Playing from the Core – Pilates exercises strengthen the whole body comprehensively. The movements improve the posture and strengthen especially the deep muscle groups of the body. Additionally, the movements open the breath and increase the mobility of the spine and the shoulder girdle. Shoulder support exercises teach free and supported movement of the arms. Breathing exercises create a voice production based on the support of the core muscles. Playing from the Core – Pilates for Musicians helps to develop a balanced playing or singing position that is at the same time relaxed and supported. 

 

Themes of the lessons:

1. Core support and stabilizing the lumbar spine

2. Shoulder support and stabilizing the shoulder girdle

3. Breathing and core support 

4. Balanced playing/singing posture

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Workshop instructor is Tommi Hyytinen, an experienced Pilates teacher specializing in body awareness and physical training for musicians.
His approach focuses on building a strong, balanced, and mobile body that supports free, natural musical expression.

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Price list:

• workshop  100€  incl. 4 x 75 min group lessons

• individual group lesson 30€ / 75 min

• individual lesson  60€ / 60 min  

• individual playing posture lesson 30€ / 30 min

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​The schedule of the classes (28.6.-4.7.) will be determined in June 2026. Private lessons can be arranged at the end of June by contacting producer Taina Viinisalo.

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Step into the sound world of the Baroque era in this inspiring workshop led by organist and harpsichordist Markku Mäkinen. Together, we will explore the art of historical performance, delving into style, expression, and musical rhetoric.

Participants will receive personalised guidance in both solo repertoire—with pianists invited to discover the colours and touch of the harpsichord—and in the rich traditions of continuo playing, shaped around each student’s individual interests and experience. You are also warmly invited to bring along Baroque chamber music to deepen your ensemble skills and musical dialogue.

 

Pricing:

Group sessions: 3 × 90 minutes – €60
(Participants may attend with their own instrument.)

 

The sessions (28.6.-4.7.) will take place in the beautiful setting of the Nurmes Orthodox Church, where a harpsichord is available.
Detailed schedules will be announced in June 2026.

Are your hands shaking? Breathing blocked? Is the brain hitting the panic button?
In the performance training workshop, work tools are acquired for facing the performance situation with the help of various exercises and theater plays. The workshop focuses on studying performance, becoming aware of its stages, and recognizing one's behavior in a performance situation.

 

Actor Timo Vuento acts as the gentle and inspiring leader of the workshop. Participation does not require previous experience in theater or acting!

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Price list:

• active student €60, incl. (3x90 min of group teaching)

• individual group lesson €25 / 90 min

• private lesson €60/45 min

 

Group lessons are held at Kirkkokatu school (28.6.-4.7.). The schedule of the lessons will be determined in June 2026. Private lessons can be arranged  by contacting producer Taina Viinisalo.

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 Under the gentle and skillful guidance of accordion wizard Niko Kumpuvaara, you will learn the secrets of improvisation. Feel free to ask for a private lesson!

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Price list:

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• individual lesson €60 / 45 min

 

 For the private lessons, contact producer Taina Viinisalo.

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This workshop led by composer Ville Raasakka invites you to step into the creative heart of musicianship through your own compositions and the art of arranging existing music. By writing for a wide range of instrument combinations, we will explore how musical ideas take shape—

how sound, texture, rhythm, and harmony come alive.

 

The workshop welcomes participants from all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you are just beginning your journey into composition and arranging, have been exploring it for years, or are an advanced or professional-level student, you’ll find inspiration, practical tools, and fresh perspectives.

 

The workshop consists of three 60-minute lecture sessions, designed to spark ideas and support your creative voice.

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Price list:

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• Group lessons (3 x 60 min) 50 €

• Private lesson (60 min) 60 €
  
  The exact dates of the lessons  during the festival period will be determined in June 2026. For the private lessons, contact producer Taina Viinisalo.

Young music student, does the Summer Academy's masterclass package feel too overwhelming and would you like to attend just a few private lessons? Are you only coming to Nurmes for a short time? Do you want to refresh your dusty skills or, as a keyboard player, get to know, for example, how to play the organ or the harpsichord? 

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Price list:

• private instrument lesson €60 / 45 min (1-4 pcs)

Various lecture-type events are organized during the festival week.
We will publish the content later.

• FREE ENTRY

Do you want to peek behind the scenes and follow the teaching?

You can follow and listen to the lessons of the masterclasses. One of our pianists teaches daily in the Hannikainen hall of Nurmes building between 9 am and 2 pm. Please take the class situation into account and arrive and leave as quietly as possible. To observe other classes, contact producer Taina Viinisalo at the end of June.

• FREE ENTRY