The old Winter paint factory office building, over 100 years old and located in Epilä’s Winterinmutka, holds many stories. Established in 1986, Musiikkikoulu Maija Salo began its operations there in 1988. The school’s teachers renovated the building for educational use together with the students' parents and the team from YLE’s children's show, Pikku Kakkonen. The founder, Maija Salo, is a pioneer in early childhood music education, and her music school tradition has been ongoing for nearly 40 years. Hundreds of now-adult students participated in the activities organized by Salo. Many also performed in YLE TV2 children's programs such as Tenavatähti, Impromptu, Rytmireppu, Rytmiretki, Kukkuluuruu, and Pikku Kakkonen. Now, former students of Maija Salo bring their children and grandchildren to these groups.
After Maija Salo retired in 2007, the school's teachers continued its operations as a cooperative, and in 2017, the institution was renamed Musiikkikoulu Sointula. From August 2024 onwards, the teaching will be organized by Musiikkitoteemi, founded and headed by Tomi Tolvanen. With the merger, the music school will have nearly 20 teachers and 200-300 students. The quality and spirit of the music classes, as well as high-quality and individualized instrument and singing lessons, will be maintained. Additionally, in the fall of 2024, Musiikkitoteemi will celebrate its 20th anniversary with various events.
FACTS ABOUT MUSIC SCHOOL MUSIIKKITOTEEMI
- WHERE: Sointula in Epilä, Toteemila in Tahmela, Aleksanteri School, Vuores
- WHAT: Music classes and instrument and singing lessons
- FOR WHOM: From babies to retirees
- WHEN: Open for participation year-round
- HOW: No entrance exams, registration via Eepos form on the website
- Everyone is welcome
- Music play school: from babies to themed music classes and exercise music classes to band play school
- Instruments: acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, ukulele, singing, violin, cello, flute, piano, and drums and percussion