History

The course is history deals mainly with the life and career of Emile Henry Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1950) born Emile Henry Jaques. M. Jaques, as he was known, led a notable career as a musician, pedagogue, and composer. We trace his career in the context of his time when educators were seeking a new direction and seeking a more organic and holistic approach to teaching.

We begin with his initial appointment as professor of harmony at the Geneva Conservatory of Music. Afterward, we travel to the Bildungsanstalt Hellerau in Dresden, Germany, to learn how M. Jaques developed the Method and the pedagogies of each branch. Eurhythmics, solfège, improvisation, and plastique animèe. We also learn how he shaped the world of music and movement and influenced today’s modern dance movement. Finally, we explore his subsequent return to Geneva at la Reu de la Terrassière, 44, which stands today, and the work he, his colleagues, and students accomplished.  

Throughout this journey, we trace how the two world wars, The Great War, and World War II, played a significant role in M. Jaques’s life and career. We discover how these two world conflicts influenced student population, the promulgation of the Method in Europe and overseas, and the effect the wars had on the education of the arts the world over.