In the French Conservatory system, solfège is taught using fixed do (le do fixe). This means that do is always C, ré is always D, mi is always E — no matter the key.
Why is this important?
Clarity & Consistency
Children always know which note they are naming or singing. There is no confusion between relative pitches — do is always C.
Ear Training
Fixed do develops absolute recognition of notes. Over time, many students can identify pitches by ear, the way they recognize words in a language.
Stronger Foundations for Advanced Music
When students reach more complex repertoire, fixed do gives them a precise and reliable reference system.
Early Is Best
Learning fixed do at an early age is much easier and far more effective than trying to adopt it later — for example at the college level, when habits are already set. Children absorb it naturally, just like a second spoken language.
International Advantage
Fixed do is used widely in Europe and Latin America. Students trained in this system can adapt easily to different music cultures.
✨ In short: Fixed do makes music a clear and universal language, and starting early gives children a fluency that is difficult — if not impossible — to achieve later.