Barbara Dominiak

Dr. Barbara Dominiak serves as Director of the Institute of Rhythmics, Therapy, and Music Education at the Academy of Music in Łódź since 2019, following her role as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Composition, Music Theory, Conducting, Rhythmics, and Music Education (2016-2019). A specialist in the Emil Jaques-Dalcroze method, she integrates artistic practice with academic leadership while consulting for the Center for Artistic Education and participating in the Operativa Association for Artistic Initiatives.

Her academic credentials include:

• Contemporary Dance Instructor diploma (2004, National Centre for Culture)
• Master of Arts in Rhythmics (2005, Academy of Music in Łódź)
• Master of Arts in Music Theory (2006, Academy of Music in Łódź)
• Doctorate in Rhythmics and Dance (2016, Academy of Music in Łódź)

Research focuses on activating pedagogical mechanisms to enhance involuntary student engagement, with specialization in rhythmics applications for education and health prevention. Her scholarly work examines the history of Łódź Academy's rhythmics program and pedagogical-artistic methodologies, particularly the Emil Jaques-Dalcroze system, while developing curricula for Music Therapy and Rhythmics in Education and Health Prevention programs.

Artistic recognition includes:

• IV and VII edition awards in 'Stacja Kutno' song contest (Honorary Starost of Kutno)
• XV edition award in National Contest for Agnieszka Osiecka Song Interpretation

She supervises the Scientific Circle of Rhythmics and Improvisation mentoring students/graduates, and has led collaborative projects including the 'Music of Space' interdisciplinary initiative with Władysław Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts. Under her direction, the Academy organized 2022-2023 therapeutic concerts funded by the Łódź Voivodeship Marshal's Office, and she initiated the 'Spotkania ruchu, muzyki i improwizacji' workshop series alongside 'Muzyka ruchem malowana' concert cycles.

As Institute Director, she oversees the 40th/65th anniversary DVD publication of Łódź Academy's rhythmics legacy (2021) and leads Duo Ad Hoc piano improvisation performances. Her teaching spans preschool to university levels with methodological workshops in rhythmics, ear training, and movement composition.