In Kokkola, the opportunities to both study music and have music as a hobby are excellent. Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory in Kokkola is a versatile music school which is in charge of comprehensive teaching of music (basic level and music institute level) and of the secondary vocational music education. Since 1999 Central Ostrobothnia Polytechnic has taken care of the music studies at higher degree. The Department of Music in Polytechnic and the Conservatory work in close co-operation. Especially in pedagogy and all kind of orchestral and choral activities, the know-how of each institute is taken into account. 

The Conservatory is renown as a diverse centre for folk music. These studies are further developed together with the Central Ostrobothnia Polytechnic, the Kaustinen Folk Art Centre and Sibelius-Academy. The Conservatory has also a good reputation in orchestral music. The studies include plenty of practical exercises with chamber and symphony orchestras. Conservatory co-operates regularly with the Ostobothnian Chamber Orchestra.

The students are provided with opportunities to carry out interesting projects with music professionals. During the past years these projects have been carried out for example with the City Theatre of Kokkola and with the Folk Arts Centre of Kaustinen.