Classical music.

At Avonia Music Institute in Espoo, every classical music student has their own teacher and a weekly individual lesson. The aim is good playing skills and a relationship with music that lasts a lifetime.

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How do the studies progress?

Students start on their own instrument. In lessons they practise instrument technique, expression and new repertoire, and learn why daily practice matters. Alongside the individual lesson, students play in small ensembles and orchestras and take music perception studies.

Basic studies are planned as 800 hours and take about 6 to 7 years. Advanced studies are 500 hours, about 3 to 4 years, and end with a final project for the extended syllabus. The hours are indicative, and each student’s own skills and interests affect how the studies unfold in practice.

The teacher of the main instrument also acts as the student’s study counsellor. Performances begin in the very first year, and the aim is a positive, enjoyable experience for both the student and the audience.

Instruments and starting age

Choose an instrument and read more on its own page: starting age, teachers, videos and common questions.

Piano: from age 4 or 5
Violin: any age
Viola: any age
Cello: any age
Double bass: from age 6
Classical guitar: from age 4
Flute: age 7 to 9
Recorder: from age 6
Baroque flute: after some experience on another instrument
Clarinet: age 8 to 10
Accordion: from age 5
Kantele: from age 6
Classical singing: from age 11 to 13

Younger children can start with music playschool and preparatory studies, which form a bridge between early childhood music education and basic studies.

Orchestras and ensembles

Playing together is a natural part of the studies from the very start. At Avonia students play in the string orchestras Arco, Legato and Pizzicato, the Guitar Orchestra, a flute group, a cello ensemble and a folk music group, and sing in the Ainova children’s choir. Read more about orchestras, ensembles and choir.

A second instrument

Students can apply for a second instrument if their main studies are going well and they show particular dedication.

Assessment

The purpose of assessment is to encourage and to act as a source of motivation. There are no numerical grades. Students receive feedback every week throughout their studies, and progress is followed with a shared skills chart.

Music studies suit adults too: adults can study in our open department.

Term fee

310 €

Basic studies, 30 min per week. Includes the weekly individual lesson, music perception studies and ensemble playing.

All fees →

Application periods

4 Nov – 5 Dec and 5 – 22 May

For studies starting in the spring, apply 4 Nov to 5 Dec. For studies starting in the autumn, apply 5 to 22 May. Applications open at 9.00.

How to apply →

No entrance exams

First come, first served

Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Studying in English is possible.

How to apply →

Common questions

Classical music: questions and answers.

What is the right starting age?

The starting age depends on the instrument. For example, you can start piano from age 4 or 5, kantele and double bass from age 6, accordion from age 5, and violin, viola and cello at any age. The starting age is shown on each instrument page.

Do we need an audition?

No. We do not hold entrance exams for children, because tests on a single day do not tell enough about the prerequisites for successful music studies. Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

How long is a lesson?

Each week, students have a lesson on their main instrument or voice lasting 30, 45 or 60 minutes.

How much do the studies cost?

Basic studies cost 310 € per term for a 30-minute weekly lesson and 370 € for 45 minutes. Advanced studies with a 60-minute weekly lesson cost 380 €. The fee includes the individual lessons, music perception studies and ensemble playing. New students also pay a 15 € registration fee.

When can we apply?

For studies starting in the spring, apply from 4 November to 5 December. For studies starting in the autumn, apply from 5 to 22 May. Applications open at 9.00 and are made in Eepos, which is available in English.

Can we rent an instrument?

Instrument rental costs 50 to 100 € per term. Please ask the office about rental instruments, as we cannot promise one for every instrument.

Is there teaching for adults?

Yes. We have an open department for adults. Places are offered as far as possible, and the fees are listed on the Applying page.

Can my child study in English?

Yes. Your child can study with us in English, even if they do not speak Finnish yet. You can also contact our office in English.

Applying