toward the required certification training hours for students who have completed Dalcroze studies from non-accredited institutions. Students will be required to provide thorough documentation of previous studies. These courses must be completed within 5 years prior to the student’s registration date as a Certificate candidate and must be taught by a Dalcroze teacher.

3. I have taken courses at an accredited Dalcroze Training Instution. Can these courses count toward the DSC required certification training hours?
At the discretion of the Director of Studies, students who have completed training at an accredited Dalcroze Training Centre may apply all eligible course work hours toward the required DSC certification training hours. However, students must still enroll in at least one DSC Summer Course to be eligible to take the exams through the DSC – this allows the DSC teachers an opportunity to observe and provide feedback on the student’s readiness for the exams. Additionally, students will be required to provide thorough documentation of previous studies and arrange a consultation meeting with the DSC to ensure the content and experience gained through previous studies match the DSC curriculum requirements.

4. Can my participation in the Annual DSC Workshop count towards the required training hours?
Our Annual DSC Workshop aims to cover more general Dalcroze topics for a broader audience and the content may not necessarily reflect the specific requirements of the certification curriculum. Therefore the participation of the DSC workshop does not contribute towards the required certification hours.

5. I am new to Dalcroze, but have a music degree and/or teaching degree.  Can these count toward the required certification hours?
These former experiences provide excellent background for the Dalcroze work, however the training hours can only come from a recognized Dalcroze training center.

About the Exams

1. How will I know when I am ready to take the exams?
Certification candidates receive ongoing formal and informal feedback from instructors on their progress. A candidate's application to take an exam is subject to the recommendation of teachers who have had a chance to observe responses across a range of music and movement activities.

2. What is involved in the exams?  How long is each exam?  Is it done one-by-one or in a group?
The expectation of the content and the duration of each exam will be communicated clearly to the exam candidates. Parts of the exams are done individually and parts are done in a group.

3. What is involved in the portfolio?
The Portfolio is the written component of the Dalcroze work. It involves written definitions of musical/rhythmic subjects, compositions, papers, observation reports, descriptions of Dalcroze activities and more. Certification candidates will receive a document that addresses the specific portfolio requirements.

4. Will I be given sample examination questions to prepare? Does the certificate program allow time for a practice exam session so that certificate candidates know exactly what to expect?
Dalcroze exam content will vary each year but are based on the core competencies that are developed through the coursework. The best way to prepare for the exams is through active participation in class as well as completion of homework assignments and individual practice. Exam candidates will also receive feedback in the weeks leading up to the exams.

5. Am I automatically eligible for the exam when I have had completed the required hours?
Students are eligible to take the exams provided they have met the following conditions: 1) The fulfillment of the required hours and 2) Registration as a certificate candidate with the DSC. Please let us know your intention and register at the earliest stage of your decision, so that we can provide you the most appropriate guidance towards your examination preparation and certification process.

6. If I do not pass the exam, will I have to repeat the whole program again? Or will I be able to re-take the exam?
Students are allowed to re-take any portion of the exams (Eurhythmics, Solfège and Improvisation) at the next examination period. Please note that you will be required to remit appropriate fees for each repeat exam(s). While it is not a requirement to repeat any course, students are encouraged and may be advised to take additional classes beyond the required course work hours in order to consolidate their learning.

7. I have already completed 75 hrs of training for Foundation / Intermediate / Certification level from another accredited Dalcroze training centre. Can those courses count toward the required training hours for DSC certification and will I be eligible to take exams offered by the DSC?
At the discretion of the Director of Studies, students who have completed training at an accredited Dalcroze Training Centre may apply all eligible course work hours toward the required DSC certification training hours. However, students must still enroll in at least one DSC Summer Course to be eligible to take the exams through the DSC – this allows the DSC teachers an opportunity to observe and provide feedback on the student’s readiness for the exams. Additionally, students will be required to provide thorough documentation of previous studies and arrange a consultation meeting with the DSC to ensure the content and experience gained through previous studies match the DSC curriculum requirements.

8. Will I be able to use my primary instrument instead of piano for the improvisation exam?
The improvisation exam will include a vocal component as well as a piano component, and there will be sections that can be done through one’s own primary instrument. If piano is not your primary instrument you may be advised to seek supplemental piano lessons outside of the DSC courses in order to achieve the competency needed to fulfill the keyboard component of the improvisation exam.

Certification Administration

1. Do I have to register in the certification program?
All certification candidates wishing to take their exams in Canada must formally register with the Dalcroze Society of Canada and remit appropriate registration fees, regardless of whether they are Society members.  The registration fees cover the cost to administer and coordinate the DSC training program.  The coursework verification form (Dalcroze Passport) and the Dalcroze Certification Handbook will be issued upon registration. Note:  Candidates must re-register for the each level of advancement (ie. Foundation / Intermediate / Certificate)

2. How often will the exams be administered?
The DSC plans to offer exams every year following the DSC Summer Courses.

3. Who are the examiners?
There will be at least two examiners who are holders of the Diplôme Supérieur.

4. How much do the exams cost?
Exam pricing is determined during the year it is offered. Please visit our website for updates.

5. Why is there a registration fee as well as an examination fee?
The registration fees cover the cost of administering and coordinating the DSC Certification Training Program.  This includes providing ongoing monitoring, mentorship, and formal/informal consultation, feedback and evaluation to each Certification Candidate.

The examination fees cover the cost to prepare and deliver the actual exams.  These fees are remitted directly to the Dalcroze Eurhythmics International Examination Board.  Our aim is to cover the costs of the exams as per the fee schedule by the DEIEB.

6. I need to complete my teaching video. Will the DSC place me in a classroom setting? (Or alternatively, can I use my current class / choir / orchestra / etc. to complete my teaching video?)
The DSC is not responsible for providing a teaching setting. This needs to be arranged individually. You may use your current group to teach the rhythmic class, however the teaching video should not be a rehearsal, or a Dalcroze application in rehearsal, but an actual Dalcroze class.

7. What can I expect once I register with the DSC for certification training?
Once we receive your formal registration along with the appropriate registration fee, we will distribute an information kit including the Dalcroze Passport and syllabus. We will also arrange an information meeting, which may be conducted in person or via telephone. In addition to providing ongoing monitoring, mentorship, and formal/informal consultation, feedbacks and evaluation, we are committed to delivering quality training instruction and assisting you to have a successful experience.