Project Overview

The foundation of the Oulunsalo Fiddlers‘ (Oulunsalon Näppärit) approach is based on “näppäripedagogiikka,” a folk music-based educational philosophy developed by Kaustinen musician and violinist Mauno Järvelä. The method emerged alongside Finland’s traditional classical music-dominated education system. According to this approach, music-making should be a natural part of daily life and interaction, emphasizing that expanding music hobbies brings a broad and inclusive relationship with music to everyone. It encourages musicians of all ages and skill levels to play together.

Sinikka Ala-Leppilampi, the executive artistic director of the Hailuoto Music Festival, studied violin under Järvelä and witnessed the development of the method in the 1980s in Kaustinen. She has since carried on the tradition, working with children and youth in the Oulu region. The Oulunsalo Fiddlers have performed at the opening concerts of the Hailuoto Music Festival over the years.