Basic Education in the Arts

Basic art education is target-oriented education that covers different art forms and progresses from one level to another. It is primarily intended for children and young people. Basic education in the arts promotes the development of the students’ relationship with art and their lifelong engagement in the arts. Teaching is provided in educational institutions for basic education in arts, outside of the comprehensive school system. The teaching is based on the principles of the national curriculum, and the teachers are trained professionals in the arts.

In basic education in the arts, students can engage in interesting art forms in their free time. The hobby provides students with different skills and they learn to express themselves through art. In addition, students gain the capacity for continuing their studies in vocational or higher education for their chosen art form. Basic education in the arts can be started as early as the age when children attend early childhood education or it can be started later.

The City of Espoo awards annual grants to communities in Espoo that provide basic education in the arts. The grants are prepared by the Cultural Unit, and the grants are awarded by the Culture Committee.

There are 18 educational institutions of basic education in the arts in Espoo. They provide education for eight subjects of basic art education: architecture, fine arts, craft art, music, literary art, circus art, dance, and theatre arts. The education is subject to a fee. Educational institutions may also have fee reductions and free student places available.

Music

Increase the joy in your life through a musical hobby! We provide teaching without entrance exams for all who want to learn musical skills, regardless of their age. You do not need to have any previous experience in learning music. At our school, you can study playing the piano, violin, cello, guitar, kantele, flute, accordion and drums as well as playing in a band. We also provide vocal training for children, young people and adults. Music technology and subjects on perceiving music are also included in the range of subjects. All you need is an open and lively mind.

Registration: You can apply for studies all year round with the registration form available on the school website. Students are admitted in order of registration.

Teaching areas: The main unit is located in Espoon keskus. Teaching is also available in Matinkylä and Tapiola.

Languages of instruction: Finnish, Swedish and English.

The Amado website(external link, opens in a new window)

At Music Institute Avonia, you can study classical and rhythmic music (pop/jazz/rock) with inspiring and professional teachers. You can start your musical hobby by registering as a student via the Avonia homepage during the application period. Playing music is fun and studying music supports the creation of a good music relationship. Avonia emphasises working together and positive emotional experiences as the best ways to learn new things.

Registration: The application periods are annually as follows: November–December for studies starting in the spring and May for studies starting in the autumn. Students are admitted in order of registration.

Teaching areas: The main unit of the educational institution is located in Espoon keskus. We also provide teaching in the districts of Espoonlahti, Matinkylä and Tapiola.

Languages of instruction: Finnish, Swedish, English, Spanish, Japanese, German and Dutch.

More information on fee reductions and free student places.(external link, opens in a new window)

The Avonia website(external link, opens in a new window)

Musikinstitutet Kungsvägen (MIK) is the largest Swedish-language music institute in Finland; it has about 750 students and about 50 teachers. At MIK, you can participate in children’s music classes from infancy to the start of primary school after which you can learn to play different instruments or sing in different genres. You can engage in a fun hobby or pursue vocational studies in music. We have many opportunities for ensemble playing, including choirs, musical education, string and wind orchestras, pop/jazz groups, chamber music and folk music.

Registration: Registration for new students is through our website at the end of April–May. You can enquire about available places throughout the school year.

Teaching areas: The main unit is located in Tapiola. Teaching is provided in the major districts of Espoon keskus, Espoonlahti, Kauklahti, Leppävaara, Matinkylä and Tapiola.

Languages of instruction: Teaching is mainly provided in Swedish.

More information on fee reductions and free student places.(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)

The Kunsvägen website(external link, opens in a new window)

Estrada Music and Dance School in Espoo provides basic art education in music and dance. We mainly operate in the facilities of the city, from Suur-Leppävaara to Northern Espoo, and we have our own facility in Leppävaara.

The available instruments are piano, guitar, electric guitar, violin, flute, drums, bass, saxophone, clarinet, and vocals. In addition to instrumental instruction you can select playing in a band, music perception and other supplemental courses to support your learning.

We offer dance classes in show dance, street dance, modern dance, K-pop dance, popping and breakdance.

Estrada also has intensive dance groups for those looking to be more involved in dance.

You can apply to classes by registering through the Estrada website. On the website you can also find further information about the education.

The Estrada website(external link, opens in a new window)

The Espoo Music Institute EMO is an internationally known art institute and the largest one in Espoo. The music guidance provided by the institute’s 100 music pedagogues is suitable for young attendees of children’s music classes, hobbyists and young people aiming for vocational studies. At EMO and in the pop-jazz programme Ebeli, you can play all acoustic and band instruments and make music through the body percussion of rhythmics. You can play together with others in bands, string quartets, folk bands, big bands or multilevel string and wind orchestras.

Registration: You can apply for instrument and vocal training in April–May through the student selection system, or you can register for instrument training groups whose places are filled in order of registration. You can apply to rhythmics and children’s music classes throughout the school year, the places are filled in order of registration. Choir auditions are held in May and August.

Teaching areas: The main unit of the educational institution is located in Tapiola. Teaching is also provided in the major districts of Espoonlahti and Matinkylä.

Languages of instruction: Finnish and English, for some instruments instruction is also available in Swedish, Russian, Polish and Italian within the framework of the teachers' language skills.

More information on fee reductions and free student places.(external link, opens in a new window)

The EMO website(external link, opens in a new window)

The Ebeli website(external link, opens in a new window)

The International School of Music Finland provides teaching pursuant to both the general and advanced music syllabus, in English and other foreign languages. There are courses for 17 different instruments. Through the school, you can complete the following internationally recognised qualifications: ABRSM, MTB and RSL.

Registration: You can apply for studies all year round. All applicants are admitted to the school.

Teaching areas: Teaching is provided in the major districts of Espoonlahti, Leppävaara and Tapiola. The main unit of the educational institution is located in Helsinki.

Languages of instruction: English, Spanish, Indonesian, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Swedish, German, Finnish, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Catalan, Croatian, Lithuanian, Serbian and Slovenian within the framework of the teachers' language skills.

The International School of Music Finland website(external link, opens in a new window)

Music Institute Juvenalia offers fun and high-quality music education in the Suur-Leppävaara area. The main teaching locations are Sello and Karatalo. At Juvenalia, you can grow surrounded by music, from babies’ music classes to vocational studies in music. Choose your own instrument and focus on subjects such as folk music or musical theatre. We also offer different kinds of training groups and choirs – here, you can play solo or in a group or both!

Registration: registration for the student selection process is at the turn of April–May, and entrance exams are held at the end of May. The student places that become available during the school year are filled with students who have remained in the queue after the student selection, which means that you may be able to start your musical hobby even in the middle of the school year. Registering for the children’s music classes is open all year round.

Teaching areas: The main unit is located in Leppävaara. Teaching is organised in the major districts of Leppävaara and Northern Espoo.

Language of instruction: Finnish

Information about free student places and discounts on participation fees: A free student place in children’s music classes is possible for families who have received a zero-payment decision for early childhood education. Anyone can apply for payment relief. More information about tuition fees(external link, opens in a new window).

The Juvenalia website(external link, opens in a new window)

Demo and Jamkids music schools offer lessons for all ages. The lessons are open to all, with no entrance exams. It is important to us to offer the joy of music to as many people as possible.

Jamkids offers fun and exciting music classes for children aged 0-6. Choose from baby, toddler, band and gymnastics classes. We also organise music classes in kindergartens in Espoo and active events and performances for families with children.

Music School Demo is open to children over 7 years of age, including adults. The most important thing is to have a good time, to enjoy playing and singing! There are 7 different instruments to choose from, as well as singing and playing in a band. Demo instruments: accordion, guitar/electric guitar, piano, drums, electric bass, ukulele, violin. You can choose private, pair or small group lessons.

Enrolment: New students will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis from May. You can also join in the middle of the season if there is room in the groups and classes.

Teaching areas: there are 18 teaching points in Espoon Keskus, Espoonlahti, Kauklahti, Leppävaara, Matinkylä and Tapiola.

Languages of instruction: Finnish and English.

The DEMO website(external link, opens in a new window)

The Jamkids website(external link, opens in a new window)

Rhythm Music School Tauko provides a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for learning vocals and instruments with others. You can start your musical hobby at any age. At Tauko, you get to decide what music means to you, from a fun hobby to goal-oriented studies. We are located in Olari, but we also provide guitar and ukulele lessons in Karakallio and marching drum lessons in Otaniemi.

Registration: New students are admitted in order of registration in January–February and August–September.

Teaching areas: The main unit is located in Olari. Teaching is also provided in the major districts of Leppävaara and Matinkylä.

Languages of instruction: Finnish and English.

Information about free student places and discounts on participation fees.(external link, opens in a new window)

The Tauko website(external link, opens in a new window)

Dance

We offer dance classes in show dance, street dance, modern dance, K-pop dance, popping and breakdance.

Estrada also has intensive dance groups for those looking to be more involved in dance.

You can apply to classes by registering through the Estrada website. On the website you can also find further information about the education.

The Estrada website(external link, opens in a new window)

Welcome to Espoon Tanssiopisto (Espoo Dance Institute) to dance. Our teaching includes ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, character dance and tap dance. Boys aged 6–9 also have their own group.

Registration: You can register through the Espoon Tanssiopisto website. Students are admitted to the groups in order of registration. You can register all year round.

Teaching areas: The main unit is located in Matinkylä, Kuitinmäki. Teaching is provided in the major districts of Espoonlahti, Leppävaara, Matinkylä and Tapiola.

Languages of instruction: Finnish and English.

More information on fee reductions and free student places: You can apply for a free student place at the beginning of the autumn term. The most up-to-date information is available in the first letter of the term and on our website(external link, opens in a new window).

The Espoo Tanssiopisto website(external link, opens in a new window)

The DCA is a diverse dance school where students have the opportunity to complete dance studies of both the general and advanced syllabus of basic art education. The class selection has classes for all ages, covering a wide range of styles. Class options include show dance, hip hop, breakdance, modern dance, ballet, and locking. The dance teachers are competent, encouraging and nice.

Learn more about our classes and their content on our website and do no hesitate to try what interests you. Having zero experience with dance is no issue! Registration is done through the website.

The DCA website(external link, opens in a new window)

Theatre and circus arts

Espoo School of Circus and Theatre ESKO provides basic education in circus and theatre arts. At ESKO, people learn, innovate and create new things as their unique selves. Teaching is led by competent teachers in a safe environment. The experience-oriented teaching enhances interaction skills and physical skills. The circus theatre teaching developed at ESKO gives children aged 4–11 the basic skills in both art forms. Tuition fees range from EUR 190 to EUR 270.

Registration: Registration is open all year round. Registration begins in May every year. Students are admitted in order of registration.

Teaching areas: The main unit is located in Espoon keskus. Teaching is also provided in the areas of Espoonlahti, Northern Espoo, Leppävaara, Matinkylä and Tapiola.

Languages of instruction: Finnish, Swedish and English.

More information on fee reductions and free student places: Application is with a form after the registration. For more information, please contact: susanna.hintikka@esko.fi

The ESKO website(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)

Architecture

The School of Architecture for Children and Youth ARKKI provides architecture education for children and young people aged 4–6, 7–9, 10–14 and 15–19. The teaching emphasises learning through design and three-dimensional construction. Students are accepted in order of registration, starting in early May. Further information about the operations and registration is available on the website.

The ARKKI website(external link, opens in a new window)

Visual arts and handicrafts

Start a visual arts hobby, learn new things and develop your creativity at Finland’s largest art school for children and young people! The Espoo School of Art provides basic education in visual arts and design for people aged 5–20. Teaching is age-appropriate: 5-6 year-olds study in a visual arts or design pre-school in a playful style, 7-13 year-olds in basic groups exploring different areas of art, and 14-20 year-olds in workshops focusing on a particular technique. We also organise art clubs, holiday courses and art workshops for school children.

Registration: The application period for new students is annually in April. We also accept new students in the middle of the school year if there is room in the groups. All teaching groups are open to applicants with no previous fine arts studies and no selection tests are held.

Teaching areas: The main unit is located in Tapiola. We offer classes in different parts of Espoo. See the map for the locations(external link, opens in a new window).

Languages of instruction: Finnish (all teaching locations), Swedish (teaching in Olari), English (teaching in Leppävaara).

More information about student fee reductions and free student places(external link, opens in a new window) or toimisto@espoonkuvis.fi, tel. +358 44 2914996

The Espoo School of Art website(external link, opens in a new window)

Discover a new hobby and learn new skills at Taito käsityö- ja muotoilukoulu. We teach children and young people aged 4-18. Teaching is carried out in an age-appropriate manner. The learning process is based on making things with your hands. We explore, reflect and design things, objects and phenomena. Through the hobby of handicrafts we learn perseverance, thinking skills and creativity, creative making and a variety of craft activities. Group sizes are small, allowing time for encounters and learning together.

Registration: The registration period for new students is in April each year. We also accept students during the school year if there is room in the groups. Students are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. All teaching groups are open to applicants with no previous studies, and there are no selection tests.

Teaching areas: The school is located in Kalajarvi School in northern Espoo. We will expand in 2025 to schools in different parts of Espoo, including Kalajärvi, Perkkaa, Laajalahti and Matinkylä.

Languages of instruction: finnish. Handicraft studies are easy, even if Finnish is not your mother tongue.

More information on fee reductions and free student places.(external link, opens in a new window)

Are you interested in goal-oriented, long-term studies in visual arts or crafts? Discover a new art form or deepen your hobby and find your own personal means of self-expression. In the basic education in arts study modules, you will progress from one level to the next – and best of all, you will continue to enjoy learning!

At Omnia, basic education in arts is aimed at people over the age of 16. Teaching is carried out in the form of courses. Studies last from just under three years to five years, depending on the subject.

Registration: Students are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration happens at Ilmonet.fi webservice.(external link, opens in a new window)

Teaching areas: Tapiola and Leppävaara.

Teaching languages: Finnish and English.

More information on fee reductions and free student places.(external link, opens in a new window)

Literary art

Literary art classes are about reading, listening, writing, finding topics for your texts and performances, and publishing your art. The teaching emphasises experiences and spending time together. Literary art supports expression, reading and writing skills, and creative thinking. Teaching is organised in places such as Ymmersta, Tapiola and Järvenperä.

The Sanataidekoulu website(external link, opens in a new window)

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