Music Program

Music program in Estonia

Estonians are very keen on music and singing. The tradition goes back to many-many centuries as if existing forever. In Estonia we also speak about the Singing Revolution, back in the 1980ies, just before our independence from the Soviet Union was regained. Every fifth year one of the greatest music festivities in the whole world takes place in this small country called Estonia, where singers and dancers all over Estonia and other countries as well get together in Tallinn to dance and sing for two days. In 2003 the Estonian Singing and Dancing Festival (the so-called Song Festival) was taken into the UNESCO list of immaterial culture heritage. As a small nation we can be proud of our singing and music traditions and that is what we would like to share by giving an opportunity for exchange students to discover our world of music while coming to Estonia for one year.

The students interested in the music program study in secondary schools in Tallinn, Tartu or other places that have specialized in music studies. For example, the music studies in Tallinn Music High School consist of optional subjects like music theory, different instruments (the piano, violin, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, etc), solfeggio, performance audition or participating in choirs and orchestras. In addition, you have to be aware of that it is compulsory to attend general high school lessons as well (such as mathematics, history, the Estonian language and literature, English or Russian, biology, geography, physics, etc.). To choose a music program being an exchange student is a big challenge, but it is also a nice opportunity to improve your skills during the exchange year and experience the way Estonians teach and study music. It is also your chance to share your own culture with others.
Sometimes it is common that the schools organize some music camps in autumn or during the spring time for their students. If so, such camps usually require an extra participation fee.

In the Estonian school system it is important to pay attention to all subjects, not just tp music or other subjects the students might be keen on. So students who want to come to Estonia have to realize that they have to study hard and take schoolwork seriously. But the level of education is high and if a student wants to contribute, the teachers are happy to help them and give their best to develop the student's skills.

To apply for the music program we also need to have examples of the student's previous works. At least one CD showing your skills and level in music and a written description of your music studies and experience to date.
If you are keen on music and you want to improve your skills during your exchange year aboard, then this is just the perfect opportunity for you to attend our music program!

Additional information about the Music Program:

Diina Tuulik
Inbound coordinator, YFU Estonia
E-mail: diina@yfu.ee