World Music School Helsinki

World Music School turns 10.

What began as an experiment in music education grew into something much wider: live events, folk dances with live music, international collaborations, the Open Mic / podcast, and now a new phase of expansion into Nepal.

Over the past decade, World Music School has worked to connect cultures through music not as a slogan, but as practice. We built events where different traditions meet in the same room. We created spaces where beginners and experienced musicians could learn together. We invited artists from many backgrounds to perform, speak, teach and share.

One important part of this journey has been the World Music School Open Mic, launched in 2020 with Helsinki Open Waves in Caisa. What started as a monthly live show became a polylingual platform where musicians could speak about their work, play music live, and be heard across borders.

And now, 10 years on, the story keeps growing. World Music School is entering a new chapter with stronger international links, including the development of work in Kathmandu and a broader network connecting Europe, Nepal and Portugal.

Thank you to all the musicians, dancers, guests, teachers, partners, volunteers, listeners, audiences and friends who have been part of this journey.

10 years behind us.
A lot still ahead.

Our first-ever event featuring Folk Dances with Live Music was in 2016 about Kurdish Iranian traditions, a powerful expression of unity, resilience, and collective joy through music and dance.

In the years that followed, in 2020, we continued this path by hosting a similar event focused on Palestinian music and dances, celebrating another rich cultural heritage.

Today, as conflicts continue to affect communities across the region, we stand with the families and people of Iran and Palestine.

We condemn the ongoing wars and the suffering they bring.

Through music, dance, and cultural exchange, we will continue to promote dialogue, understanding, and peace.




Caisa

Our first guest in 2020 of our podcast was Gian Majidi, an Iranian-Finnish singer and composer living in Finland. He shared music, stories, and reflections on cultural identity and artistic life.

At times when news from Iran is again filling the headlines, it feels important to remember the human side: artists, musicians, and communities who build bridges through culture.

Music reminds us that beyond politics and conflict, there are voices, traditions, and people connecting the world.

Listen to the episode here:
https://worldmusic.school/the-show/gian-majidi/

#1 Gian Majidi 07.10.2020An Iranian/Finnish singer, composer based in Helsinki. Gian has Kurdish background and speaks in different languages. He has a master’s degree in Global and classical music. He teaches singing in Sibelius academy and... Visit the post for more.

We had the honour of serving as a jury member at the U.S. National Air Guitar Championships. A great night celebrating creativity, performance, and the spirit of air guitar culture, which continues to connect people around the world.

Watch the awesome video of that event here by Paul Aibéo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJxk9m4B0i8

us air guitar championship 2025 US Air Guitar National Finals!!!San Francisco hosted the national finals for the first time since 2008. Regional Air Guitar Champions from twenty cities acro...

The World Music School met the Jazz Conservatory of Kathmandu with lots of plans of collaboration ahead :-)

We published a book on music:
Playful Music Exercises For Youth Professionals

Thank you Erasmus+ for the support. 🙂

We recorded today another podcast of the World Music School ( ) With a new co-host, Mayim Alpert together with the host Pedro Aibeo. Todays guest was the awesome Philip Holm!

The show will soon be online!

The World Music School (WMS) is forging new partnerships in Kathmandu with several local music institutions, exploring innovative teaching formats, cultural exchange programs, etc. Alongside these collaborations, WMS is restructuring its board and launching new digital platforms to strengthen its global network of teachers, students, and communities.

World Music School Builds New Bridges in Kathmandu: Global Collaboration and a New Phase Ahead The World Music School (WMS) is forging new partnerships in Kathmandu with several local music institutions, exploring innovative teaching formats, cultural exchange programs, etc. Alongside these …

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Air Guitar World Championships kicked off with Airientation, hosted for the second time at the World Music School AIR in Oulu. With over 100 participants, both local and international, the day once again proved how air guitar brings together community, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Airientation 2025: A New Tradition Continues at World Music School AIR Airientation 2025 brought over 100 people from around the world to World Music School AIR in Oulu for a full day of playful competition, cultural exchange, and community celebration. From hobby-hor…

from dropped a visit today to The World Music School Air and Gamified Cohousing Oulu, we will be having a sauna soon here! ☺️☺️