Jamiluokka Creates Pathways into Professional Life for Young Jazz Musicians – Norppa Tours in October

Jamiluokka (‘Jam Class’), a joint project by the Finnish Jazz Federation, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences’ Music programme, the Jazz Music Department of the Sibelius Academy at the University of the Arts Helsinki and UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, is developing a new model for collaboration and touring to support the sustainable professional growth of new generations of musicians. Funded by the Alfred Kordelin Foundation, the project brings music professionals and students together through concerts, jam sessions and workshops across Finland. In October, Norppa will embark on a Jamiluokka tour with a programme celebrating the ongoing Jazz in Finland 100 anniversary year.

Jam sessions play a central role in jazz musicians’ development, providing opportunities to learn through playing, meet other musicians and exchange musical ideas. Jamiluokka incorporates this tradition into a new operating model in which the resources and expertise of a music organisation, a professional orchestra and higher music education complement one another.

The aim is to provide young musicians with authentic professional experiences: opportunities to perform alongside leading professionals and to build networks that are important for their careers. At the same time, the project strengthens access to jazz nationwide by bringing concerts and jam sessions beyond the Helsinki metropolitan area.

– Jamiluokka offers students a unique opportunity to grow as musicians in a real-world professional environment and as part of a vibrant jazz community. Collaboration with jazz institutions strengthens their professional skills, helps them build valuable networks and brings together musicians from different generations. At the same time, students have the opportunity to play an active role in shaping and renewing the future of Finnish jazz, says Kirsi Kaunismäki-Suhonen, Head of Culture and Music at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Norppa Takes Its Tour to Four Cities 

Norppa, an ensemble comprising music professionals and students, will embark on its Jamiluokka tour from 6 to 9 October, visiting Helsinki, Savonlinna, Outokumpu and Kajaani.
In the spirit of the Jazz in Finland 100 anniversary year, Norppa will perform Finnish jazz by composers from different generations alongside original compositions by members of the ensemble. The line-up features trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski, pianist Sonja Kaipainen, bassist Ape Anttila and drummer Joonatan Naumanen.

– It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to perform Finnish jazz compositions with Norppa. I’m especially looking forward to meeting new people in places that are less familiar to me, such as Kajaani and Outokumpu, says pianist Sonja Kaipainen, a student at the Sibelius Academy.

Alongside the concerts, encounters with local musicians and music students play an important role in the tour. In Helsinki and Savonlinna, Norppa’s concerts will be followed by jam sessions open to everyone, while in Kajaani the ensemble will hold a workshop for students at a local music institute.

Concert venues and dates:
6.10 at 19:30 – Helsinki, Restaurant Harju 8
7.10. at 18:00 – Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari / Olavin Jazz ry
8.10. at 18:00 – Outokumpu, Kulttuuritalo Marita
9.10. at 19:00 – Kajaani, Kaukametsä Congress and Cultural Centre

Jamiluokka’s Goals Extend Beyond the Tours 

Jamiluokka is developing a permanent nationwide model for collaboration that supports young musicians in making the transition from education to professional life while improving access to jazz across Finland.

At the same time, the project promotes a more sustainable and equitable working culture. Touring ensembles receive professional guidance from the project’s partner, the Finnish Musicians’ Union, as well as training in engaging with different audiences. The project is also developing ways to lower the threshold for musicians from different backgrounds and with varying levels of experience to take part in jam sessions.

Alongside well-known jazz classics, Jamiluokka’s programmes highlight composers and perspectives that have previously received less attention. The aim is to present a more diverse and multifaceted picture of jazz, both past and present, for musicians and audiences alike.

Photo: Teemu Mattsson

The year 2026 marks 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland aboard the Andania ship. The centenary celebration, Jazz in Finland 100, will highlight Finnish jazz and its artists at home and abroad, recognising jazz as an integral part of Finland’s cultural heritage. The Jazz in Finland 100 campaign is coordinated by the Finnish Jazz Federation.