Joensuu Conservatory

Joensuu Conservatory was established in 1978 and this year celebrates its´ 40th Anniversary.  The Conservatory is the second largest of Finland´s Conservatories.  The administrator of the conservatory is the City of Joensuu.  Joensuu Conservatory is situated in the heart of Joensuu, on the bank of the Pielis River (Pielisjoki).    

The student body totals around 1 000, with about 90 students studying in the Higher Secondary Vocational level.  The regular staff of distinguished pedagogues and performers numbers nearly 90.  The conservatory is comprised of three departments: classical, rhythm and folk music. There are only two conservatories in Finland consisting of all three departments.  The duration of studies in the secondary level is three years and 120 credits.  

Together with The North Karelian University of Applied Sciences Degree Programme in Music (partially located in the same building), the conservatory arranges each year a full program of concerts and  productions of classical, rhythm and folk music.  The conservatory also works in cooperation with the Joensuu City Orchestra and other NGO partners.  

The conservatory also offers courses in the pre-primary level and graded education from   7 to 16 years of age in the music school level, in addition to private lessons at cost for anyone of any age.   Each student in the music school attends theory classes and partici- pates in orchestra or choir from admission.  There are nearly twenty different choirs and orchestras, in addition to chamber music ensembles, pop and jazz bands and folk music ensembles.  Joensuu Conservatory provides music education from the cradle to retire-ment.  

Joensuu Conservatory is the coordinator for national and international conservatory networks.