The Curriculum and the Examination System


THE CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK OF FINNISH MUSIC INSTITUTES

Each music school follows a curriculum which sets out the content and goals of the instruction. While the curricula are specific to each school, they are based on national guidelines issued by the National Board of Education, which outline general grading and course completion criteria.


THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM


BASIC LEVEL:

- main instrument 1st, 2nd and 3rd level (or 1st and 2nd level)
- ear training and theory of music 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3
- music history
- ensemble playing
- elective subjects
- secondary instrument


MUSIC INSTITUTE LEVEL:

- main instrument I
- ear training I
- theory of music I
- music history I or harmonics
- ensemble playing
- elective subjects
- secondary instrument


LEVEL III: PROFESSIONAL GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN CONSERVATORIES

- church musician
- vocalist
- accompanist
- musician in band/orchestra
- music technologist
- piano tuner
- instrument technician


SUBJECTS

- strings
- woodwind and brass instruments
- percussion
- keyboards
- electric instruments
- other instruments (e.g. accordion, kantele, guitar and harp)
- chamber music and orchestras
- ensembles and big bands
- folk music
- solo song, vocal ensembles and choirs
- dance and musical theatre
- theory and history of music
- music technology