Double agent

Eszter Horvath is finishing a double degree in music and kinesiology. (Nick Pearce Photo)

At Dalhousie, the wide breadth of class choices can make for some interesting degree combinations: Environment, Sustainability and Society with Informatics, for example, Oceanography and Spanish, for another.

For Eszter Horvath, that flexibility has led her to follow her own unique combination of interests: music and kinesiology.

Ms. Horvath, who aspires to be a conductor, says the two disciplines complement each other without overlapping too much.

“I’m really happy to keep both sides going,” explains Ms. Horvath, 25, who is set to graduate in May. “I like the break one from the other.”

Conductor and fitness instructor

As a conductor, she’s been behind the podium to lead groups such as Nova Sinfonia, the Chebucto Orchestra and the choir of St. George’s Round Church. As well, the former boot camp drill instructor recently launched her own fitness program, called Sculptura Fitness. She leads high cardio, pilates-based classes for women, held twice a week at the Bloomfield Recreation Centre.

Conducting isn’t nearly as easy as it may appear. “It’s knowing every note of every part,” explains Ms. Horvath, who also sings and plays several instruments including the violin, viola and cello. “I love being able to control the sound without being able to play all these instruments or sing all the parts myself ... your job is to balance the sound and add the style. You have to know what you’re talking about and know what your musicians are doing.”

Rhythm and movement

Likewise with teaching. As a fitness instructor with a background in kinesiology, she’s making sure her students are doing the workout moves correctly in order that they reap the benefits of physical exercise. Those benefits include better posture, strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and energy.

“There are some aspects that carry over between the two (disciplines), such as rhythm and movement,” she says. “But I’ll end up with two separate degrees, music on the one hand, and kinesiology, which includes the study of biology, physics and biomechanics, on the other. I find both to be fascinating.”

DISCUSSION: Have you created an interesting degree combination? Tell us how your interests are coming together at Dalhousie.

LINKS: Department of Music  | Sculptura Fitness