Once you have decided which instrument you want to apply for, register for student selection by filling out the attached electronic application form. You can apply for two instruments.

The application period is from March 1 to April 14, 2024.

Links will open on March 1, 2024.

Apply to basic studies, classical music: Application for basic music studies - classical music

Apply to basic studies, rhythm music: Application for basic music studies - rhythm music

If the applicant's municipality of residence is other than Oulu, Kempele, or Ii, the final decision on obtaining a student place depends on whether the municipality of residence or the student themselves will cover the individual net cost (approximately €950 per academic year)."

Instrument selection should be considered carefully. We have two departments: classical music and rhythm music. Many classical instruments can usually be started at the age of 5-7, exceptions to starting ages can be seen in the following instrument list. In the rhythm music department, beginners are usually at least 10 years old. However, you can also start your hobby at an older age.

You can apply for two instruments. Did you know that we offer instruction in brass and woodwind instruments, electric bass, or even viola? These are excellent alternatives to the most popular instruments such as classical piano, violin, or singing in rhythm music. We encourage you to boldly consider which instrument would interest you the most!

Our teachers help with instrument acquisition whenever possible, and many instruments can also be rented inexpensively from us.

Classical music instruments

Recommended starting age from 5-7 years on, exceptions in brackets. For many instruments, the starting age depends on the child's size.

String instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass

Piano

Voice (from 12 years old)

Organ (from 9 years old)

Woodwind instruments: flute, recorder, oboe (from 9 years old), clarinet, bassoon, saxophone

Brass instruments: trombone, tuba, alto horn, baritone horn, French horn, trumpet, cornet

Guitar

Kantele

Percussion instruments (from 9 years old)

Accordion

Harp (teaching mostly remote, for more information contact the study office)

Music technology (from 10 years old)

Composition (from 10 years old)

Rhythm music instruments

Recommended starting age from 10 years on

Trombone

Saxophone

Trumpet

Double bass

Electric bass

Electric guitar

Voice

Piano

Drums

Music technology

Composition

We will send the place, date, and time of student selection to the email provided in the application form by the beginning of May. The student selections will take place in May during weeks 20-21 at the following locations:

Classical Music: Oulu Conservatory, Music Center, Leevi Madetojan katu 1-3.

Rhythm Music: Kotkantie 1, Wing E, entrance E1 door.

If you are applying for piano or violin, it is also possible to receive instruction in Oulunsalo. Remember to check the box on the application form if you wish to receive instruction there.

The results of the student selection will be available on the Oulu Conservatory's website on Friday, June 14, 2024. Acceptance letters will be sent home to those placed by then during the summer. Student places will be filled again in week 33.

Welcome to apply to the Oulu Conservatory!

Preparing for Student Selection:

In the student selection process, we'll have the opportunity to get to know you. In May, we will be selecting new students.

The atmosphere of the student selection is relaxed and enjoyable.

For classical music student selection, there will be an optional song of your choice, a performance sample for those who have played before, and easy imitation exercises following the teacher's model. The meeting may also include a short teaching session, where we will do some motor and musical tasks together. The meeting lasts 10-15 minutes.

For rhythm music student selection, there will be a small musicality test, including singing and rhythm tasks. If you have played before, provide a performance sample on your own instrument, you can use your accompanist or a recording. Drummers can present different types of beats. Additionally, we will interview you. The meeting lasts 10-15 minutes.

Here's how to prepare for the student selection:

• If you are applying for a classical music instrument, choose and practice a short song to sing during the student selection
• For rhythm music student selection, a singing sample is not necessary unless you are specifically applying for rhythm music singing. In that case, present a song from your chosen rhythm music genre memorized.
• Prepare to talk about yourself and your hobbies
• Bring your own instrument if you have one. Play something for us! We'd love to listen. You can provide a performance sample on a different instrument than the one you're applying for.
• Arrive early
• The presence of a guardian is welcomed so we can ask for additional information if needed. However, the applicant should enter the room alone while the guardian waits in the corridor during the meeting.
• Feedback will not be provided on the student selection

For some instruments, we have additional requests besides the tasks mentioned above:

Classical singing:

• Sing "Taivas on sininen ja valkoinen" without accompaniment
• Also perform one additional song of your choice with piano accompaniment. You do not need to provide the accompaniment score in advance, but bring a copy of the score for the conservatory pianist.

Music technology:

• Present and discuss a project, song, or work in which you have used music technology

Composition:

• Present your own composition by playing, singing, or using a recording
• If you have notated your compositions, you can also present one of them

Rhythm music singing:

• Present a song from a rhythm music genre memorized

This information should help you prepare effectively for the student selection process.