This article reveals the results of a comparative study of Estonian and Finnish general music education. The aim was to find out what music teaching practices and approaches/methods were mostly used, what music education perspectives supported those practices. The data were collected using questionnaires and the results of 107 Estonian and 50 Finnish music teachers' answers were examined using quantitative analysis. The results showed that singing has an exceptional role in Estonian music education as well as the minor importance of teaching elementary music theory in Finland. There are also significant connections between music teachers' music educational knowledge and music activities used in both countries.

Curriculum development for general comprehensive and also vocational schools needs consideration of the context, in which availability of non-formal and informal education (extracurricular activities=EA) plays an important role forming a meaningful whole with formal education. This pilot study attempted to find out what motivates students (aged 13–15) for participation and teachers organizing/supervising these activities. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires for students (n=258), focus groups of students (n=4), and interviews with teachers (n=8) which provided preliminary data for comprehension of the meaning of EA. The data were processed statistically and by content analysis. The results highlighted several important issues which should be considered when selecting and organizing the content for designing subject syllabi for formal learning specified in national curricula (NC) under changed learning environments, especially considering those created by ICT. Students mentioned the following factors: development of students’ self-awareness about ones abilities, acquisition of new knowledge a and skills, but also new friends and wider social contacts, new experience and satisfaction with creative work. The teachers mentioned students’ additional knowledge and skills they can use in their formal studies at school and engagement in activities widening their cultural horizons. EA can also provide material for decision-making for students’ potential choices for future education.

This article discusses the five-string kantele as an example of the Finnish national heritage, a school instrument and an example of sustainable design. A qualitative case study was made by collecting the data from the Finnish students – prospective teachers – and the sixth form pupils, who had designed and carved their own five-string kanteles. The purpose of this research was to find out which aspects of five-string kantele design are considered the most important for sustainable principles and design among these youngsters. As results, the elements and principles of designing the five-string kantele are discussed and its relevance to five sustainable characteristics (creative, ecological, economic, aesthetic and socio-environmental) is presented. The sustainable values of the kantele and the purpose for which it is made are also considered.

At present, the idea of teacher professional development is widely highlighted in education. The present qualitative study examines whether coteaching in collaboration between music lecturers at two universities could enable their professional development and improve student learning. Our study consisted of piano courses in two independent primary school teacher education programs. In this conceptual work, it appears that the definitions of coteaching also allow a distant collaborative professional development of the two music lecturers. The main challenges were identified as access to a shared physical space and a common group of students, which could be diminished using digitalization.

In Finland, music subject is part of National Core Curriculum and in the primary school stage (grades 1-6) usually taught by primary school teachers. To assure instruction of music education on a highly professional level, pre-service teachers are taught piano course as part of music didactics.This article reports findings of the pilot study carried out as part of ArcTop research project between University of Lapland and University of Helsinki to develop and improve primary school teacher education in both institutions. Students' expectations and reflections are  examined through the lens of self-efficacy theory by Bandura (1977, 1986, 1997).The data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire to find out students experiences in piano playing and music reading as well as their self-reflections about the learning process. The answers (n = 97) were processed statistically and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results revealed that  most of the participants (n = 64) were inexperienced in piano playing. At the same time they were highly motivated and eager to learn and practice. The students also mentioned the lack of  elementary music literacy knowledge and the insufficient number of contact lessons which give grounds for making further arrangements in the curriculum.