Lecturer Petri Komulainen: “I encourage all professional musicians to know the basics of orchestral or ensemble conducting”
In summer 2025, Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University courses on the basics of conducting a wind ensemble or an orchestra offer a solid foundation for a conductor’s skills. We interviewed the person in charge of the courses, Lecturer Petri Komulainen, and asked him to share more about the content and goals of the courses.
Do the course participants need to have previous experience in conducting?
“You can participate in either of the courses even if you have not conducted an orchestra or an ensemble before. We will go through beat patterns, basic techniques and score analysis and practise conducting an ensemble. What’s important is the participants’ own musical background and education. The participants may be currently working as teachers or musicians in different roles, for example.”
The wind ensemble conducting course provides skills for conducting wind music. How does the course help those who work with wind ensembles?
“You have to be able to read all the transpositions, and there’s plenty of those in wind music. I will also give tips for joint orchestra warm-up rehearsals, and we will go through the special characteristics of different instruments. The conducting technique is the same on both courses, so you can actually participate in both.”
What has been the most rewarding thing about these courses as a teacher?
“Every day when we wrap up, we have a joint moment of reflection when the students go through what they have learned and when they get to ask me questions. The most rewarding thing is to see how students learn and evolve so quickly and the fact that I’m able to take their different skill levels into account. Some participants may be beginners while some are advanced, but I can give them all new ideas to help them grow.”
What is the atmosphere like on the course?
“Naturally, we have fun together, and joy and laughter are integral to our classes. I also know how to challenge students if I notice that they have the readiness to handle pressure and willingness to learn in that way. Overall, though, both courses definitely have a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone also plays in the ensemble when they’re not conducting. So you bring your own instrument and get to know the parts a bit in advance.”
If someone is still debating if they dare to sign up for the course, what would you say as encouragement? Why is it worth taking advantage of this opportunity?
“I encourage all professional musicians to learn how to conduct at least at a basic level. Situations may come up when you have to hold part rehearsals or lead an ensemble, for example. It’s worth it to just jump in and study the conducting pieces as well as possible in advance so that you can focus on the hands-on practising of conducting on the course, which will also make playing in the ensemble feel easier. In the motivation letter, students should write about their previous studies, work as a professional musician and their motivation to learn about conducting.”
Pursue new paths – apply for conducting courses by 22 April!
The courses on the basics of conducting an orchestra and a wind ensemble will be available in the summer of 2025. Applications for all courses are submitted through Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University application process between 4 and 22 April.
From 24 to 28 August 2025, Atso Almila will lead a conducting course for students who want to learn more about hand motor skills, conducting techniques and ensemble rehearsals through exercises of various demand levels. The course offers a versatile cross-section of the work of a conductor.
Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University offers a versatile selection of studies in music, fine arts, theatre and dance as well as various studies in entrepreneurship and career skills. Studies at the Open University are an opportunity to see what university-level studies in the arts are like, to expand professional skills and to discover a new inspiring activity in the arts under the tutelage of the best possible experts.
Uniarts Helsinki’s alumni who have graduated after 1 August 2020 can complement their studies free of charge at Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University. Read more about the continued right to study.