Eeva Siljamäki
ORCID-ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5626-5786
eevasilja (@) gmail.com
accepted
Siljamäki, E. (2026). Pedagogical Reorientation in Arts Education: Teacher Negotiations of Improvisation and Vulnerability. Research in Arts and Education, [in press].
2026
Siljamäki, E. (2026). Fostering creative well-being and social sustainability through improvisation in school music. Journal of Applied Arts and Health, 17, 229-243. https://doi.org/10.1386/jaah_00240_1
2026
Siljamäki, E., Kivijärvi, S., Saarikallio, S., & Stolp, E. (2026). Student ecologies in Finnish compulsory music education: a case study in upper-secondary school. Finnish Journal of Music Education, 29(1), 8-23.
2025
Siljamäki, E. (2025). Kun pakollinen muuttuu merkitykselliseksi – mitä lukiolaiset kertovat musiikintunneista [When the compulsory becomes meaningful: what do upper secondary school students say about music lessons]? Musiikkikasvatusseuran kuukauden kolumni. https://fisme.fi/fismen-kolumni-kun-pakollinen-muuttuu-merkitykselliseksi-mita-lukiolaiset-kertovat-musiikintunneista/
2025
Siljamäki, Eeva (2025). Social art. Art Pro Finland - resource bank [website]. https://artpro.uniarts.fi/en/material/social-art/
2024
Siljamäki, Eeva (2024). Osallistumisen mahdollistaminen laajentuvan muusikkouden viitekehyksessä [Enabling participation in the framework of expanding musicianship]. Teoksessa Sanna Kivijärvi (Ed.) Kohtaamisia musiikin maailmassa – Pedagogiset ja vuorovaikutukselliset valmiudet yleisötyössä [Encounters in music – pedagogical and interactional competencies in audience outreach work] (pp. 18-29). OIVA-series 67. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-328-451-7
2023
Lehikoinen, K. & Siljamäki, E. (2023). Socially Engaged Arts (SEA) Practices: Key Skills and Capabilities. Research in Arts Education, 3, 8-26. https://doi.org/10.54916/rae.130211
2023
Siljamäki, E. (2023). Sosiaalista kestävyyttä improvisaatiopedagogiikkaa soveltaen [Improvisation pedagogy for social sustainability]. In H. Partti & M.-L. Juntunen (Eds.) Musiikkikasvatus muutoksessa [Music education in change] (pp. 403-428). DocMus publications, University of the Arts Helsinki. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-329-321-2
2022
Treß, J., Schunter, J., Siljamäki, E., MacGlone, U. & Lage Gomez, C. (2022). European Perspectives on Improvisation in Music Education: Five Empirical Studies at a Glance. In T. Buchborn, T. De Baets, G. Brunner & S. Schmid (Toim.) Music Is What People Do – Perspectives on Music (Education) as a Praxis. European Perspectives on Music Education 11 (s. 125-138). Hebling. https://doi.org/10.25656/01:30471
2021
Siljamäki, E. (2021). Free improvisation in choral settings: An ecological perspective. Research Studies in Music Education, 44(1), 234–256. https://doi.org/10.1177/1321103X20985314
2021
Siljamäki, E. (2021). Plural possibilities of improvisation in music education: An ecological perspective on choral improvisation and wellbeing. Lectio praecursoria. Finnish Journal of Music Education, 24(2), 152–157.
2021
Siljamäki, E. (2021). Plural possibilities of improvisation in music education: an ecological perspective on choral improvisation and wellbeing. Doctoral dissertation, Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. Studia musica 86. http://urn.fi /URN:ISBN:978-952-329-241-3
2021
Siljamäki, E. (2021). Improvisoiden muutosjoustavuutta työelämään - Artsmend-palvelumallin kehittäminen [Improvising for social resilience – Developing Artsmend service model]. Master’s thesis, Turku University fo Applied Sciences. https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021110519323
2021
Siljamäki, E. (2021). Improvisaation moninaisuus musiikkikasvatuksessa - katsaus tutkimukseen ja tulevaisuuteen [Plurality of improvisation in music education – research review and future directions]. Finnish Journal of Music Education, 24(1), 90–99.
2021
Siljamäki, E. (2021). Oppimista ja hyvinvointia kuoroimprovisaatiossa - laadukas vuorovaikutus monipuolisen potentiaalin ytimessä [Learning and well-being in choral improvisation- quality interaction at the heart of multifaceted potential]. Bulletin, 2, 4–6.
2020
Siljamäki, E., & Kanellopoulos, P. A. (2020). Mapping visions of improvisation pedagogy in music education research. Research Studies in Music Education, 42(1), 113–139. https://doi.org/10.1177/1321103X19843003
2020
Backer Johnsen, H., Capponi-Savolainen, A., Choi, S., Fornhammar, L., Jääskeläinen, T., Kallio, A., Kamensky, H., Keskinen, K., Kivijärvi, S., Koivisto, T-A., Lamminmäki, N., Lehtinen-Schnabel, J., Mesiä, S., Miettinen, L., Siljamäki, E., Snellman, A., Thomson, K., Timonen, V., Treacy, D., Tuovinen, T. & Vallenius, L. (2020). Collaboratively Navigating Liminality in Music Education Doctoral Studies. In T. Laes & L. Hautsalo (Eds.) Remarks on a Visionary’s Journey: An Anthology Celebrating Heidi Westerlund. Sibelius Academy Publications 18. Helsinki: Hansaprint, 194–220.
2019
Siljamäki, E. (2019). Vapaa kuoroimprovisaatio pedagogisena ilmiönä [Free choral improvisation as a pedagogical phenomenon]. FiSME:n kuukauden kolumni. https://fisme.fi/kuukauden-kolumnit/komunit2019/vapaa-kuoroimprovisaatio-pedagogisena-ilmiona/
2017
Siljamäki, E. (2017). Voiko maalausta käyttää nuottina? Näin Eeva loi syntymän hetkeä kuvaavan improvisaatioteoksen [Can a painting be a musical score? How Eeva created an improvised piece depicting the moment of birth]. Sabrina ja Saarten tyttäret -blogi. https://www.saartentyttaret.com/blogi
2016
Siljamäki, E. (2016). Tänään en pelkää enää niin kovasti, että he menevät rikki -ammattietiikkaa taiteen, pedagogiikan ja hyvinvoinnin rajapinnalla [“Today, I’m no longer so afraid that they will break”: Professional ethics at the intersection of art, pedagogy, and well-being]. Equally well -blogi, ArtsEqual-hanke, Taideyliopisto.
2016
Siljamäki, E. (2016). Pelkäätkö erilaisuutta? - Kokeile hyväksymistä [Are you afraid of diference? Try accepting]. Equally well -blogi, ArtsEqual-hanke, Taideyliopisto.
2016
Jansson, S.-M., Westerlund, H. & Siljamäki, E. (2016). Taide sosiaalisena oppimismuotona – opiskelijoiden kokemuksia jännittämisestä [Art as a form of social learning - students experiences of social anxiety]. Aikuiskasvatus, 36(1), 37–49. https://doi.org/10.33336/aik.88473
2013
Siljamäki, E. & Koskela, M. (2013). Voimaantumista, vuorovaikutusta ja marginaalien ääniä – neljäs kansainvälinen musiikkikasvatuksen narratiivisen tutkimuksen konferenssi Helsingissä [Empowerment, interaction and voices from the margins – forth international conference of narrative research in music education in Helsinki]. Finnish Journal fo Music Educarion, 15(2), 95–97.
2013
Siljamäki, E. (2013). Suomen improvisaatiokuoro: Teatteri-improvisaatio yhteistoiminnallisen musiikin luomisen menetelmänä kuorossa [The Finnish Improvisation Choir: theatre improvis as a method for collaborative music-making in a choir. Musiikin suunta 35(2), 35–45.
2003
Siljamäki, E. (2003) Luovuuden lukko – Kahden Sibelius-Akatemian opiskelijan kokemuksia improvisaatiosta [The creative block: Two Sibelius Academy students’ experiences of improvisation ]. Matser’s thesis, Sibelius Academy.
2026. “Whose Music Education? Conditions for Participation and Pedagogical Rethinking”, Invited talk and panel contribution as part of the Spring Seminar in Art Education. Art Education Observatory and the Finnish Society for Research in Art Education (STTS). 18.5.2026.
2025. Improvisaatiosta hyvinvointia [improvisation for well-being]. Invited podcast guest in Suomen musiikkioppilaitosten liiton Selvät sävelet podcast. 9.10.2025.
2025. “From uncertainty to opportunity: Embracing creativity and social change professionally” Keynote-puhe. Mahdollisuuksien maisemia, Metropolia ammttikorkeakoulu, Helsinki, 20.10.2025
2023. “Four ways of changing the world of work for artists” Kutsupuheenvuoro paneelikeskustelussa. A/curated conversation/ on: New perspective on art economy: Expanding perceptions of the framework of art, a/nordi/c & Nordisk Kulturfond, Reykjavik, Islanti, 17.–18.4.2023.
2023. “Improvisation as Transformational Momentum.” Invited Keynote in the webinar Pedagogy of Improvisation, organized by the Opinkirjo Development Centre. Livestreamed on 27.3.2023.
2022. “Visions and affordances of improvisation. A holistic approach.” Kutsupuheenvuoro paneelissa. Erfahrungsraum Improvisation [“Improvisation as a Space for Experience”]. 7th Symposium at the Exploratorium Berlin (online), 29.1.2022.
2021. “Improvisation in Music Education: An Ecological Perspective.” Invited panel speaker in the Possibilities of Improvisation webinar, organized by the Opinkirjo Development Centre. Livestreamed on 30.3.2021.
2026. ”Fostering well-being, equity, and improvisation in compulsory school music education - A Finnish perspective on teachers’ professional development” Vertaisarvioitu tutkimusesitelmä. 37th World Conference for the International Society for Music Education (ISME), Motréal, Kanada, 26.-31.7.2026.
2026. ”Inclusive choirs as public pedagogy for sustainable futures” Vertaisarvioitu tutkimusesitelmä osana symposiumia. 37th World Conference for the International Society for Music Education (ISME), Motréal, Kanada, 26.-31.7.2026.
2026. "Negotiating improvisation and wellbeing at the edges of institutional norms in schools". Refereed presentation. Arts in Action - Itches & Edges in Art and Arts Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway, 10.-12.6.2026.
2025. “‘Täyttä kidutusta’, ‘rentoutumista’ vai ‘luovaa ilmaisua’: Merkityksellisyys ja hyvinvoinnin tukeminen koulujen musiikinopetuksessa”. Refereed presentation. Kasvatustieteenpäivät, Rovaniemi, 5.–7.11.2025.
2025. “Positionality in teaching improvisation” (MacGlone, U. & Siljamäki, E.). Refereed workshop. 32nd European Association of Music in Schools (EAS) Conference, Evora, Portugal, 4.–7.6.2025.
2025. “Free vocal play – an interdisciplinary approach to improvisation.” Refereed workshop. 32nd European Association of Music in Schools (EAS) Conference, Evora, Portugal, 4.–7.6.2025.
2025. “Improvisation as transformational momentum for equity and safety in school community.” Tutkimusposteri.. 32nd European Association of Music in Schools (EAS) Conference, Evora, Portugali, 4.–7.6.2025
2025. “School music education and social sustainability”. Refereed presentation osana symposiumia “Music for Hope and Resilience”. Hope and resilience conference, Jyväskylä, 6.–8.5.2025
2024. “Improvisation pedagogy for equity and safety in school communities”. Refereed presentation. The 36th World Conference for the International Society for Music Education (ISME), Helsinki, 28.7.–2.8.2024
2023. “Socially Engaged Arts Practice: Probing the Key Competences of Cultural Well-being Professionals” (Lehikoinen, K. & Siljamäki, E.). Workshop. Nordic Arts & Health Research Network meeting, Helsinki, 24.–25.10.2023.
2022. “Improvisaatio muutosvoimana kohti turvallisempaa ja yhdenvertaisempaa kouluyhteisöä”. Refereed presentation. Kasvatustieteenpäivät, Oulu, 24.–25.11.2022.
2022. “Plural possibilities of improvisation in music education. An ecological perspective on choral improvisation and wellbeing.” Refereed presentation. 35th World Conference for the International Society for Music Education (ISME), Brisbane, Australia (online), 17.–22.7.2022.
2022. “An ecological perspective on improvisation in music education. Placing the focus on the quality of social processes.” Refereed presentation. Nordic Network for Research in Music Education, University of Jyväskylä (online), 5.–7.4.2022.
2021. “Improvisation in music education – a cross-border perspective” (Cremades-Andreu, R., Lage-Gómez, C., MacGlone, U., Treß, J., Schunter, J., & Siljamäki, E.). Symposium. 8th ISME European Regional Conference/European Association for Music in Schools (EAS) Conference 2021, Freiburg, Germany (online), 24.–27.3.2021.
2021. “Art, Health, Welfare and Care: Reflections on Some Results in the ArtsEqual Research Initiative” (Jääskeläinen, T., Koivisto, T., Lehikoinen, K., & Siljamäki, E.). Plenary panel. The 11th Midterm Conference of the European Sociological Association Research Network Sociology of the Arts. Helsinki, Finland (online), 9.–12.3.2021.
2020. “Yhdessä laulaen ja improvisoiden - vuorovaikutuksen laatu hyvinvoinnin ja oppimisen ytimessä”. Refereed presentation. Lauluntutkijoiden seminaari. University of Helsinki, Finland (online), 9.10.2021
2019. “Vapaa kuoroimprovisaatio – musiikillisia ja sosiaalisia taitoja oppimassa”. Refereed presentation + workshop. IV Valtakunnalliset musiikkikasvatuspäivät, Jyväskylä, Finland, 14.–16.11.2019.
2016. “Plural possibilities of improvisation – Social interaction and the arts at the heart of learning, transformation, and growth” Refereed presentation. Arts Without Borders, Helsinki, Finland, 19.–22.10.2016.
2016. “Challenges and Possibilities for Improvisation in Music Education” (Larsson, C., Georgii-Hemming, E., Gravem Johansen, G., MacGlone, U., & Siljamäki, E.). Symposium. Research on Arts Education, Alternative EERA. European Educational Research Conference (ECER), Dublin, Ireland, 22.–26.8.2016.
2016. “Taideinterventio yliopisto-opiskelijoille - Välineitä vuorovaikutukseen ja sosiaalisen jännittämisen käsittelyyn” Refereed presentation. PedaForum2016, Jyväskylä, Finland, 17.–18.8.2016.
2016. “Recasting understandings of improvisation pedagogy: Intersection between music and theatre in collaborative free choral improvisation”. Refereed presentation. The 32nd World Conference for the International Society for Music Education (ISME), Glasgow, UK, 24.–29.7.2016.
2016. “Learning in improvisation and playful choral practices – Arts intervention for university students living with social anxiety”. Refereed presentation. International Society of Improvised Music (ISIM), Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 12.5.–16.5.2016.
2016. “Educational potentials of collaborative creativity and play - a case of free choral improvisation”. Refereed presentation. European Association of Music in Schools (EAS), Vilnius, Lithuania. 16.–19.3.2016.
2015. “Learning in improvisation and playful choral practices – Arts intervention for university students living with social anxiety”. Refereed presentation. International Society of Improvised Music (ISIM). Chateau D’oex, Switzerland, 9.–12.7.2015.
2015. “The interface of improvisational theatre and music in collaborative free vocal improvisation: Exploring the pedagogical implications”. Refereed presentation. Reflective Conservatoire Conference (RCC). London, England, 26.2.–1.3.2015.
2014. “Kuorotoiminta jännittämisen hyväksymisessä: Narratiivinen tutkimus kuoroprojektiin osallistuvien kokemuksista” (Jansson, S-M. & Siljamäki, E.). Refereed presentation. Työelämän tutkimuspäivät [Working life conference]. Tampere, Finland, 6.–7.11.2014.
2014. “Social interaction at the heart of choral singing - An ethnographic case study on free vocal improvisation through applied principles of improvisational theatre in FIC”. Vertaisarivoitu Refereed presentation. Nordic Network for Research in Music Education (NNMPF). Stockholm, Sweden, 23.–25.4.2014.
2014. “SIK – Etnografinen tapaustutkimus improvisaatioteatterin soveltamisesta yhden kuoron käytännöissä”. Refereed presentation. Finnish Music Researchers’ Annual Symposium. Seinäjoki, Finland, 2.–4.4.2014.
2013. “Negotiating practices in an improvising choir. Creating music through theatre improvisation principles”. Refereed presentation. Changing Face of Music and Art education. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (CFMAEYTT). Tallinn, Estonia, 18.–19.4.2013
2024
First encounters through are – participatory improvisation concert [performance] Mika Vesalahden Triton - Harmoniatutkielmia -exhibition. Performers Sanna Vuolteenaho, voice, movement and audience participation; Ääni-ilmiö improvisation collective (Eeva Siljamäki, Tua Hakanpää, Johanna Vahtola); Eero Savela, trumpet and Tapani Heikinheimo, cello, voice. Performance: Galleria Aarni, Leppävaara,12.10.2025. Task: vocalist, improvier.
2021
SULASOI 12 – Engaging songs for a mixed choir [Published score]. Seven choral arrangements for mixed choir a cappella, published by Sulasol ry. Musical arrangement by Eeva Siljamäki.
2021
SULASOI 11 - Engaging songs for a mixed choir [Published score]. Five choral arrangements for mixed choir a cappella, published by Sulasol ry. Musical arrangement by Eeva Siljamäki.
2018
”Tyttö, joka päästeli kaloja suustaan” [Composition], Commissioned composition for choir and chamber orchestra, written for the Sibelius Academy Music Education Alumni Choir. Premiered on 4 November 2018 at the Helsinki Music Centre. Compose by Eeva Siljamäki.
2018
Oudot laulut vol. 2 [Recording], various artists, Mental Beauty Records. The song "Kalleinta valuuttaa" in collaboration with Sleezy Steel band, under the stage name Eloisa. Composer, lyricist, and performer: Eeva Siljamäki. Kuuntele Spotifyssa
2017
Neitsy Maarian Virsi [Composition] concert programme performed by Sabrina ja Saarten tyttäret, with numerous performances. Composer of the pieces “Tahvanus” and “Synnytys”: Eeva Siljamäki.
2015
SULASOI 8 – Engaging songs for a mixed choir [Published score]. Seven choral arrangements for mixed choir a cappella, published by Sulasol ry. Musical arrangement by Eeva Siljamäki.
2014
Pepe & Saimaa @Ruisrock [performance]. Kirjurinluoto, Pori, Finland. Choir preparation and backing vocals: Eeva Siljamäki
2014
Pepe ja Saimaa [Recording], Solo album for Pepe Willberg, publisher Suomen musiikkikustannus, Suomen musiikki Oy. Producer: Matti Mikkola. Various artists. Choir preparation and conducting: Eeva Siljamäki
2013
Naisen muotoinen [performance], concert program for Philomela choir, premier in November 2012, Teatteri Kapsäkki. Directed by Leena Gardiner. Musical direction by Marjukka Riihimäki. Music arrangements: Veera Railio, Maija Ruuskanen ja Eeva Siljamäki.
2013
Elsan elämä suomalaisin sävelin [performance], dramatised concert program for actors and mixed choir acapppella, premier 14 March 2013, Kannusali, Espoo. Performed by Espoon laulu mixed choir. Direction and manuscript: Jouko Myllyoja. Musical affangements and artistic direction: Eeva Siljamäki
2012
Samassa unessa [Recording], Ruuskanen Railio Strings, Feat. Marzi Nyman, Esa Kaartamo, Saana Liikanen, Ahti Paunu, Eeva Siljamäki. Vocalist in two songs. Kuuntele Spotifyssa
2012
Hectorin lauluja – tarinoita elämästä [Recording]. Performed by Espoon laulu mixed choir. Music arrangements, artistic direction and production: Eeva Siljamäki. Recording and mixing: Matti Heinonen, Pro Audile.
2012
Riisutut roolit [Recording], Publisher: Global music. Various artistis. Double cd includes 22 songs. Vocalist and backing vocalist: Eeva Siljamäki. Kuuntele Spotifyssa
2012
SULASOI 7 - Hectorin lauluja sekakuorolle 2 [Published score]. Six choral arrangements for mixed choir a cappella, published by Sulasol. Musical arrangements: Eeva Sijamäki.
2012
SULASOI 6 - Hectorin lauluja sekakuorolle 1 [Published score]. Six choral arrangements for mixed choir a cappella, published by Sulasol ry. Musical arrangements: Eeva Siljamäki.
2011
Räpälesuun rallatuksia – Hävyttömiä lauluja [Performance], concert cabaret, premiere 4 Nov 2011 at Musiikkiteattei Kapsäkki. Performer: Hanna Hurskainen (vocals), Eeva Siljamäki (vocals), Maija Ruuskanen (piano, vocals).
2011
Miten enkeleitä vietellään [Performance], concert program, premiere in 2011 at Musiikkiteatteri Kapsäkki. Compositions by Ruuskanen, Ojanen, Donner. Directed by: Markku Nenosen. Performers: Eeva Siljamäki (Manninen), Veera Railio and Maija Ruuskanen.
2011
Suupoppia [Recording], publisher: Avainsäätiö. Eleven childrens songs arranged for female choir, guitar and percussion. Artistic production, musical arrangements and direction: Eeva Siljamäki.
2008
Ennen viimeistä pisaraa – laulelmia elämän kauneudesta ja kauheudesta [Recording]. Performers: Espoon laulu choir, Eeva Siljamäki (vocals, choir conducting), Maija Ruuskanen (piano, compositions). Artistic production and leadership: Eeva Siljamäki.