How did you first come across Dalcroze Eurhythmics?
I joined the incredible Junior Strings Project in RNCM while undertaking my Postgraduate Performance Diploma.
Where / when did you train?
Certificate- RNCM from 1995-1997
Currently completing Licence training.
What do you remember most about your training?
The freedom and the joy I experienced in Karin Greenhead’s Rhythmics classes. I hadn’t experienced that in my musical life before. (Except perhaps as a child performing in the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland)
Who has inspired you in DE?
All of the many teachers and fellow students I have encountered in my training. Whether on a summer course in Geneva or on a Licence course in the UK or Canada, I have thoroughly enjoyed all my lessons; moving and making music with others. Such a privilege.
What has been the highlight of your Dalcroze journey?
A rhythmics lesson a few years ago with Eugenia Arús where she said that whatever we did, we should do it WITH GLAMOUR! Even our polyrhythm efforts transformed!
How has Dalcroze Eurhythmics influenced your performance?
I feel more connected to my body, my instrument and the space in which I am performing. This allows me to feel more enjoyment and confidence when playing, which helps me to communicate the music more powerfully to my audience.
How has Dalcroze Eurhythmics influenced your teaching?
I have learned to trust. Everything for me now is about empowering my students to find the artist inside themselves by using their bodies to discover what it is they want to say with their music. Without exception, I find that once they can clearly express and communicate their inner hearing and imagination, away from their instrument, that their technique just simply rises to the occasion.
How do you see the future of Dalcroze in the UK and Ireland?
I believe there is an amazing crop of teachers passionately and steadily transforming music education in these islands.
Do you have any other thoughts about Dalcroze Eurhythmics that you’d like to share?
I believe that there is nothing that comes even close to the Dalcroze experience- for all ages and abilities, in every aspect of our lives. I personally have found it transformative. However, the examination/qualification process is very tough, and we must strive to always bring it back to the joy and the multitude of reasons why we love what we do.
