Anna Arola
Musical singing, acting
Anna is a Helsinki-based singer/vocal teacher, actress (FIA) and director. Anna graduated as a vocal teacher in 2021 from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and as a theatre expression director from Turku University of Applied Sciences in 2024. She also has a musician's degree from Joensuu Conservatory and is currently studying at Tampere University of Applied Sciences in the music theatre department. As a teacher, Anna meets people as individuals. She strives to create a safe space for everyone to explore, play and experiment, without pressure to achieve results. A shared curiosity about music and the human voice is important to Anna. "I often approach singing through interpretation, because I feel that interpretation also helps with singing technique!", Anna says.
Jaana Elo
Piano Playing, Piano Playing in English
Musician and music pedagogue (BA) Jaana is a classical pianist by training. She began studying free accompaniment at the age of 14. Jaana teaches both light and classical music. In addition to the piano, she plays the baritone horn. Jaana also sings, and folk songs and film music are particularly close to her heart. In her free time, Jaana enjoys poetry, composition and walking. “The teacher is there for the student,” Jaana believes.
Minna Hamalainen
Vocal groups
Minna, who hails from Iisalmi, the heart of Northern Savo, has been involved in music and theatre since she was a little girl. She graduated as a music pedagogue from Kuopio in 2010, majoring in pop-jazz singing. Before that, she had studied to be a musical theatre expression director (2002) and a cultural producer (2005). Minna graduated from Turku University of Applied Sciences' YAMK (Master of Arts in Culture) in 2016 as a creative producer. She has worked freelance in music and theatre productions as a singer-actress, producer or director, and has taught pop-jazz singing in colleges around Finland. Minna works as the education manager for music, theatre and improvisation, as well as beauty and fashion at the college, and runs singing courses alongside her administrative work. She feels that working as an education manager allows her to combine everything she has studied over the years and encountered in her freelance work as a performer, pedagogue and producer. This job is Minna's dream come true. "If you can dream it you can do it!"
Susan Jaser
A pop/jazz song
Susan is a singer and pop/jazz singing teacher. She graduated with a Master of Music in 2022 from the Sibelius Academy, Music Education Department, University of the Arts Helsinki, specializing in rhythmic music singing pedagogy. Susan has diverse experience as a singing teacher in private lessons, various music schools, and choirs. Susan wants to support her students on their journey of exploration into their own unique voice, so that each one can find their own personal way of expression and enjoy their own unique vocal instrument and musical expression more holistically, freely, and joyfully. “Every person’s voice is valuable and everyone has the right to song and music. At the heart of everything is the joy of singing,” she says. As a teacher, it is important for Susan to create a warm, encouraging, and safe atmosphere for students to learn new things. "You are warmly welcome to my singing lessons and singing groups as yourself. In my lessons you can express yourself freely and learn new things without pressure to perform, with an exploratory approach, without forgetting playfulness."
Heidi Kiviharju
Choirs
Heidi graduated from the Sibelius Academy’s Master’s degree in Music Education in Christmas 2022, and before that from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences as a singing teacher. In addition, she has studied musical theatre at the Theatre Academy and completed a master’s degree in English philology at the University of Helsinki. Heidi specializes in leading singing groups, musical theatre and positive pedagogy and has had a career of over ten years as a singer, musical actress and director of elementary choirs and singing ensembles. “Good-natured humor and a safe atmosphere are the most important things in choir work, and the best experiences of success as a pedagogue come when a student finds their own free voice and throws themselves into trying something new!”
Nea Lundell
Baby and toddler socks
Nea graduated as a music pedagogue from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, majoring in early childhood music education and applied use of art. She has many years of experience teaching muscari at various music colleges. In addition, Nea is the director of several children's and adult choirs and works, among others, with Cantores Minores and the Tapiola Choir. She has also taught children's choir pedagogy. Nea's teaching style is empathetic, encouraging singing and engaging. "The most important thing in music lessons is to create a safe space. I want to give both children and parents the space to search for and find joy in their own singing voice. I think play is the best starting point for this," says Nea.
Alex Parviainen
Heavy song
Scat singing, screeching and growling – welcome to Aleksi Parviainen's heavy singing course! Aleksi has sung and taught singing all over Finland and Europe. He has collaborated with several leading heavy bands and artists, such as Stratovarius, Ensiferum, Orphaned Land and has been involved in the Raskasta Joulua project. Check out the Yle article: The nuances of heavy vocals range from growl to high falsetto.Photo: Yle
Elizabeth Petsalo
Individual and couple classical singing lessons, small classical singing groups and HELAO choir
Elisabet has a Master of Music degree in opera studies from the Sibelius Academy and a singing pedagogue degree from Savonia University of Applied Sciences. She has also completed her studies in musical theatre specialization studies at the University of the Arts Helsinki (TeaK & SibA). Elisabet has worked in a variety of singing roles, both as a soloist and in the additional choir of the Finnish National Opera and the Savonlinna Opera Festival Choir, as well as as a singing teacher, choir director and Orthodox cantor. As a singing teacher and choir director, it is important for Elisabet to create an inspiring and safe atmosphere in the courses, which gives her the freedom to try and learn new things with an adventurous and creative approach. She especially enjoys her work when she creates shared insights and experiences of success with her students and choir members. "Through singing, I have learned an incredible amount about myself, my voice, my body, and the power and expressiveness of music. That's why what's especially great about teaching singing is that I always get to learn new things myself while being able to guide others."
Ana Pilat
Werbeck Singing Sessions
Ana is a vocalist, lyricist and a dedicated vocal pedagogue. Over the years, she has collaborated with various modern and world music ensembles, as well as various Big Bands, showcasing her versatility as a performer. In 2021, she graduated in Jazz Singing from the Conservatory G. Tartini in Trieste, while also completing a four-year training program at the School of Uncovering the Voice. She further expanded her expertise by earning a Finnish degree in Pop/Jazz Vocal Pedagogy at JAMK University of Applied Sciences in 2023. Ana is particularly familiar with the vocal aspects of modern genres. Through years of lectures, supervised teaching, and observing other professionals, she has gained comprehensive knowledge of vocal technique. By focusing on posture, breathing, support, and articulation, she guides her students towards healthy, effortless singing. Ana can teach in English, Italian, Croatian, basic Finnish and Spanish. Photo: Teemu Kekkonen
Marius Pirhonen
Guitar and ukulele playing, songwriting
Marius is a versatile musician and artist who graduated as a musician from Jyväskylä Vocational College with a major in electric guitar and a Bachelor of Music from the Sibelius Academy in the subject group of music education. He is currently working on his master's studies at SibA. He has teaching experience in both school music classes and private students. In addition to playing, Marius composes, writes lyrics, and produces music for, among others, his Finnish pop band Marius Vallankumous. He has experience of hundreds of gigs all over Finland in several different groups as a guitarist and singer. As a teacher, he wants to inspire students to find a lifelong hobby and lifestyle in playing an instrument. Marius is considered an inspiring and relaxed teacher.
Sirja Puurtinen
History of Western art music
Sirja is a music pedagogue, musician and holds a Master of Arts degree from Aalto University. She has worked for 15 years in the fields of music, theatre, dance and sound and media art as a violinist, musician, performer, composer, sound designer and director. Sirja has taught violin playing and music theory at, among others, the Tampere Conservatory, Pirkkala Adult Education Centre, Musaamo and the Central Helsinki Music Institute. As a teacher and director, Sirja is present, warm and precise. She feels that art is a significant part of society and well-being. That is why she wants to share information, inspire study and maintain the diverse existence of art also as a teacher.
Päivi Pylvänäinen
A classic song
“I am an opera singer, actress and singing teacher,” Päivi says. "My solo singing lessons are suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced professionals. As a teacher, I am inspiring, honest, positive, cooperative and direct. Teaching singing is very personal, and it requires precise intuition. It is important for me to give concrete advice on improving technique and to increase the student's awareness of themselves as a singer and interpreter of music. I graduated as an opera singer from the Sibelius Academy in 2015. I graduated as a music pedagogue from the Kuopio Academy of Music and Dance in 2010 and as a musician from the Theatre Music and Music Drama Education Program from the Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences in 2007. My main job is as a performing artist. Most recently, I have sung as a soloist at the Savonlinna Opera Festival (2023, 2019), the Vaasa Opera (2023), the Tampere Opera (2022, 2020) and the Åbo Svenska Teater in Turku. (2022). I have performed as a soloist with numerous Finnish orchestras, including the Tampere Philharmonic, Jyväskylä Symphony, Saimaa Sinfonietta and Rakuunasoittokunta. I have also visited the Mikkeli Theatre's summer theatre (2022) and Teatteri Eurooppa Neljä (2018), and was a guest actor at Savonlinna Theatre in 2008-2010 and in the summer of 2012. In addition, I have made several dozen appearances in comedy shows, such as Perfume and Meatballs (2020-) and Soprano in the Forest (2015-2017).” Photo: Ville Paul Paasimaa
Paula Rautamaa
Pop-jazz singing, vocal groups, senior choir
Singing teacher Paula graduated from Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences as a pop/jazz singing pedagogue, from the University of Jyväskylä as a music teacher (FM) and from Jyväskylä Vocational College as a musician with a major in pop/jazz singing. Paula performs, among other things, as a singer-guitarist in the folk/americana band Iron Country Sisters, as a soloist with guitar and as a soloist in various ensembles. She has a lot of experience in gigs as a member of bands, duos and singing ensembles and as a backing singer. Paula composes and writes her own music and is interested in many different musical styles. She has gained diverse teaching experience as a singing teacher from various educational institutions, both individual and group teaching. As a teacher, Paula is described as encouraging, inspiring and warm. Photo: Matti Nenonen
Tuulia Ryhänen
Singing courses for those without singing skills
(FI/EN) Tuulia holds a Master's degree in Music from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, where she studied in the Music Education program with piano and pop/jazz voice as her main instruments, and a degree in Music Pedagogy from Savonia University of Applied Sciences, specializing in pop/jazz voice. In addition to teaching, she is a singer-songwriter in her band Lia Sofia. Tuulia is an encouraging and gently goal-oriented teacher, whose lessons provide the joy and insights of music making in a safe learning atmosphere. Singing is approached holistically, including from the perspectives of instrument control, physicality, listening and interpretation, seeking each singer's own and most natural voice. // Tuulia holds a Master's degree in Music from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, where she studied in the Music Education program with piano and pop/jazz voice as her main instruments. She also holds a degree in Music Pedagogy from Savonia University of Applied Sciences, specializing in pop/jazz voice. Beside teaching music, Tuulia is a singer-songwriter in her own band Lia Sofia. As a teacher, Tuulia is encouraging and gently goal-oriented, creating a safe learning environment where students can experience the Joy of music-making. Her approach to singing is holistic, drawing on perspectives such as vocal technique, embodiment, listening, and interpretation, with the aim of helping each student find their own most natural voice. Image/Photo: Heta Nykänen
Javier Sánchez
Jazz Repertoire, Band Course in English
Javier is a Spanish bassist and composer who has settled in Helsinki and is a versatile player of double bass, electric bass and fretless bass. His compositions combine elements of Latin jazz and flamenco. Javier has actively led small and large bands around the world and has worked as a bassist, composer and arranger on several albums. He also sponsors Warwick basses and is the leader of the band Cuejero. In his youth, Javier studied bass playing and composition at the Escuela de Musica Creativa and prepared his bachelor's degree in music pedagogy at the Complutense University of Madrid in 2011. He moved to Boston (USA) in 2012, where he received a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music, from which he graduated with honors in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in music. After that, Javier began his master's studies at the Sibelius Academy in Finland and the Royal Academy of Music in Denmark as a member of the Nordic Master of Global Music (GLOMAS), from which he graduated in 2017. He graduated with a Master of Music degree from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in 2019. Javier is currently working on his artistic doctorate at the Sibelius Academy. Instagram: @cuejero Photo: Matias Helle
Kaisu Tajakka
Intensive basics of classical singing
Kaisu graduated as a vocal pedagogue from Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and received a Master of Music degree from The Royal Academy of Music in Denmark in the solo aspect of classical singing. She has further trained in pop/jazz singing through minor studies and by completing Estill Voice Training level 1&2 training and the Estill teaching model’s “Bigger better belting” training. Kaisu has diverse experience as a singer and has sung several opera roles, performed as a soloist in orchestras and worked in the Finnish National Opera’s additional choir. She has her own singing studio in Espoo, where she has been teaching and working as an entrepreneur for the last two years. “It is important to me that in my classes I can safely and boldly be myself, discuss openly, dare to try new things and experience wonderful successes,” Kaisu says. "I think singing and the human voice are the most fascinating subjects in the world and it has given my own life a huge amount, and I continue to learn new things. As a teacher, I get to help you find your own voice and its wonderful possibilities!"
Luke Scott Star
Aria & Song Workshop
Luke has been seen on stages around the world and across Europe, performing with companies such as National Theater Prague, Edinburgh International Festival, Finnish National Opera, Savonlinna Opera Festival, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Finnish Chamber Orchestra. Luke combines his international experience from his singing career and education from leading arts institutions where he studied. He has graduated from the Sibelius Academy's Opera School with a Master in Music, from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with a Master of Music with Distinction in Performance and finally, a Bachelor of Music with Honors from the Royal Northern College of Music. Luke believes that singing should encompass the pursuit of learning and fun. Furthermore, he believes that no one should be denied the opportunity to experience the beauty & power of their own voice. "I know that we all have a voice that needs to be heard and I firmly believe, that I can help make your voice sing!" Luke teaches in both English and Finnish.
Stella Star
A classic song
Stella combines classical technique with the development of individual expression in her teaching. She works as an opera singer at the Finnish National Opera and also as a soloist in the open field, which enriches her teaching through practical experience. It is important to Stella that students find their own voice and the joy of singing in a safe and supportive environment.
Emilia Vihanto
Soul singing, karaoke
Emilia is an experienced professional performer and singer, as well as a vocal coach. She is passionate about helping everyone find their own strengths as a singer. Emilia's guidance is inspiring and compassionate. She has a special skill in strengthening a singer's self-confidence and easing the tension associated with singing. Emilia encourages everyone to find their own, unique voice in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
Hanna Vuorenmaa
Piano playing
Hanna started playing classical piano at the age of six. Her interest in music led her to study music pedagogy (BA), from which she graduated as an early childhood music teacher. In addition to classical piano, Hanna has studied music education, majoring in pop/jazz singing. Hanna sees different art forms as intertwined and has drawn inspiration from art integration, especially visual arts.