Oboe lecturer Emmanuel Laville finds it a treat to teach at Uniarts Helsinki
Working at the Uniarts Helsinki series introduces employees who work in various roles, enabling students to grow into high-quality, broad-minded artists and change agents.
Emmanuel Laville begun as the lecturer in oboe playing at the Sibelius Academy, Uniarts Helsinki in August 2020. He has a vast bacground in orchestra playing around Europe, after studying in his native France.
Who are you, where do you come from and what do you do at Uniarts Helsinki?
I am a strange creature who is just obsessed with music in general, and oboe in particular. I grew up in the south of France, but it was too hot down there, so I decided to move up north! First to Paris for my studies at the Conservatoire, then to Glasgow for my first position as Principal Oboe of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, to finally land in Stockholm where I currently play with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. At Uniarts, I am Oboe lecturer since August 2020.
What made you decide to apply for a job at Uniarts Helsinki?
How would you not apply for a job at this internationally reknowned University? I always had in the back of my mind to take more responsibility in leaving on a piece of the little knowledge that I have to younger generations. To be able to do this at Uniarts is a treat.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part is meeting the students. They are probably not aware of it, but I learn so much from them!
What is the best aspect of working at Uniarts Helsinki and at the Sibelius Academy, in particular?
Sibelius Academy is located in the very heart of the city. This gives a vibrant energy to the University and shows a clear message to the people of Helsinki: Culture is a crucial part of our heritage. One cannot ignore it. And I must confess, Sibelius is most probably my favourite composer, ever! (Yes, it is true!)
How would you define yourself as a teacher – what do you think are the most important qualities?
I try to lend my ears to the students, and hope this will help them open up their own.
What are your experiences of our students and Uniarts Helsinki so far – compared to your previous career?
Our oboe class is very international, including students from all over the Globe. They are constantly using their different backgrounds to inspire each other and stimulate positive exchanges.
This has been a strange year for all of us. What are your experiences on working during the COVID pandemic?
In this difficult times, I have been able to come to the campus and physically teach only on one occasion this term. Most of my lessons have happened online. This has forced us to become more creative and efficient, and to listen to what we do in a more precise way.
About Uniarts Helsinki
Uniarts Helsinki is an open meeting place for the arts – an ambitious university community for bold reformers and experts in tradition. We cultivate a unique environment that helps artists grow and strengthens the power of art as a driver of change. Uniarts Helsinki is among the leading performing arts universities in the world, and it is comprised of the Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy and Theatre Academy. We have about 2,000 students and about 700 full-time equivalent employees.
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