Kanteles and Wind Instruments Combined Course course offers an immersive experience in the rich soundscapes of kanteles and wind instruments, focusing on ensemble playing and spontaneous music-making. All participants will have the opportunity to play both kanteles and wind instruments through a shared repertoire, mainly consisting of traditional melodies.
Kanteles and wind instruments form a fascinating combination in terms of both harmony and repertoire. The course program includes lullabies, runo songs, and shepherd tunes. Some sessions will be held separately for each instrument group, while others will focus on collaborative playing. Participants may choose to concentrate exclusively on either kanteles or wind instruments. The course welcomes musicians of all backgrounds, regardless of prior experience.
Participants can join the course with any type of kantele, though the repertoire is particularly well-suited for small kanteles (5–15-string kanteles). Wind instrument sessions are open to players bringing their own instruments (e.g., recorder, transverse flute, other types of flutes, or clarinet), and the course also provides an introduction to playing the long flute. If you own a D-long flute, please bring it along. Instruments can also be borrowed for the duration of the course—please indicate your need for an instrument rental when registering.
Welcome to explore the peaceful, wild, and beautifully rooted world of kanteles and flutes!
Instructors
Hanna Ryynänen is an expressive kantele artist who loves to immerse herself in diverse soundscapes. Her extensive instrument collection includes various 5-string kanteles, the Saarijärvi kantele, and the archaeological lyre-kantele gęśle. For Hanna, teaching is about connection, expanding perspectives, and fostering each musician’s unique creative expression.
Kirsi Ojala is a versatile musician and highly regarded educator with extensive teaching experience ranging from music schools to higher education institutions. In recent years, she has been actively developing short courses, particularly through the international Folk Flute Academy network. Kirsi works as a lecturer at the Sibelius Academy and as a musician in ensembles such as Tuultenpesä and Sähköpaimen.