Private Conducting Lessons with Sasha Mäkilä
Finnish Conducting School offers individual conducting lessons and mentoring for conductors at all stages of their development — from beginners taking their first steps in conducting to advanced students and professional conductors preparing for specific artistic or career challenges.
Lessons are tailored to the individual needs of each student. Possible areas of work include conducting technique, score study, rehearsal technique, interpretation, repertoire preparation, video analysis, preparation for auditions, competitions and masterclasses, as well as career advice and professional mentoring.
FCS Online Studio
Online lessons provide a flexible way to work regularly with Sasha Mäkilä from anywhere in the world.
Sessions may focus on conducting technique, score preparation, interpretation, rehearsal strategy, video analysis, career planning, or any other area relevant to the student’s current work.
Online Studio packages
5 × 60-minute lessons: €500
The package is valid for six months from the first lesson.
Introductory package for new students
3 × 60-minute lessons: €250
The introductory package is available to students who have not previously studied privately with Sasha Mäkilä and is valid for three months from the first lesson.
The introductory package is intended as an opportunity to establish a working relationship, identify areas for development, and experience the FCS approach before committing to further regular study.
Single Online Mentoring Sessions
For conductors looking for a single consultation rather than ongoing private study, Sasha Mäkilä also serves as a mentor in the International Conductors Guild Mentorship Program.
The program is available as a membership benefit to active members of the International Conductors Guild and is designed for focused mentoring on particular questions or professional issues.
https://www.internationalconductorsguild.org
https://www.internationalconductorsguild.org/mentorship-program
In-person Lessons in Helsinki
Private in-person lessons are available in central Helsinki.
Sessions can be arranged either as:
One-to-one conducting lessons, focusing on technique, score study, interpretation, preparation and mentoring;
or
Conducting sessions with a rehearsal pianist, allowing the student to work on repertoire in a practical conducting setting.
Price on request. The fee depends on the length and format of the session and on whether a rehearsal pianist is required.
What Can We Work On?
Lessons can be adapted to the student’s current level, repertoire and professional goals. Topics may include:
- conducting technique and physical communication
- score study and preparation
- rehearsal technique and rehearsal planning
- interpretation and musical decision-making
- orchestral, operatic and concerto repertoire
- working with soloists
- preparation for conducting masterclasses
- preparation for auditions and competitions
- analysis of conducting videos
- development of practice methods between lessons
- career planning and professional development
- individual mentoring on studies, projects and the conducting profession
Students are encouraged to bring specific repertoire, recordings, scores, questions or upcoming professional challenges to the lessons.
Who Are the Lessons For?
Private lessons are open to conductors at all levels.
Beginners are welcome, including musicians who are considering conducting studies or would like to develop a solid technical foundation before attending their first masterclass.
Lessons are equally suitable for conducting students, emerging professionals and established musicians who want focused work on particular repertoire, technical questions, auditions, competitions, rehearsals or career development.
The content and pace of the lessons are always adapted to the individual student.
Booking and Enquiries
To enquire about lessons, please contact:
Sasha Mäkilä
Artistic Director
Finnish Conducting School
sasha (at) sashamakila.com
When contacting us, please briefly describe your conducting background, what you would like to work on, and whether you are interested in online or in-person lessons.