In-person instruction by the Ala-Keitele Music School has ended in Hankasalmi. The school had fewer than ten students in Hankasalmi, who received weekly lessons from three teachers at Kuuhankaveden School. Individual instruction was offered locally for piano, guitar, bass, and violin. Students interested in other instruments could still attend classes at the school’s main location in Äänekoski. According to Miikka Laihonen, Welfare Manager of Hankasalmi Municipality and Deputy Principal of the Civic Institute, the closure had been anticipated for several years. He explained that basic arts education follows a structured national curriculum that includes not only individual instrument lessons but also mandatory ensemble playing and music theory classes. Forming theory groups became especially challenging with such small numbers of students. Laihonen noted that many people assume music education consists only of private instrument lessons, but the official curriculum requires additional components like group activities and foundational music theory. With declining enrollment, meeting these curriculum requirements became increasingly difficult. The end of in-person teaching in Hankasalmi marks the conclusion of a long-standing local service, though students may continue their studies at the main campus in Äänekoski.
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