“If I cannot fly, let me sing”
Stephen Sondheim
BIO
Outi Karhu is a Finnish singer and pianist. Though a musical nomad, her music is firmly rooted in the Nordic tradition. She navigates between style and genre with jazz-flavoured folk songs, where stories of feminism, sisterhood and freedom intermingle with fables and fairytales.
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Outi's debut album ‘Let The Light In’ was released in November 2025. Woven into a nostalgic story book, it plays like lullabies for adults, with delicate and thoughtful melodic turns, lyrical piano lines, daring rhythmic experiments, and harmonies which either cradle the listener or stir them aware. The album appeared as the 'Album of the week' on Celtic Music Radio. It is available on streaming platforms, CD and vinyl, and has garnered plays on BBC Radio Scotland and Amazing Radio UK & USA.
Outi has shared her songs with audiences around Scotland, as well as further afield, from intimate Sofar Sounds gigs to slots at Eden and Kelburn Festivals and Celtic Connections.
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CV
MEd Artist/Teacher, RCS 2022
Estill Figure Proficiency 2021
Graduate Diploma in Jazz, St Andrews University 2015
BA Hons Applied Music, Strathclyde University 2011
MUSIC
VIDEO
PHOTOS
PROJECTS
I get to make music with these amazing humans
JUNIPER THREE
Harmony is at the heart of Juniper Three, a vocal trio composed of Aimee Penman, Laura Hill and Outi Karhu. The group writes and arranges their songs as a collective, creating a tapestry of genres in a lush, seamless interweaving of voices and embracing the ethos of three solo singers coming together to share the lead.
Juniper Three's debut EP is out now.
DEBUT ALBUM COMING SOON
GIGS
TEACHING
NURTURE YOUR CREATIVITY, REFINE YOUR VOCAL TECHNIQUE, AND EXPRESS YOURSELF CONFIDENTLY WITH YOUR UNIQUE, PERSONAL VOICE
I am an experienced vocal coach and musical director and have worked in a variety of settings from teaching individuals to conducting vocal groups and choirs. I combine my knowledge of good teaching practices, Estill Vocal Technique, body mapping, yoga and mindfulness for a truly holistic teaching approach.
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Lessons are suitable for beginners as well as advanced singers and tailored to suit the needs and goals of each individual student, whether it's preparation for a specific event, exam or show, or just singing for fun and wellbeing. Genres covered range from pop, rock and folk to jazz and beyond.
Lesson topics include vocal technique, phrasing, interpretation, breath support, mindful awareness and musicality. I can also cover improvisation, music theory for singers, arranging, microphone technique and working with a band.
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I am passionate about singing and do my best to ensure that lessons are as fun, relaxing and informative as possible.
You're in good hands. I have a Masters Degree in Education (Artist/Teacher) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where I deepened my understanding of art pedagogy, holistic teaching methods and vocal improvisation, and I have a certificate in Estill Figure Proficiency.
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I offer private vocal tuition from my home in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire.
BOTH IN PERSON & ZOOM LESSONS AVAILABLE!
Lessons are charged at £35/60min, or £25/30min.
Limited number of discounted spaces available for primary school children at £20/30min.
I can also offer singing workshops and coaching for vocal harmony groups.
Contact for more info.
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