Applying to EMO
Join the Music!
Application Periods for the Academic Year 2026–27
Instrument and Vocal Studies (EMO): April 9–27
Entrance exams: May 5–7
For more information, see: Applying for Instrument and Vocal Studies
Pop/jazz department Ebeli: April 1–May 10
Entrance exams: May 18–21
Application instructions: ebeli.fi
Music playschool: Registration opens April 16 at 1:00 PM.
Rhythmics: Registration opens April 16.
Tremolo rhythmic groups: Registration for entrance examination April 16–May 24.
Entrance test 25th May, Espoo Cultural Centre, Peilisali.
- Hepulit (preschool-2nd graders): in order of registration from April 16.
- Sekamelska (3rd-5th graders): registration for singing test April 16.- May 5. Singing test May 6 from 4:00 PM.
Matinlahti School “Aluetassu” (String Instruments):
Registration instructions will be distributed to the school’s students in May and August.
emo.eepos.fi or emo.fi >> New students, Sign up.
Places in group subjects are filled in order of registration.
SOITINPOLKU (Instrument Path) on 8th April, 2026 at 5-7 p.m. at Espoo Cultural Centre
On the Instrument Path, paw prints lead to the different floors of the Espoo Cultural Centre. In the classrooms, the wonderful world of instruments opens up for experimentation. Interested in bassoon or harp? What about the tuba or the concert kantele?
The Instrument Path is especially aimed at children over the age of 5 who are interested in music as a hobby and their parents.
Free admission. Welcome!
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.
Applying for Instrument and Vocal Studies 2026
You can apply for instrument and vocal studies in two different ways.
Please choose either Option 1 or Option 2.
Option 1: Through Entrance Exams
Entrance exams: May 5–7
Espoo Cultural Centre
Through the entrance assessments, you can apply for:
- Individual tuition
- Instrument Ladders preparatory groups
- All instruments and singing
New students are admitted to available places. The number of places varies annually depending on the instrument.
Good to know:
- No previous playing experience is required.
- Applicants will receive a confirmation email including a link to a sample video of the assessment situation.
- At the bottom of this page you will find instructions and further information on:
- Choosing an instrument
- Preparing for the entrance assessment
- General information about music studies: Basic Studies at the Music Institute
- Basic information about Instrument Ladders (Soitintikkaat).
- Pop/jazz department Ebeli application instructions: ebeli.fi
🎵 Welcome to Soitinpolku on Wednesday, April 8 to explore and try out instruments with EMO’s teachers!
Option 2: By Registering for Instrument Ladders
Registration: April 9–27
emo.eepos.fi or emo.fi
Students are admitted in order of registration.
The number of groups and places is limited.
Intrument Ladders (Soitintikkaat) Preparatory Groups
- Duration: 1 year
- Intended for students with no prior experience on the chosen instrument
- Groups are formed by age
- Instrument selection for 2026–2027:
- Kantele
- Recorder (woodwind preparatory group)
- French horn
- Trombone
- Low brass
Further information about Instrument Ladders (Soitintikkaat) can be found at the bottom of this page and on the Instrument Ladders page.
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 and those who have received a student place must confirm their student place via the link mentioned in the email. An unconfirmed student place will be offered to the next applicant in the queue.
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
The Music Institute’s Basic Studies
Other ways to join EMO
Admission by order of arrival: first come, first served:
Music Playschool 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: in order registration from 16.4. emo.eepos.fi
- Sekamelska for 3rd to 5th graders: through singing test, registration for the singing test ongoing 16.4.-5.5. Singing test 6.5. from 4 p.m.
EMO Ensemble
- Information on the auditions: puheenjohtaja@emoensemble.com
