Jazz Camp for Girls in Espoo this February

Jazz Camp for Girls is expanding to Espoo. April Jazz, in collaboration with Espoo Music Institute’s pop/jazz department Ebeli, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, and the Finnish Jazz Federation, will organize a music camp for young girls at Ebeli’s facilities from February 16–19, 2025. The Jazz Camp for Girls concept was launched by JazzDanmark in 2014, with the first camp in Finland organized by the Finnish Jazz Federation in 2022 in Pori. The program expanded to Turku the following year, and now to Espoo.

Jazz Camp for Girls is all about fun and making music together

The goal of Jazz Camp for Girls is to inspire young girls to explore rhythmic music. Jazz, in particular, has long been male-dominated, with women often taking on vocalist roles in bands. This camp offers an inspiring and safe environment where girls can try out different instruments, play in a band, and compose music.

Suitable for beginners and experienced players alike

During the camp, participants will form their own band, come up with a name, create their own music, and play together. Over four days (February 16–19, 2025), music will be learned through improvisation and new approaches to playing. The camp will conclude with a final concert on Wednesday, February 19, at 12:00 PM.

The camp is open to girls and those who identify as girls, primarily aged 9–13, though the age range is flexible. No prior experience with an instrument is required. Bands of 6–8 participants will be formed, combining both beginners and more experienced players.

The instructors for the camp are award-winning double bassist and composer Kaisa Mäensivu and renowned woodwind specialist, composer, and UMO saxophonist Max Zenger. The teaching language is Finnish. Classes will take place daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Ebeli (Ahertajantie 6, 02100 Espoo).

The camp is free of charge

The camp is free of charge, and registration is open until January 30, 2025, or until all spots are filled. Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can register (in Finnish) for the Espoo camp here.

In 2025, Jazz Camp for Girls is supported by the Nordic Culture Fund and the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture through a special grant for innovative children’s culture projects.

Photo: Tomi Harrivaara