er, or to sing in thought only until the next _hopp_, when
they sing aloud again. In these exercises, as in those of the rhythmic
gymnastics, there is no end of the variety of combination possible.
There is also opportunity for practice in conducting, and very
interesting it is, in a children's class, to note with what assurance a
small girl of perhaps seven or eight will beat time for the others to
sing one of their songs, and also to note the various renderings each
conductor will obtain of the same piece.

The improvisation on the piano is perhaps the most difficult part of the
system to master. It may not be realized by all people that _every one
can be taught to play original music_. There are cases in which the
pupil is not naturally musical, and has had no previous knowledge of
piano playing, but has learnt to improvise sufficiently well to give a
good lesson in rhythmic gymnastics, which means no small degree of
ability. This training is begun by making use of the simplest, i.e., the
common, chords, and when these are known in every key, including those
on the dominant, the pupil is expected to improvise a short piece of
eight bars, the chief feature to be attended to being the rhythm, which
has to be definite and played without hesitation. When perfect
familiarity is obtained with the common chord of each key and with that
of its dominant, another chord is learnt, that on the sub-dominant. With
these three chords alone quite charming little pieces can be played, and
gradually in this manner the pupil has at his command passing notes,
appoggiaturas, cadences, and an unlimited number of chords and
sequences. Then come the rules for modulating from one key to
another, and equal facility in all keys is insisted on. Monsieur
Jaques-Dalcroze's pupils learn to improvise with definite thought and
meaning, nothing unrhythmical is ever allowed, nor any aimless
meandering over the keyboard. For these lessons the pupils are divided
into small groups of not more than six in each, and twice a week these
groups are taken altogether by Monsieur Jaques-Dalcroze.

All branches of the work demand perfect concentration of thought and
attention, and such invaluable mental training cannot be too highly
prized, for it is fundamental to success in work of any kind, whatever
it may be.

ETHEL INGHAM.

[Illustration: The Hostel: Interiors.]

LIFE AT HELLERAU

Surely never before has the world held better opportunities