During my violoncello studies at the Helsinki Conservatory I also took one term of "Ensemble and Orchestra Conducting" which was taught by Pekka Helasvuo. He introduced all of his students to the Saito Conducting Method, which impressed me greatly at the time. It was the first time I met a systematic approach to conducting technique! After studying in Russia I had to change my mind about usefulness of most of Saito's recommendations, but the point had already been made: Conducting can and should be taught in a systematic, all-encompassing way!

Helasvuo still teaches at STADIA (Helsinki Polytechnic School) and does occasional guest conducting.