Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover

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Musical Performance and Education, study option: Rhythmics (RHY)

Course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Music
Regular course length: 8 semesters

1. Course content and objective

The Rhythmics course in Hannover has two focuses: training in rhythmics and training in a principal instrumental or vocal study subject. In the specifically rhythmics-related subjects, students acquire on the one hand practical skills and a theoretical basis, and on the other hand also the necessary knowledge of rhythmics teaching and teaching methods. Practical relevance is ensured by the opportunity to make numerous observation and teaching practice visits to the seminar practice school.
In addition to the principal instrumental or vocal study subject, tuition is given in a subsidiary instrumental subject from the second year of study onwards.
The educational studies consist of academic subjects and practical skills. The academic subjects give the students the theoretical equipment to be able to work independently and in accordance with their own wishes and interests.
Insights are given into all the options offered by the Musical Performance and Education course. This enables students to change their course during the first two years, in accordance with their individual development and interests.
In the third and fourth years of study, students can set their own individual focuses by taking a variety of supplementary subjects that serve both to deepen and broaden their previous studies.

2. Tuition

   Rhythmics is the teaching of music through movement: the rhythmic nature of music, movement and speech is made use of for the purposes of artistic and social education. The particular impact that this makes derives from the involvement of all the senses. Rhythmics promotes each individual's inner musicality, and is equally appropriate for children and adults.
   Rhythmics is a widespread feature of modern music teaching methods in many countries. There are training courses at more than 30 institutes of higher education throughout the world. As in New York or Tokyo, so also in Hannover, the course follows in the tradition of the founder of "eurhythmics", Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1950), but also encompasses New Music, modern movement techniques and a broad range of educational aspects, including aspects relating to education for special needs. Rhythmics has been a principal study subject in the training of state-recognised music teachers in Germany since 1925, and courses of study in it have been offered at the HMTMH since its foundation.

3. Who is the course aimed at?

   This course of study is directed towards people
   - who would like to combine musical performance studies with sound educational/teacher training;
   - who are seeking to follow a diverse and flexible career in performance and education;
   - who desire to receive musical education and training that is as demanding as it is diverse
   

4. Career outlook

   In Germany, rhythmics teachers are involved above all in the musical and social fields. They either work on a freelance basis, or else are appointed to posts at music schools, children’s day centres, youth leisure amenities, adult education institutions, nursing care facilities for elderly people, educational advice units, schools of gymnastics and dance, further vocational training institutions and associations, schools for special needs, facilities for the disabled, clinics, colleges of education, specialist schools and colleges for social education and academies of music. There are also an increasing number of private rhythmics institutes.
   

   Institutions often require the teachers they employ to offer a further teaching subject, which you will be able to do as you will have a teaching qualification in your principal performance subject (instrument or voice). The wide-ranging nature and content of rhythmics training may be the very factors that lead to graduates in the subject being preferred for employment. According to a survey, more than half of graduates are in such positions; the others generally prefer to work in a variety of fields and for a number of different employers. Those who enjoy being flexible will appreciate the many opportunities offered by this profession.