History
The Haute école de musique Genève (HEM) covers a historic and stylistic field that ranges from medieval music to contemporary works, not forgetting music from outside Europe. It stems from the professional classes at both institutions: on the one hand, the Conservatoire de musique de Genève, founded in 1835, the oldest musical teaching institution in Switzerland; and on the other, the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze, founded in 1915. Firmly rooted in the cultural life of the region, at the heart of one of the most beautiful regions in Europe, the HEM is an internationally renowned artistic and pedagogical community.
The HEM attracts over 600 students from all over the world, with a hundred of those studying at the teaching site in Neuchâtel. The students are supported by a hundred professors and highly-qualified guests who are active in artistic and academic life. Its study courses, at university level, are recognized by the Confederation and offer excellent openings to their graduates.
Since 2009, the HEM has been part of the Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale (HES-SO), a vast university body in French-speaking Switzerland bringing together some 21,000 students, and has depended directly on the HES-SO Genève.
Mission
The HEM educates the multitalented musicians of tomorrow, supporting them and helping them to flourish and display their unique artistic personality. The HEM’s curriculum is implemented by high-level professionals, committed to the teaching and practice of all styles of music, from the oldest forms to the most cutting-edge genres, from improvisation to sheet music, and incorporating movement, electronic music and world music. The subjects are grouped around six departments (keyboard instruments, orchestral instruments, composition and theory, ancient music, music and movement, vocal department) and two courses (ethnomusicology and pedagogy).
The HEM confers BA and MA degrees in music on its students and offers continuing education that opens up a range of professional opportunities: performers, educators, directors of cultural projects or indeed creators. These career prospects are strengthened by direct collaborations with cultural players at local, national and international level.
The HEM also organises all manner of concerts and events both within its walls and further afield. Open to all, these services reflect the spontaneity and diversity of the students’ musical personalities.
The HEM also supports numerous artistic research projects in collaboration with scientific and artistic partners, both locally and internationally, in all manner of fields (creativity, historical interpretation, cross-cultural dialogue, the digital sphere, evolution of professions, etc.).
Values
Humanity
The HEM welcomes students from all over the world. It encourages diversity among individuals and academic pathways, so as to fuel a rich dialogue between the different artistic forms and between cultures. It puts collaboration between students and professors at the heart of its educational programme, in the spirit of well-meaning dialogue, tolerance and trust. Its goal is to produce exceptional, multitalented artists who are fully integrated into society and who are in tune with the latest musical movements around the world.
Curiosity
Against the backdrop of globalization and a rapidly-changing world, the HEM develops its students’ critical spirit and gives them the critical thinking tools they need to fuel their curiosity. It supports them with the development of their artistic personality, by fostering the conditions in which creative competition can thrive within the school.
The artistic research activities conducted in conjunction with other local and international institutions, along with an openness to contemporary artistic trends through the Centre de musique électroacoustique (CME), encourage the development of creativity.
Boldness
The HEM believes in the power of music to be a catalyst for the transformation of society. Through its teaching, focused on innovation and its excellent courses, it supports its students so that they can shape their own craft as the musicians of tomorrow. The high level of requirements and commitment that is demanded of them should enable them to forge an authentic artistic personality and find their true place in a highly competitive professional environment that rewards artistic risk-taking and strong individuals.
Vision
Music in a world in motion
