I took a study trip (part of an Erasmus+ project) in May 2023 to Iceland. The subject of observation was the Tonstofa Valgedar music school in Reykjavik. The music school gives lessons to people with developmental disabilities or other people who need special support. The music school has a wonderful and long tradition in the Reykjavík area and was founded in 1987. The students range is from children to adults.

My interest in the activities of that music school, their methods and pedagogy started from the perspective of developing my own professional skills. My employer Iisalmen kansalaisopisto (Iisalmi adult education center) already had connections with the music school due to previous cooperation, and so it was easy for me to contact Tonstofa’s principal with my employer's help and support.

In recent years, I have researched and developed in my own work teaching music to people who need special support. My will is to act as a pedagogue promoting equality, I think music and goal-oriented music study belong to all people. The aim of the study trip was also to get tools and perspective to develop the music school where I work as a singing teacher, even more equal and accessible for different learners.

I feel that the study trip was very useful for me in a professional sense. I got to watch the work of great and experienced pedagogues. I learned new pedagogy methods, interaction between individuals, and get operational models of what to do, how and why. In addition, the study trip was immensely beneficial also due to the networking.

My schedule was tight and during three days I followed the teaching of five different pedagogues. The lessons were both individual and group teaching and the age range of the students was wide, most of them were adults. The biggest gift for me was the music therapy orientation of some of the lessons and how the mental and physical well-being of the students was supported in a planned and goal-oriented way. The activity had clear pedagogical points, it was extensive music education. I followed the teaching of many different instruments, I got great tools related to the applied use of different methods and the utilization of digital applications. I also got to participate in the students' activities myself, when I got to play in the rehearsals of their famous handbell orchestra. It was wonderful to watch the orchestra leader (Vala) work as a pedagogue, principal, founder of the music school, as well as the leader of the handbell orchestra.

I had many interesting discussions with her (Vala) regarding pedagogical principles (music care, inner child), methods, inclusion, and the history and establishment of the Tonstofa Valgedar music school, all of which originate from her. I also got a lot of useful advice on different online sources to learn and study more about music and art education for people with special needs. In addition, we planned future and possible cooperation projects.

My study trip was everything that European pedagogical cooperation and equal interaction between people can be at its best.