Parent-child rhythmics: pedagogical vision and training

Since 1992, the’institut Jaques-Dalcroze (IJP) offers parent-child rhythmic classes (RPE), thanks to the initiative of Mireille Weber, then dean of the rhythmic solfeggio movement sector. The first classes were for children aged 3 to 4. Later, in 2009, Marina Roh, then dean of the same sector, developed a curriculum for children as young as 12 months. Today, the IJD offers courses at 4 levels: 12-18 months, 19-24 months, 2-3 years and 3-4 years.

The body is the first instrument

The pedagogical vision developed by musician and pedagogue Émile Jaques-Dalcroze recognizes that music is not just an abstract art to be decoded intellectually, but a deeply embodied experience: musical understanding is rooted in the body. In lessons based on the Jaques-Dalcroze method, the body becomes the first instrument, and movement the first “notation”. Listening becomes active and embodied, and music a shared social experience. In early childhood, this philosophy finds its most natural expression.

Stages of child development

Around 12 months, the child enters a particularly rich phase of development. He begins to walk, reacts more consciously to sounds and rhythms, imitates gestures and vocalizations, and engages in the first forms of social interaction. Later, between 12 months and 4 years, the child evolves in a world where movement, sensation, imitation and emotion are inseparable. It's precisely at this time that Jaques-Dalcroze rhythmic training offers an exceptional framework por early musical education - a framework that engages the whole being of the child.'the parent as an essential partner in the development process.'learning. C'is a time when the sensory, motor and emotional systems come together.'integrate quickly. L'introduction of'structured but flexible musical experiences can then significantly support :

• • motor coordination - balance, coordination
  • auditory discrimination
  • cognitive development - memory, attention
  • l'emotional expression - expression and regulation
  • social skills - interaction, observation, awareness of others, etc.'other

Master of Music Pedagogy

Students in the Master of Music Pedagogy, Jaques-Dalcroze specialization, in the Music and Movement department at the Geneva-Neuchâtel School of Music (HEM) students have access to a range of specific pedagogical training opportunities during their studies. During each of the two years, they are offered a choice of two semester-long internships, supervised by an internship supervisor. These internships at various levels are made possible by an agreement between the HEM and the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze (IJD), an international center for the Jaques-Dalcroze method and a music school accredited by the French Department of Education.

Bachelor: several internships

Students in the Bachelor's program also take part in pedagogical internships.

ogics during their three years of study, in elementary school music education classes (rhythmics, music and choir) and in introductory rhythmic-solfège classes at the IJD when pupils are 4 years old.

Postgraduate training since 2025

In this context, a new post-graduate course was offered for the first time at the IJD in 2025: Jaques-Dalcroze rhythmics for early childhood. Master's students were able to take part, as were some students at Bachelor 3 level.

New partnership: crèche and EMS

In this context also comes a brand new partnership at Nouveau-Prieuré between the crèche and the'EMS - an intergenerational experience, and therefore quite unique. Christine Morard collaborates with the rhythm teacher at'EMS, Yumiko Hiroi, to create shared sessions between nursery children and residents of the'EMS. This new initiative will be introduced in postgraduate training in autumn 2026.

Dr. Mary Brice regularly collaborates with the Music and Movement Department of the HEM. This text was written at the request of the CHEMS, with the collaboration of Hélène Nicolet, Director of the CHEMS.'Institut Jaques-Dalcroze and Florence Jaccottet, Head of Music and Movement Department, HEM, Geneva.