The Espoo Music Institute offers instruction on all Western acoustic instruments including the electric kantele and in singing or composition. It is important to find the instrument that suits you best, to make sure that it is something that will motivate and inspire you. The next opportunity for students to explore different instruments with the teachers’ guidance will be on May 3rd 2012. Another way of becoming more acquainted with all the instruments on offer is to come along to one of EMO’s many concerts. More information can be found in the Small Instrument Guide (see PDF).
- Preparatory Instrumental Instruction
Some of the youngest pupils, particularly those of pre-school age, will initially be advised to take preparatory instrumental instruction. These courses introduce pupils to their chosen instrument and to the general idea of what it takes to learn to play a musical instrument. Instruction can be either on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. From the preparatory course, after a short playing demonstration and with the recommendation of their teacher, pupils can then apply to study at the Music Institute proper.
- Music Institute
Pupils at the Music Institute receive target-oriented instruction in an instrument of their choice or in singing. In addition, pupils are taught the rudiments of music history and theory and gain experience in ensemble playing. Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in optional courses including rhythmic training, dance, music technology and choral singing. Our goal is that every pupil at EMO should find his or her own musical pathway, one which meets the pupil’s individual needs and aims and which may continue throughout the pupil’s life as an ongoing pursuit. The content and goals of the teaching for individual students are planned out each year together with the teacher. The Music Institute offers students the possibility to undertake both the basic and the advanced syllabus of music, thus providing them with the skills necessary for professional musical studies later in life.
The teaching curriculum at EMO is based on the principles of the curriculum of the Finnish National Board of Education for the advanced syllabus of music regarding basic education in the arts. According to the aims outlined in this curriculum, the basic syllabus lasts eight years and the advanced syllabus (music-institute level) four years, after which the student can apply to continue their studies in a course of extra instruction.