Stina in English
I am a Finnish music educator and big band conductor. I am fascinated by reading, learning new things, and exploring various qualitative phenomena. I am at my best when working in diverse environments and communities where every workday is unique. I enjoy working on projects that combine multiple art forms. My area of special expertise is group teaching.
CV
By education, I am both a Master of Education and a Master of Culture and Arts. I studied in Oulu and Tampere. I have spent half of my career working in Helsinki and the other half in South Karelia. Initially, I worked as a music class teacher and music teacher in comprehensive schools. Subsequently, I taught saxophone, flute and piano at music institutes and worked for seven years as an assistant principal and as a producer for a children's rhythm music project.
Services
As an entrepreneur, I offer fresh perspectives on learning, teaching, and performing music. I work as a guest conductor and trainer for amateur orchestras. I also give lectures on topics related to leadership and creative work. In addition, I teach and perform, and I am available for commissions involving musical arrangements and educational materials.
Videos
I play a wide range of instruments. I create multi-track videos to showcase them, and I also make various music videos with my friends. Welcome to dive into the world of my primary and secondary instruments.
Blog
This is the blog of a quiet observer and a curious wonderer. If a post or image sparks any thoughts, feel free to send me a message. The most important thing in life is to notice the good.
Top 10
Darts is exciting because hitting the bullseye varies; sometimes, it doesn't even pay to aim for the center. In rhythm music, for instance, it is often better to aim for the twos and fours. The recommendations on Top 10 page change frequently, and some may be a bit more niche—but one person's miss is another's treasure.
News
My friend Olli Suikkanen has drawn some great maps. On the news page, you can follow where I’m traveling and what I’m doing.
Research
I have developed a four-stage pedagogical model for my work as a conductor. I teach improvisation to orchestral musicians in a group performance setting, fostering the development of the members' interaction skills and strengthening the group's sense of community. While the model was designed for the needs of big band musicians, it is easily adaptable to various types of orchestras and other forms of teaching music to groups.
At the starting point, the aim is to spark interest and ensure everyone finds a way to connect with the topic. The necessary musical terminology is reviewed with the participants, with everyone playing their own instruments. At this stage, it is important to maintain a light and relaxed atmosphere.
The second phase focuses on working with rhythm in such a way that the note does not need to be changed frequently. The individual stands out slightly from the group, as the work proceeds section by section first, and then each person takes a turn.
In the third stage, harmony is built and the use of various dynamics is practiced. The individual does not stand out from the group; instead, the aim is to achieve a unified collective sound.
The fourth stage requires more courage from the player, as the goal is to construct one's own melody. This is initially done within very limited parameters, eventually progressing toward longer melodies. Through this stage, players learn the importance of the musical phrase and gain ideas on how to shape the flow of the music.
Stina Myllys
Master of Education
Master of Culture and Arts
Teaching | saxophone, flute and band instruments
Conducting | Vuoksi Big Band
Pedagogy of group music instruction and projects that combine multiple art forms
