Classical Music

The curriculum for studying music at Avonia is based on the extended syllabus of the national core curriculum for basic education in the arts. The aim of the studies is to develop students’ musical thinking, technical mastery of their instrument, and to familiarise them with their instrument’s repertoire, in order to make independent music-making possible.

 

Ensemble Studies

The student can participate in ensemble studies once they have mastered sufficient skills to start practising playing music in small groups or orchestras.

 

Music Fundamentals

Studies in Music Fundamentals can usually be begun at around nine years of age. The focus is on creativity, practical musicianship, improvisation, and learning to understand music.

 

Instruments

Students can choose their main instrument from a variety of options, including vocals, piano, guitar, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, recorder, clarinet, traverso, accordion, and kantele.

 

Optional Subjects and Electives

Optional subjects and elective courses are tailored to support the student’s musical growth and to broaden their musical perspectives. 

Instruments

Cello

The cello is a string instrument that is larger than the violin and the viola. Its sound is velvety and soft. You can start playing the cello at any age. Cellos come in different sizes, and the instrument is chosen to accommodate the student’s size. The teacher can give advice on selecting the right kind of instrument. Consistent daily practice is essential in order to progress in learning to play an instrument, and parental support plays a key role in it.
Application form

Piano

You can start playing the piano at Avonia already at age 4, but the right age to begin depends on the individual child. The lessons are tailored to the student’s starting-point and goals. Piano lessons encompass a broad repertoire of different styles and genres. The quality of the instrument is an important factor to consider when buying a piano, and it is recommended to consult with a piano tuner or a teacher before a purchase.
Application form

Violin

The violin is a string instrument with a bright and beautiful sound. You can start playing the violin at any age. Violins come in different sizes, and the instrument is chosen to accommodate the student’s size. The teacher can give advice on selecting the right kind of instrument. Consistent daily practice is essential in order to progress in learning to play an instrument, and parental support plays a key role in it.
Application form

Recorder

The recorder is a versatile instrument that can be used in a wide variety of music, from classical to pop/jazz/rock. Students start on the soprano recorder. Later on, as they progress, they can continue with the alto, tenor, or bass recorder. You can start playing the recorder at around age 6. It is an inexpensive instrument, easy to transport, and easy to produce sound on.
Application form

Voice (Classical)

In vocal lessons, you will learn the basics of healthy voice technique, such as correct breathing, how to regulate volume and pitch, and how to use different vocal timbres in singing. The repertoire includes well-known songs, musicals, and classical pieces from different eras. The recommended age for starting voice lessons as a hobby is from 11 to 13 years, but you can also start later.
Application form

Double Bass

The double bass is the largest of the string instruments. It is played either with a bow or by plucking, either standing or sitting. The bass is often used as an accompanying instrument, and it provides both the music’s rhythm and the foundation of its harmony. There is also a wealth of solo pieces written for the double bass. You can start playing already at age 6, and double bass players are needed for various ensembles, including folk music, jazz, and symphony orchestras.
Application form

Classical Guitar

The guitar is a string instrument played by plucking. You can start playing the classical guitar already at age 5, but the typical starting age is between 7 and 12 years. The instrument is chosen to accommodate the student’s size, and the teacher’s guidance is important in selecting the right instrument. In addition to the guitar, you need a footstool. Parental involvement in lessons and home practice is recommended. The guitar is a versatile instrument with a soft sound.
Application form

Clarinet

The clarinet is a versatile wind instrument that is used in both classical and pop/jazz/rock music. Its sound is rich and smooth, making it well-suited for both solo and ensemble playing. The recommended age to start playing the clarinet is between 8 and 10 years of age, with the additional requirement that the front teeth on both the upper and lower jaw are permanent. The clarinet is also a popular instrument in orchestras and wind ensembles, which means that playing the clarinet opens doors to many kinds of musical groups. The teacher can give advice on selecting the instrument.
Application form

Accordion

The accordion is a versatile instrument, suited to many different musical styles. A young player’s repertoire might include, for example, polonaises, children’s songs, polska dances, and blues/rock/jazz sounds. You can start playing the accordion at around age 5, and there are instruments of different sizes designed for children. The teacher can give advice on selecting the right kind of instrument.
Application form

Kantele

The kantele, the national instrument of Finland, is a string instrument that can be used to play a wide variety of music. It is well suited for classical music, folk music, pop/jazz/rock music, and improvisation. You can start playing the concert kantele at around 6 years of age, while the small kantele is suitable for younger children. The kantele is a pleasant-sounding instrument that works well in both solo and ensemble playing.
Application form

Flute

The flute is an instrument with a bright, brilliant tone. You can start playing the flute at the age of 5 or 6, although most commonly you would start at age 7 to 9. Smaller and lighter instruments are available for young players, and the first instrument should be selected with the help of the teacher. There is a diverse repertoire of music for the flute, from classical to pop. Playing together with, for example, the piano, guitar, or the accordion is easy for the flute. There are also several flute ensembles at Avonia.
Application form

Traverso

The traverso, or the Baroque flute, is a wooden transverse flute with a soft and nuanced sound. It is equally suited to solo and ensemble playing, particularly to performing early music. Unlike the modern flute, the traverso has only one key and finger holes. It is lightweight, easy to hold and to play. The teacher can give advice on selecting the instrument.
Application form

Viola

The viola is a string instrument that looks like the violin, but it is slightly larger in size and its range is lower. The viola has four strings just like the violin, but instead of a high E string, it has a low C string. You can start playing the viola at any age. Violas come in different sizes, and the instrument is chosen to accommodate the student’s size. The teacher can give advice on selecting the right kind of instrument. Consistent daily practice is essential in order to progress in learning to play an instrument, and parental support plays a key role in it.
Application form

Music Fundamentals

 

Teachers

 

Robert Ruohola
robert.ruohola@avonia.fi

Casimir Kytökorpi
 casimir.kytokorpi@avonia.fi

 

1. Musical Skills

  • Learning to read, write, and to listen to music (and to write down what is heard)

  • Encouraging students of all instruments to play by ear, in ensemble settings and when accompanying others

  • Practicing recognising chords and melodies by ear both with the help of computer programmes (such as Better Ears) and on an instrument

  • Understanding the structures of music: form, instruments, melody, chords

  • Listening to a variety of musical genres (classical, folk, pop)

 

2. Practical Musicianship

  • Developing the student’s skills as a musician, as well as techniques used in traditional folk music

  • Encouraging students to play by ear in ensemble and accompaniment situations

  • Creating harmonies to pre-existing melodies and practicing harmonising in lessons

 

3. Improvisation

  • Developing improvisation skills

  • Playing melodies over pre-prepared chords or other backgrounds

  • Composing new melodies using either MuseScore or the student’s own instrument 

  • Group improvisation

 

Groups

  • Basics A: For basic level students aged 9–11.

  • Basics B: For basic level students aged 12–15.

  • Basics C: For basic level students aged 15 and older.

  • Advanced Studies: For students who have completed the basic level. The content is designed based on the students’ interests.

Studying Composition

Composition studies introduce the students to basic concepts (e.g., rhythm, melody, harmony, texture) and approaches to composing. Students learn the fundamentals of notation as well as how to use the MuseScore software for their own compositions. During the studies, students compose their own music, which is then performed in concert settings.

Groups

  • Composition 1:  Ages 10 to 14

  • Composition 2: Ages 15 and older

 

 

Music Technology

 

Basic studies in music technology give students the skills to produce, record, edit, and distribute music digitally on a computer. The lessons focus on notation, digital audio processing, recording, and editing.

Basic studies provide the students with an understanding of the operating principles of the equipment in use, and a grasp of the vocabulary associated with the concepts, devices, work methods, and questions in the field of music technology. The studies support the students’ development in their own instruments, enabling them to make their own music, and to work in today’s music scene. 

 

Study Modules:

  • The Basics of Music Technology
  • The Basics of Studio Work
  • The Basics of Sound Systems 

 

After completing these basic modules, the students will be able to

  • Write music using MIDI-based notation software
  • Record and edit audio from different instruments
  • Mix and produce audio files in different formats
  • Transfer and share audio files across different platforms

 

Basic studies in music technology cover the basics of studio work and working with sound systems. The module concentrating on studio work gives the student a grasp of what recording and working in a studio entails. 

 

The study module focusing on sound systems introduces the student to the basics of amplifying sound and on recording concerts. The specialised needs of those studying classical music and pop/jazz/rock music are taken into consideration.Music technology studies are mainly intended for advanced students. The lessons are included in the tuition fee. 

Ensemble Playing

Joining an orchestra provides every musician with the opportunity to engage in a larger auditory experience, enhancing a student’s musical journey with exciting and innovative aspects.

 

Instructors


AINOVA

Mia Heikkinen
mia.heikkinen@avonia.fi


ARCO

Jarno Koivunen
jarno.koivunen@avonia.fi


FLUTE GROUP

Pia Tiainen
pia.tiainen@avonia.fi


GUITAR ORCHESTRA

Jose Casallas
jose.casallas@avonia.fi

Rody van Gemert
rody.van.gemert@avonia.fi

Antti Ignatius
antti.ignatius@avonia.fi


LEGATO

Jarno Koivunen
jarno.koivunen@avonia.fi


PIZZICATO

Juha Pietilä
juha.pietila@avonia.fi


CELLO ENSEMBLE

Effi Anttila
effi.anttila@avonia.fi


WESTEND MUSICIANS

Jarno Koivunen
jarno.koivunen@avonia.fi

Avonia Music Institute
Kannusillanmäki 6
02770 
Espoo
Office
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM
010 420 1083
kanslia@avonia.fi
“Working together makes learning easier. Learning should be accompanied by positive experiences.”
Youtube Instagram Facebook-f Tiktok