Tampere Orchestra Academy (OA) is a cooperation form between Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere Conservatoire and Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra which offers students training in orchestral playing, audition and performance through a fixed working life connection. Teaching is mainly organised at TAMK Music. The included annual orchestra period with Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra takes place at Tampere Hall. The teachers and coaches are Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra’s principals and players.
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, TAMK Music and Tampere Conservatoire started a journeyman programme in autumn 2020. Students can work on four separate orchestra weeks chosen by Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra. The students are chosen based on auditions and they participate in the orchestra work under the guidance of professional musicians. The students work as extra players during these so-called side-by-side weeks and receive credits for the orchestra weeks.
Finnish Defence Forces as a new cooperation partner
TAMK and the Finnish Defence Forces agreed on a partnership programme between military bands and TAMK in the academic year 2021-2022. The cooperation model is a part of the Orchestra Academy. Related practices are tested during the pilot year with the Guards and Navy bands. The purpose is to expand the partnership to all military bands in the academic year 2022-2023.
Read more about the Orchestra Academy in the academic year 2021-2022:
Orchestra Academy timetable for 2021-2022
Working life experience from the stage manager and music librarian course
The course familiarises students with the job description of stage managers and music librarians in cooperation with professionals of Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra. The course includes practical training in orchestra productions at Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Tampere Orchestra Academy and TAMK Music. Students learn about orchestra audition practices from the stage manager’s perspective in connection with Tampere Orchestra Academy’s mock auditions in December and March. Course registration is made at Orchestra Academy info to Coordinator Hanna Kilpinen.
Team of Tampere Orchestra Academy (2021-2022)
Hanna Kilpinen, Coordinator, Orchestra Academy (communications, materials, content planning)
Markus Yli-Jokipii, Artistic Planner, TAMK Music (repertoire planning)
Maria Piirainen, Producer, TAMK Music (communications, facility bookings)
Pekka Ahonen, Manager, TAMK Music (practical arrangements)
In cooperation:
Mia Muona, Producer, Tampere Conservatoire
Tarja Reijonen, Communications Officer, Tampere Conservatoire
Couches of Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra (2021-2022)
Violin: Adriana Iacovache-Pana, Hanna Parviainen
Viola: György Balazs, Anni Tiainen-Hammo
Cello: Joona Pulkkinen, Kalle-Pekka Koponen, Sirja Nironen
Double bass: Jarkko Uimonen
Flute: Annaleena Jämsä, Malla Vivolin, Marianne Järvinen (Lappeenranta City Orchestra)
Clarinet: Jarmo Hyväkkö
Bassoon: Aleksei Dmitrjev
French horn: Aleksi Mäkimattila, Jouni Suuronen
Trumpet: Tapio Kilpinen
Tuba: Nicholas Indermühle (Turku Philharmonic Orchestra)
Percussion instruments: Péter Fodor
Harp: Kirsti Vartiainen
Oboe: Christian Moré Coloma
How did Tampere Orchestra Academy originate?
An orchestra project was implemented in cooperation between Tampere Music Academy students and Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in spring 2015. Dimitri Sostakovic’s Symphony No. 7, which is also known as the Leningrad Symphony, was in the orchestra’s programme. The key person in starting the orchestra was Senior Lecturer Jaana Haanterä from Tampere Conservatoire.
The original idea of Haanterä and Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra’s contemporary Manager Helena Hiilivirta was cooperation in which Haanterä would coach Music Academy students for the orchestra week and concerts. It led to the idea of starting a long-term cooperation between Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra and the Music Academy. The Orchestra Academy’s aim is to promote students’ professional competence in orchestra playing and improve their employment possibilities after graduation.
REFERENCES: Kilpinen, H. 2017. Koesoittokoulutusta korkeakouluopintoihin. Master’s Thesis. Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Master of Culture and Arts.