Instruments
EMO offers studies in every Western acoustic instrument and voice. Ebeli, EMO’s pop/jazz department, offers studies in band instruments. The application period for EMO and Ebeli is in spring (April-May).
Early education in music (aka Music Play School for children under school age) may precede instrumental studies. Usually a child is acquainted with music as a hobby through preparatory group studies in Music Ladders or workshops. After that, one may apply for elementary studies, for which, however, no previous preparatory studies are required. The elementary studies package includes weekly individual classes, group studies, and music perception studies.
Ebeli takes in students with basic experience in the desired instrument, mostly children of the age above 10. It is possible to take the skills on to the advanced level. Many students continue with their hobbies at EMO throughout their school education time which may last for over 10 years.
Instruments
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double bass
Recorder
Flute
Oboe
clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
French horn
Trumpet
trombone
Althorn
baritone horn
Tuba
Percussion
Harp
Piano
Cembalo
Guitar
Accordion
Thinking of the tuba or fancy the flute?
Individual and Group Classes
Weekly individual classes form the core of the instrument studies, being a place to get acquainted with the instrument and the secrets of music at the guidance of a private teacher. The length of the class varies from 30 to 60 minutes. Initially, the studies may involve a combination of classes in small groups and individual sessions. At the beginning of the term, the individual classes are scheduled with the teacher for the duration of the whole year.
All the students are members of a group, e.g. an orchestra. The string and wind orchestras have fixed scheduled practice sessions every week. Other groups work mostly on a periodical basis.
Preparatory Studies in Instruments
Basic music studies may be preceded by preparatory group studies that develop basic playing skills and form an idea of playing an instrument as a hobby. Preparatory activities in EMO include Music Ladders, Workshops and Aluetassu project in Matinlahti school. The preparatory groups in instruments last one year with the exception for Aluetassu for the students of each school, if the group is formed.
Practice at Home
What is best about the music institute? “Well, learning, of course!”
In music, the joy of learning is reached by playing. Every week the teacher gives the student good tips for practicing at home. Excited encouragement at home is a vital factor for successful practice. It is good to remember to divide the practice sessions between several days during the week, instead of playing a longer session on a single day.
Purchasing an Instrument
Before purchasing an instrument, ask your teacher for advice whether you should get an instrument of your own or rent one. At the beginning of the studies you may turn to the EMO instrument rental service. Once the studies have advanced, you may already consider purchasing an instrument.
Role of Parents
At the beginning of taking on a hobby in music, support and encouragement at home are important. The parents of younger children, especially, must commit to taking the child to the classes a couple of days a week during the first few years of the studies. To provide support at home is to create regular practice routines from the very beginning, and to reserve an appropriate time and a quiet space for playing. You may ask your teacher for advice in everything from purchasing an instrument and the sheet music to advancing in the studies.
