A Tradition, Growing with Music

The story of the Celje Music School dates back to 1908, when the *Glasbena matica* (Music Society) established a branch in Celje. However, the roots of organized music education in the city go back even further, as musical activity was already thriving there in the 19th century. The establishment of the *Glasbena matica* branch gave music education a more solid, organized structure; over the decades, it evolved into a vital part of the cultural life of Celje and the surrounding region. Throughout its history, the school has undergone various changes and phases, yet it has consistently upheld its fundamental mission: to provide young people with high-quality music education and bring the world of art closer to them. More than a century later, the school continues to build upon this rich tradition by introducing new content and modern approaches, while forging new paths in music and arts education.

Today, the Celje Music School is a modern, diverse institution bringing together over 950 students and approximately 95 professional staff members each year. We operate from our main school in the center of Celje, as well as from satellite branches in Vojnik, Štore, and Dobrna.

The school offers state-accredited music education programs covering all classical instruments, folk instruments, and vocal training. This curriculum is complemented by a jazz program and a range of specialized, supplementary courses that allow students to explore other forms of musical and creative expression. School life is also significantly shaped by orchestras—with no fewer than nine active at the school—as well as choirs, chamber groups, and other musical ensembles.

Through its diversity, the school extends beyond mere music education, having enriched its activities with dance for over a decade. Today, the dance curriculum encompasses preschool dance preparation, general dance preparation, contemporary dance, and ballet.

The development of the dance program gained new momentum with the opening of a new dance studio, where classes have been held since the 2025/2026 school year. This modern facility provides young dancers with a safe, high-quality, and stimulating environment for learning, creating, and performing. The Celje Music School’s dance program also successfully integrates into the broader Slovenian dance community, with students participating in numerous competitions and projects.

The origins of public secondary-level music education in Celje date back to 1993, when the Celje Music School began delivering the specialized component of the secondary music school curriculum under a concession. In 1999, in collaboration with the First Grammar School in Celje (I. gimnazija v Celju), we launched the music-oriented arts grammar school program; this enables young people to continue their musical education in a stimulating environment while combining general academic studies with specialized musical training.

Since 2019, the Celje Music School, in cooperation with the Municipality of Celje, has organized the International Celeia Competition, which is open to young musicians from Slovenia and abroad. The competition fosters the development of young talent, promoting artistic and technical excellence as well as international networking.

A distinctive feature of Celeia is the diversity of its musical disciplines. The competition takes place biennially, alternating between the piano category and categories for French horn, accordion, double bass, zither, and chamber ensembles featuring the harp. Young musicians compete in age-specific categories before an expert international jury comprising renowned musicians and educators.

Beyond comparing skills and achievements, the competition offers young musicians the opportunity to gain competitive experience, grow artistically, and connect with peers and distinguished figures in the music profession. Prizes and performance opportunities—including a solo performance with an orchestra—add significant value to the event.

The Celje Music School builds its future and mission on the conviction that music education is about more than just acquiring technical skills; it is a process of discovery, listening, expression, perseverance, and collaboration. The one-on-one relationship between student and teacher—a fundamental aspect of music education—enables each student to develop their potential and gradually shape their own artistic expression. The school fulfills its mission by creating the conditions for high-quality music and dance education,

fostering creativity, and opening doors to the wider world of art and music.