Let’s play music!

Instrument and singing studies

EMO’s instrument and vocal studies are applied for once a year in the spring through student selections. Application period for the academic year 2026-27 begins in April 2026 and, the student selections will be held in May 2026.

Please notice that applicants from Espoo are given priority especially for the most popular instruments (for example piano, violin, guitar). However there is an exception if the applicant has previous studies in an instrument and a special criterion to apply to EMO. If there is vacant study places in other instruments, they can be granted also to non-Espoo-resident.

Enrollment for a group

Music play school
Rhythmics
Kameleonttikuoro (Chameleon choirs) Hepulit (preschool-2nd graders)
Enrollment is open: emo.eepos.fi or emo.fi >> New students, Sign up.
Registration instructions for Matinlahti School’s Aluetassu (stringed instruments) will be distributed to the school’s pupils in August.

The wide range and quality of EMO’s curriculum offer a good start for individual study paths for all kinds of players.

General information on application process

Instrument selection

Which instrument interests you? It is worth considering this in peace before applying to instrumental studies. EMO offers all traditional western acoustic instruments. More information here.

Fascinating orchestral instruments

The most popular instruments are piano, guitar, violin and cello – there are always more applicants for these than there are free places. Good alternatives are, for example: wind instruments or double bass.

You can register as an applicant for several instruments that interest you. It is worth indicating an alternative instrument. If there are no places for your primary chosen instrument, you may be offered a place in another instrument.

How to prepare for the student selections

Think in advance which song you will sing to the teacher
If you have already played a musical instrument, you can prepare a song to perform
Show up at the exact time you have booked
Otherwise, it is enough to act on the instructions and example of the teacher

On the day of the student selection

Check your appointment time and class you have booked from the confirmation email you have received (FROM: Eepos mailing <postitus@eepos.fi, TITLE: Espoo Music Institute – Registration: First name Last name). There is an information desk in the lobby of the Espoo Cultural Centre where you can ask for the location of the class if you are unsure where to go.

What happens at the student selection?

In the student selection, the applicant performs various assignments according to the teacher’s sample on the principle of mimicry: rhythms are repeated with rhythms, short melodies are sung according to the teacher’s sample, stomping and clapping, listening to sounds from the piano – are they different or similar? The applicant will also be asked to sing a song of their choice. The song can be e.g. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. If the applicant already has experience in playing an instrument, it is worth giving a sample of the playing. A play sample is not a prerequisite for obtaining a student place. It is an advantage for the successful interaction of the applicant and the teacher that the guardian waits outside the class. We recommend discussing this in advance with the child.

Student selection results

The results will be sent to each applicant by email on 10 June. Those who have received a student place must confirm their student place via the link mentioned in the email on 12 June at the latest . An unconfirmed student place will be offered to the next applicant in the queue. More detailed results of student selections can be inquired by telephone on September 3rd or 4th from 1 to 3 pm, tel. 050 345 0602.

Approximately 100 student places are freed annually for EMO’s basic studies (individual teaching) for various musical instruments. In addition, there are about 100 places available for one-year instrument coaching groups. Also, individual places may become vacant in early autumn and at the turn of the year.

General information on music studies

Preparatory Group Music Lessons: Instrument Ladders

Instrument Ladders preparatory groups will familiarise students with the basics of playing and practising at home, ensure the suitability of the instrument, and build up a general understanding of playing a musical instrument. After a year of training, you can apply for basic studies with the same instrument without an entrance test.

The Music Institute’s Basic Studies

EMO provides basic arts education in the extensive study field of music. The studies include individual and group lessons, playing music in a group, and music perception studies. Some years this means several visits to the institute a week. You can only learn to play by playing, so it’s important to find time for regular practice at home. Encouragement and support from home is important, especially in the early stages of playing a musical instrument.

To make it easier to choose an instrument: here you will find sound samples of the instruments.

Other ways to join EMO

Admission by order of arrival: first come, first served:

Music Play School 0-6 yr

Enrollment of new students from here.

Rhythmic Training 5 yr – adults

Enrollment of new students from here.

Aluetassu – training (strings) for the students of Matinlahti school

enrollment at the school

Admission through auditions (groups):

Kameleontti Choirs

Hepuli for preschoolers to 2nd graders: registration from here: emo.eepos.fi
Sekamelska for 3rd to 5th graders – choir director Veera Voima will organize a preview on 20.8. at 4-5 pm in Ahertajasali, Ahertajantie 6 C, 3rd floor. Register jaana.matilainen@emo.fi

EMO Ensemble

Information on the auditions: puheenjohtaja@emoensemble.com

Applying to EMO