What is Junior Jive?
Junior Jive is an authentic South African educational music and movement programme for Pre-schoolers and Foundation phase learners. We don’t only focus on music concepts and music knowledge, we also develop gross motor and fine motor skills, as well as other perceptual skills. The cherry on top is we do all this through creative play and exploration and have a LOT of fun every week.
Our Story
In 2011 Jennifer created Junior Jive Music and Movement Programme, an authentically South African programme for South African children.
She believes that this is the time in a child’s life where their brain is absorbing experiences at such a phenomenal rate and as educators we have this opportunity to use music as the tool to make these experiences even more beneficial.
Our Philosophy
All children have musical potential. Every child has the potential for successful, meaningful interactions with music.
The development of this potential, through numerous encounters with a wide variety of music and abundant opportunities to participate regularly in developmentally appropriate music activities, is the right of every child.
Our Curriculum
Junior Jive teachers are Music specialists, who facilitate the child’s path of music discovery and knowledge, which in turn develops their academic skills.
All Junior Jive teachers have completed the Junior Jive music and movement training and are dedicated to exposing the children to the joy of music, while developing their perceptual skills.
Our Classes
Baby Maestros (4 months-2 yrs)
Our Baby Maestros programme supports early motor milestones—like holding up the head, rolling, sitting, and pulling to stand—through gentle action songs and percussion play. Singing (both a cappella and with backing track) soothes, stimulates listening, and supports early language development.
As toddlers start to walk and explore, we focus on building confidence, supporting emotional comfort (especially during stranger anxiety), and refining motor skills through joyful musical experiences.
Mini Maestros (2-4 yrs)
As children become more verbal and socially aware, the Junior Jive Mini Maestros Programme encourages self-expression through music, movement, and play. Lessons include “Mind Moves” brain exercises paired with classical music, energetic motor skill games, and language-rich songs. Children build confidence among peers, expand their vocabulary, and are gently introduced to musical concepts in a creative, playful environment.
Master Maestros (4-6 yrs)
At this stage, we develop coordination, listening, social skills, and music knowledge. Children explore a variety of percussion instruments, learn about local and international composers, and engage in singing, music games, and imaginative movement. Our aim is to deepen musical understanding while building group participation and creative expression.
Pro Maestros (6-9 yrs)
Older learners are ready for more structured lessons that lay the foundation for formal music education. The Junior Jive Pro Maestros programme introduces basic music notation, ensemble playing, and further coordination skills using various instruments. The lessons support early reading, numeracy, teamwork, and concentration—preparing children for primary school and beyond.
Locate Us
Cape Town, Northern suburbs: emma@juniorjive.co.za
Cape Town, Southern suburbs: lauren@juniorjive.co.za
Johannesburg West: sharnay@juniorjive.co.za
Johannesburg North: jessica@juniorjive.co.za
Pretoria: ria@juniorjive.co.za
Mbombela: nelmarie@juniorjive.co.za
Emjejane and Whiteriver: heleen@juniorjive.co.za
