Dalcroze Credentials

The credentials of Certificate, License, and Diplôme Supérieur give holders the tools to teach Dalcroze classes. See how you can begin the process.

Dalcroze is a rich, complex, multifaceted practice that asks for immersive study. The United States offers several accredited Teacher Training Programs that host students for study. While training programs are designed for those seeking a credential, they are useful to anyone interested in the Dalcroze method.

There are three internationally recognized credentials offered in Dalcroze education:

  • Professional Certificate
  • License
  • Diplôme Supérieur

Professional Certificate

The Dalcroze Professional Certificate is granted to those who are ready to teach introductory courses in Dalcroze education to students of any age, up to an early-intermediate level. The Level 1 and Level 2 credentials recognize an individual’s progress toward the Certificate, but are not themselves “certification.” Many K-12 music educators seek a Dalcroze Professional Certificate.

License

The License enables holders to teach students of all levels in eurhythmics, solfège, improvisation, plastique animée, and pedagogy.  It is the most advanced Dalcroze credential offered in the United States.

Diplôme Supérieur

The Diplôme Supérieur is the terminal degree for Dalcroze study and is only offered in Geneva, Switzerland.  Diplômés are representatives of the Dalcroze method and are authorized to grant Dalcroze credentials and direct Dalcroze teacher-training programs.

Those who pursue Dalcroze teacher training typically study between two and five years to earn the Dalcroze Certificate and several more years to earn the Dalcroze License. Dalcroze Certificates and Licenses are conferred by master Dalcroze faculty at training centers. To hold the Diplôme Supérieur, applicants must have extensive Dalcroze teaching experience and pass rigorous examinations at the Institue Jaques-Dalcroze in Geneva, Switzerland.

Training Centers

Each training center sets its own standards for teacher certification and administers its own examinations. These include individual examinations in eurhythmics, solfège, and improvisation, as well as demonstrations of teaching ability.

Dalcroze Society of America accredited training programs are run by master Dalcroze teachers and are approved by the Professional Development Committee.

The DSA offers scholarships to assist those wishing to become Dalcroze teachers.

Ready to begin your training?

Find a Dalcroze teacher training program.

Numerous educators have created their own brand of music and movement education that builds upon or utilizes in part the work of Émile Jaques-Dalcroze; in fact, many people are unaware that Carl Orff studied with Jaques-Dalcroze! Today, educators in the U.S. continue to be influenced by the work of Jaques-Dalcroze and incorporate their adapted version of his method into their practice and training programs.

The DSA encourages and supports all people who are curious about the Dalcroze work to further their studies under the guidance of a person who holds the Diplôme Supérieur.  The Diplôme Supérieur is the highest credential offered in Dalcroze education, only offered by the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze (IJD) in Geneva. We respect the training in music and movement offered throughout the United States and are eager to share more about the Dalcroze philosophy as developed by Jaques-Dalcroze. Our training programs will work with you to determine where you are in your training and help you to forge a path to successful completion of a Dalcroze credential.

Are you studying to become a Dalcroze teacher?

Download a PDF of the 2021 DSA Teacher-Training Manual for Certification and Licensure here.

Further Reading