The Finnish Association of Music Schools (SML) is the national umbrella organisation for Finland’s music schools. With 100 member institutions across the country, SML represents both music schools and conservatories — 89 music institutes and 11 conservatories – stretching from our southernmost city far into the arctic Lapland and from the eastern frontier to the west coast of the country. Our members are maintained by 55 municipalities or joint municipal authorities and 45 private associations, reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness of the Finnish music education landscape.
SML’s core mission is to ensure that everyone in Finland has the right and opportunity to access high-quality music education. We promote music as a meaningful part of life – one that enhances learning, supports mental well-being, encourages creativity, and contributes to social equality. Music education strengthens communities, improves quality of life, and creates cultural value for individuals and society alike.
As an association, SML serves its members by providing guidance, advocacy, and development tools. We support educational leadership, pedagogical innovation, and organisational quality. We work closely with public authorities and cultural institutions to promote the interests of music education in national policy, and we maintain an active dialogue with municipalities to ensure proper facilities, funding, and visibility for our members.
Our work is rooted in values of equality, collaboration, and regional accessibility. Member schools are committed to long-term efforts in ensuring equal opportunities. This can happen through scholarships, fee reductions, flexible payment options, instrument lending, and accessible programming. These measures not only increase participation, but also help prevent exclusion, especially among children and young people.
SML also fosters professional community and knowledge-sharing across the sector. Through events, thematic years, surveys, and projects, we support collaboration between schools and offer platforms for exchange among teachers, administrators, and cultural stakeholders. Our publications and communications keep members informed and inspired.
In addition to its social and cultural value, music education also brings economic and regional benefits. Member institutions are often major local employers, concert producers, and cultural hubs as they are generating tax revenue, events, and visibility for the communities they serve. Every euro invested in children’s and youth music activities comes back many times over in well-being, vitality, and long-term societal impact.
SML is proud to represent this network of institutions that do uncompromising, high-quality work throughout Finland. We believe that music belongs to everyone — and we work every day to ensure that this belief is a reality in practice.
Internationally SML is a member of the European Music School Union (EMU) and Nordic Music School Union (NMKU).
Contact us:
Finnish Association of Music Schools
Sandelsinkatu 10 C 40
00260 Helsinki
sml[at]musicedu.fi
Managing director
Olli-Pekka Martikainen
Tel. +358 45 7877 1787
olli-pekka.martikainen[at]musicedu.fi
Association secretary
Minna Vallgren
Tel. +358 45 7873 6267 (Monday to Thursday)
liittosihteeri[at]musicedu.fi
Communications specialist
Mikko Kapanen
Tel. +358 45 7873 6268 (Monday to Thursday)
mikko.kapanen[at]musicedu.fi
