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FINNISH ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING (FINATS)

The FINATS celebrated its 20^th Anniversary in 2003. The association was founded in 1983 by voice teacher Eero Harmaala from Oulu. The first President of the Association was Professor Matti Tuloisela. After him, the President for a decade was Ms Taimi Arola from Turku, Finland. During those years FINATS started to form contacts with international fellow associations. We became a member in both EVTA and the ICVTC (International Congress of Voice Teachers Conference). Ms. Airola worked hard together with the Vice-President at the time Mr. Mikko Pasanen, to get the 5^th ICVT to Finland. This idea at first seemed almost foolhardy, but several years of preparations and work finally made it true in the summer of 2001. As Finland also became the President of EVTA the same year, Eurovox was held in Helsinki as well. President of the FINATS, Ms. Outi Kähkönen from Helsinki, started in 2000, while Ms. Airola continued as Chairman of the Congress Committee. The new Vice-President was Ms. Airi Tokola from Oulu.

Prof. Mirjam Helin, Mrs. Maila Haavisto and Mrs. Taimi Airola, Past President

The activities of FINATS have centered mostly to the annual member gatherings, which are arranged in March. Lectures, demonstrations, and concerts are given during these conventions. Lately, each meeting has been devoted to a special theme. Discussion is usually very vivid and opinions have been uttered by the eager participants.

A Bulletin is given out 2-3 times a year to act as an information source for the members. Every second year, the journal Laulupedagogi (The Voice Pedagogue) is released. We also maintain this website (www.laulupedagogit.w2.fi). FINATS has 300 members, most of them singing teachers throughout the country. Students of Vocal Pedagogy, lied pianists and repetiteurs are also among our members.

Outi Kähkönen, President 2000-2008, and Maaria Virmavirta, Secretary of FINATS,