So far, the economic turmoil has not caused a loss of students in music schools in Ostrobothnia. Three Southern Pohja municipalities decided to support families and offer children a free musical play school in the name of equality.
– We have three children who all have many hobbies: there is volleyball, music college, art school, ice hockey, soccer and gymnastics, many things.
In the Järvinen family, the children’s hobby opportunities are taken care of, even though everything in life seems to be getting more expensive at the moment.
– Money can be spent on worse than children’s hobbies. It is a conscious choice for us that children are allowed to play. I’d rather cut back on those own expenses than on the children’s hobbies. At this stage, at least we are still able to practice, Niina Järvinen states.
Small reflections visible
A survey conducted by Yle Pohjanmaa and Yle Kokkola to music schools in Ostrobothnia tells the same thing that Niina Järvinen says about her own children’s hobbies. So far, the tightening financial situation of families has not taken students away from music schools.
However, the economic turmoil is already somewhat reflected in the children’s hobbies, it is reported, for example, from Alajärvi Music College. Not very widely yet, but still visible.
We help in many ways
At the moment, Alajärvi music academy does not offer free student places, but in Alajärvi as well as in other music schools in Ostrobothnia, efforts are made to help in various ways so that children’s hobbies are not limited to euros.
Almost all music schools say that they are flexible with tuition payment due dates.
Paavola estimates that there are also supporters of children’s hobbies from the immediate family circle.
– Grandparents probably also pay tuition fees.
In Härmänmaa, you can apply for a free student place at the quality of life board, but according to Paavola, there have been almost no applications.
At the South Ostrobothnia music college in Seinäjoki, free student places are granted by the board upon request.
According to Anttila, even in a large music school, the deterioration of the general financial situation is at least still visible in the teaching.
– Corona did reduce the participation in hobbies somewhat, Jarmo Anttila states.
There are no free student places at the Lapua College of Music, but you can apply for a maximum 50 percent reduction in the tuition fee.
Among other things, the Härmänmaa music college and the Wava college from Pietarsaari are involved in the Floora project, where music lessons are offered to children and young people who, for social or economic reasons, are excluded from the music hobby.
With external funding, more free student places
In Kuula college in Vaasa, the number of free student places has been increased with external funding.
According to Holmström, the need for free student places already increased during the corona period.
– Now the employment situation has improved in the Vaasa region, and it has reduced the need for free student places. On the other hand, the war in Ukraine increases their demand, says Holmström.
An aid organization has also come to the rescue
At the Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory, a free student place is usually granted to about five percent of the students upon application, and the number does not seem to be increasing this fall. Decisions about free student places are made in November.
– Of course, we try to find solutions so that the child’s hobby can continue. Sometimes an aid organization has also come to the rescue. They are always sad situations for which we try to find a solution.
Free muscari in Kauhava, Lappajärvi and Soini
This fall, three Southern Voivodeship counties have switched to a completely free music play school for families. The issue was first decided at the Härmänmaa music college, and free muscari is now offered in both of the college’s member municipalities in Kauhava and Lappajärvi.
Soini, one of the member municipalities of Alajärvi Music College, finances the muscari lessons for the local children.
– Soini municipality’s solution is a big step from the point of view of children’s equality, stresses Markku Pöyhönen, principal of Alajärvi Music College.
In Kauhava, principal Päivi Paavola presented to the quality of life board in the spring about offering early childhood music education group lessons to families for free. Muskaris have been free for families since the beginning of the fall semester.
– This decision was the first of its kind in South Ostrobothnia. It was a really wonderful policy that takes into account the well-being, equality and service availability of families with children, Päivi Paavola rejoices.
Children right up to the queue
Free muscari has been seen in Härmänmaa immediately in the number of children participating in muscari.
– There is an increase and some groups have had to be divided into two different groups when there were already so many people in line. This has been received positively, and we have tried to meet the demand as much as possible, Paavola continues.
The Järvinen family in Kauhava is also happy that free muscari is now part of the treatment day for the family’s eskarini.
– After all, it’s a great handout from the city and the music school to the residents.
– I still have to praise the timing of the muscari. Our eskarian can stay directly from the eskari. It brings more free time to the evening, thanks Niina Järvinen.