I am a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the CERADA research center and Research Institute of the University of the Arts Helsinki, Finland. I earned a Master´s degree in Music Education in 2004 (including pedagogical studies for subject teachers, 60 ECTS), Music Therapy degree in 2008 and Further Qualification Certification in entrepreneurship & well-being in 2018.

 

My doctoral dissertation was finalised in June, 2022. Beyond these, I have a Certificate in Educational Administration granted by the Finnish National Agency for Education, providing qualification for school principals and other leading positions.

 

I work as part-time researcher and teacher at Uniarts Helsinki Sibelius Academy Doctoral Programme and Research Centre, where I am for example responsible of the partnership of an Erasmus+ funded project called Co-Connecting Early Childhood Music Education – Towards Systems Thinking in European Music Institutions (CC ECME 2025–2028). From 2025,, I am a co-editor-in-chief of The Finnish Journal of Music Education (FJME).

 

Other research and development projects I have contributed to lately include Performing the Political: Public Pedagogy in Higher Music Education, Economic Evaluation of Cultural Health and Wellbeing (ArtWell), Kreativ personcentrerad vårdkonst, and Remote Music Therapy Services in Intensive Medical Rehabilitation -project.

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At the moment I serve as the Secretary General of a national social and healthcare NGO called The Finnish White Ribbon Union.  I have led as a CEO my own music therapy clinic in 2008–2022, as well as worked in international and national NGO environments since early 2000´s. I also served as a Chairman of the Board (2012–2019), and CEO & HR manager (2019–2022) in early private early childhood services in Lastentalo Hyvätuuli Ltd, emphasizing music and ecological education.

 

In addition, As CEO of Tarumusiikki Ltd (2008–2023), I ran a music therapy clinic and research consultation center, providing music therapy services for KELA (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland), hospital districts, and other public and private clients.

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I have extensive experience in teaching, applying wide range of socially engaged music and interdisciplinary arts practices in education and healthcare, as well as organizing and leading public health and other projects for children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens. 

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During my doctoral research project I was affiliated with the ArtsEqual Research Consortium (The Arts as a Public Service: Strategic Steps towards Equality) funded by the Academy of the Finland and Center for Educational Research and Academic Development (CERADA). My work contributed especially to the work of Arts in health, welfare and care research group.​

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As a researcher I am interested in the interdisciplinary area(s) of arts in health, cultural well-being and public health. My research interests include also hybrid working and learning environments, health promotion and social justice issues.

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