Music and Dance Studies

Valkeakoski Music and Dance Institute provides comprehensive curriculum-based basic education in music and dance.

Studies are divided into basic studies and advanced studies. In the basic studies students will participate in both group lessons (Music Theory and Ensemble) and individual lessons (Instrument Lesson) right from the beginning of their studies.

Selection of musical instruments:

Flute, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, acoustic guitar, kantele, accordion, percussion, vocals, piano, rhythm music piano, electric guitar, electric bass.

The institute has some instruments available for rent in the early stages of study.

Basic studies consist of:

Individual instrument or vocal lessons,
Ensemble music (orchestras and bands),
Studies in music theory,
Elective studies.

Advanced studies:

After completing basic studies, students move on to advanced studies. In advanced studies, individualized study paths are leading towards a personalized final project, which the student plans in collaboration with the teachers.

Welcome to start a new hobby.

Learning a new instrument doesn’t happen overnight; in addition to your individual instrument or vocal lessons, it requires daily practice at home. Music as a hobby is built strongly on collaboration, and ensemble playing is an essential part of the musical experience. In music theory classes, you learn about the building blocks of the music you play. Your instrument teacher will choose teaching methods that best support your individual learning and progress.

Home Practice

You can’t learn to play an instrument without practice. Support from parents in establishing a regular home practice routine is crucial, especially at the beginning of studies. The most important factors are consistency and the opportunity to practice in a focused and quiet environment.

Ensemble Playing

Ensemble playing is for every student. Your teacher will guide you to the appropriate ensemble group based on your skill level at the beginning of the semester.

Music Theory

Music theory studies, or “Muha,” support instrumental studies and develop the student’s musicianship and understanding of music in various ways. Studies begin with the pre theory classes (“Mutu”), which is for all beginners.

The pre theory classes are divided into instrument-specific (e.g., piano, strings, percussion, or wind instruments) or mixed (students of various instruments in the same group).

After completing the pre theory classes, students move on to theory level 1 (Muha 1). Music theory has four basic levels (1-4), after which students proceed to advanced theory studies to explore music theory, analysis, history, and ear training in greater depth than in the basic levels.

Performances

Performance training is an important part of the learning process. Students practice performing at school recitals, both solo and in groups. Performing yourself and watching others perform is part of performance training and an essential part of your learning journey.

Listening Education

Listening to music is a gateway to the world of music and to nurturing your musical identity. In addition to performing at concerts, we encourage students to stay and listen to others’ performances. Listening is learning.

Evaluation

Students receive continuous feedback on their studies from teachers during instrument and vocal lessons, ensemble playing, and music theory classes. Feedback from milestone achievements, end-of-year reviews, and other assessed performances is recorded in the Eepos student management system in each student’s personal goal dashboard, where all study-related matters are documented. Feedback and evaluations can be viewed by logging into Eepos with credentials provided by the school office.

Balancing Music with Other Hobbies

When considering music as a hobby, it’s important to note that in addition to weekly instrument lessons, there are also music theory classes and ensemble playing. Studying music according to the extended curriculum of basic art education requires commitment, perseverance, and sometimes making choices between other hobbies. On the other hand, music as a hobby offers new friends through ensemble playing, instrument and vocal skills, performance abilities, and a channel for self-expression. In addition, music provides many life skills and joy.

Hearing Protection

Hearing is a musician’s and music student’s most important tool. Protecting it from loud, continuous, and sudden noise is essential. For practice sessions, hearing protection with a noise reduction of 9-15 dB is sufficient. Stronger earplugs can be purchased from pharmacies for louder environments.

Temporary Suspension of Studies

Studies can be temporarily suspended without losing your student place for up to two consecutive years. A suspension notice can be made during spring re-enrolment or by sending a separate email to the office during the academic year. The impact of the suspension on tuition fees depends on the start date of the suspension. For more information, contact the office.

Reducing the Study Load

The study load can be temporarily reduced for a set period by agreeing with the teacher and the principal. In this case, the student’s place is retained, and tuition fees are paid as usual.

Terminating Studies

Notification of study termination is made during spring re-enrollment via the Eepos student management system or by submitting a separate termination notice through Eepos.

Absence from Lessons or Rehearsals

Notify the teacher directly about any absences. The teacher is not obligated to make up lessons missed due to absences. If a student is absent three (3) consecutive times without notification, the teacher will contact the family to clarify the absences.

Teacher Absence

If a teacher is absent, an effort will be made to inform the office via text message to the primary phone number as early as possible. Teacher absences will be compensated either by arranging a substitute or by scheduling a make-up lesson with the regular teacher.

Certificates

A certificate is issued for the completion of basic studies. This is an interim certificate. The final certificate is awarded upon completion of advanced studies.

Additional Year

Upon receiving the final certificate for the extended curriculum of basic art education, studies at the institute conclude. If a student wishes to continue their studies, they can apply for an additional year during re-enrolment. The additional year is discretionary and granted one academic year at a time.

Open Studies

After receiving the final music certificate, students can continue their studies in the open department without a separate application.

Insurance

Students are insured against accidents during events organized by the music and dance institute, regardless of location.

Communication

Good communication is important and makes studying easier. It’s advisable to talk openly with your teacher about any problems as soon as they arise, so solutions can be found together. Depending on the situation, you can also contact the office or the principal.

Comprehensive curriculum-based basic education in dance is offered for children and youth.

Basic education in dance, according to the comprehensive curriculum of art, is goal-oriented, progressive, and well-structured from year to year. The aim of the education is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that support their interest in dance and, if desired, enable them to pursue professional studies.

The school offers students a broad foundation in dance technique and strives to help them experience dance as a versatile and enriching art form, through which they accept themselves and others within a group setting.

Basic education in dance provides joy, experiences, and insights that contribute to building a positive self-image and promoting lifelong well-being.

Studies are divided into early childhood studies, basic studies, and advanced studies.

Dance styles:

Children’s dance
Pre-ballet
Ballet
Jazz dance
Contemporary dance.

Basic studies consist of:

Ballet
Jazz dance
Contemporary dance.

Advanced studies consist of:

Ballet
Jazz dance
Contemporary dance.

In advanced studies, individualized study paths are leading towards a personalized final project, which the student plans in collaboration with the teachers.

Music

Alamikkelä-Nuotio Virve, voice
Haavisto Varpu, cello
Havia Piia, early childhood music education
Honkonen Hanna, early childhood music education
Kaihola Sari, early childhood music education
Kankaanpää Tuomas, trumpet
Kelloniemi Pauliina, piano, accompaniment
Kiviruusu Kirsimarja, piano
Kuosa Virpi, piano
Lahti Riikka, music theory
Lehtinen Heikki, double bass and electric bass
Lepistö Markku, accordion (absent 2024-25)
Lilvanen-Pelkonen Liisa, kantele, music theory
Mantere Leena, clarinet
Märkjärvi Saila, piano, free accompaniment, improvisation
Nikkanen Katri, violin, string orchestra Capriccio
Nousiainen Leena, percussion
Nummenmaa Elias, percussion, rhythm music and bands
Peltokoski Tuija, piano, rhythm music and bands
Pylkkönen Kati, violin, string orchestra Fiilarit – Valkeakoski (absent 2024-25)
Rahkola Sari, viola and violin, Suzuki-groups, string orchestra Fiilarit – Akaa
Raittila Taina, cello
Rantanen Juhani, piano, accompaniment
Rantanen-Nagy Hannamari, violin
Roine Kimmo, classical guitar, electric guitar, bands
Ruonavaara Eira, violin, string orchestra Fiilarit – Valkeakoski
Sévon Sanette, special music education
Siikala Sami, trumpet
Suuronen Jouni, french horn
Tervala Paula, saxophone
Tuomisto Lauri, accordion
Tuunanen Kirsi, flute, wind band Superpuhaltajat
Wirtanen Jaakko, guitar

Dance

Niskala Emmi, jazz/modern dance, early childhood dance education
Rajanen Johanna, ballet
Kuivamäki Jenna, early childhood dance education