Dr. Eeva Siljamäki
Siljamäki is the lead PI of a research and development project funded by the Kone Foundation titled "Improvisation as transformational momentum for equity and safety in school communities." She is a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
Her theoretical and practical applications range from improvisation pedagogy to designing social learning environments and professionalism in socially engaged arts practice.
Siljamäki has contributed to developing new methods and pedagogies at the interface of art, well-being, and learning. Her instruments are collaborative interaction, improvisation, and voice. She holds extensive artistic and pedagogical expertise in diverse contexts ranging from adult education to higher arts education, organizations, and health care.
2023 - Present
Post doctoral researcher, Koneen säätiö
Full time position as the lead principal investigator (PI) in the research project "Improvisation as transformational momentum for equity and safety in school communities" funded by the Kone foundation
2023 - Present
Post doctoral researcher, University of Jyväskylä
A part time position in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies.
2021-2023
Post doctoral researcher, University of the Arts Helsinki
Part time position as a researcher and developer at the CERADA Center for Educational Research and Academic Development in the Arts in two EU+ funded research development projects focusing on the expanding professionalism of artists, the artwork and Fast45
2019-2020
2013-2017
Doctoral researcher, Sibelius Academy
Full time position. Title of doctoral dissertation: "Plural possibilities of improvisation in music education: an ecological perspective on choral improvisation and wellbeing" as part of the Artsequal project funded by the Academy of Finland.
2014
Coordinator, University of the Arts
Part time position at the CERADA Center for Educational Research and Academic Development in the Arts, University of the Arts Helsinki.
Academic
pedagogical responsibilities
2020- Present
Supervisor and external examiner of Master's thesis
University of Jyväskylä, University of the Arts Helsinki
2013 - Present
Casual lecturer
Themes eg. socially engaged arts, improvisation pedagogy, pedagogical interaction, social learning environments, research ethics, social and performance anxiety
At the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Further education), Department of Music Education (Masters level), University of the Arts Helsinki (bachelor and master level education and further education), The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Opinkirjo, Helsingin Evankelinen Opisto (HEO); Exploratorium Berlin, Finnish Students Health Society
Academic
positions of trust
2022 - 2023
Board member, Finnish Society for Research in Arts Education
2014-2017
Board member, Research Ethics Committee
University of the Arts Helsinki
2013-2016
Steering group memberships
Several interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary improvisation seminars and conferences at the University of the Arts Helsinki
Artistic responsibilities
2018 - Present
Workshop leader
Collaborative vocal improvisation
e.g. Kansalaisfoorumi (Rovaniemi, Tampere, Helsinki); Espoo Adult Education Centre; Olotila, Helsinki; several choirs
Also voluntary work at Niemikotisäätiö and Pienperheyhdistys
2013-2014
Arts and interaction pedagogue
Responsible developer and arts pedagogue in the trans-professional collaboration between the University of the Arts Helsinki and Finnish Student Health Services. See projects
2002 - present
Arranger of Choral Music, freelancer
Arrangements of choral music for female and mixed choirs in 2 to 8 voices.
Booklets by Sulasol: Sulaloi 12 Viihdyttäviä lauluja sekakuorolle, Sulaloi 11 Viihdyttäviä lauluja sekakuorolle, Sulaloi 8 Viihdyttäviä lauluja sekakuorolle, Sulaloi 7 Viihdyttäviä lauluja sekakuorolle, Sulaloi 6 Viihdyttäviä lauluja sekakuorolle
Recordings: 2012 Suupoppia (Avain säätiö), 2012 Hectorin lauluja - tarinoita elämästä (Espoon laulu). 2008 Ennen viimeistä pisaraa (Espoon laulu)
2002-2015
Choral Conductor
e.g. Escappella, Espoo; Espoon laulu, Espoo; Kumpula choir, Helsinki;
Evita -musical, Turku conservatory, Turku
Performing on recordings: 2014 Pepe & Saimaa, 2012 Hectorin lauluja - tarinoita elämästä, 2012 Suupoppia, 2008 Ennen viimeistä pisaraa - lauluja elämän kauneudesta ja kauheudesta
2002-2009
Music teacher, specialist
Eg. voice, choral singing, collaborative music, music theory, piano. Ranging from professional level to adult education and basic music education. At the e.g. Theater Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki; Matinkylä upper secondary school, Espoo; Turku Conservatory, Palmgren Conservatory, Sibelius Academy (music education), Keravan opisto
1995 - present
Performer, freelancer
Vocalist, most recent with the improvisation group Ääni-ilmiö collective Listen to her playlist here.
Performing on recordings: 2018 Oudot laulu vol 2. (Mental Beauty Records); 2011 Riisutut roolit - Sirkka-Liisa Sass'n lauluja (Global Music Centre); 2011 Ruuskanen Railio Strings : Samassa unessa (Groovy Chamber Pop / Maija Ruuskanen; 2008 Ennen viimeistä pisaraa - lauluja elämän kauneudesta ja kauheudesta (Espoon laulu)
Education
2021
Doctoral Degree
Doctor of Music (DMus), University of the Arts Helsinki, Finland
Doctoral thesis pass with distinction
"I have examined over 60 PhD internationally and this is one of the best I have read” (Examiner Prof. R. MacDonald, University of Edinburgh)
2021
Master's Degree
Master of Culture and Arts with main field of study Master of Cultural and Media Entrepreneurship, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland
2003
Master's Degree
Music Education, Master, Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Finland