University of the Arts Helsinki

Master of Music in Classical Music Performance: Organ

Why study here?

Come and study at one of the best-performing arts universities in the world. With organ as your major subject, you will focus on performance skills, improvisation, and organ pedagogy. Major subject studies in the organ are organized by the Department of Church Music, which is a close-knit and welcoming community of over 160 students. 

About the studies

With organ as your major subject, you will focus on mastering your instrument and learning about improvisation, continuo playing, and the structure and history of the clavichord. Your studies will include ensemble playing and mastering the keyboard, as well as the history of organ music and organ pedagogy. In your keyboard instrument studies, you will reach at least Level C in piano, harpsichord, or clavichord.

After moving over to master’s studies, you will reach a higher level of expertise in organ playing, organ pedagogy, and organ improvisation and prepare a repertoire for the Level A performance examination.

Top-quality instruments

With organ music as your major, you will have the opportunity to use three organs, all representing different eras, in the Organo Hall of the Helsinki Music Centre. Various organs at the Sibelius Academy’s premises at Nervanderinkatu are also available for students to use. Classes are also organized in churches in the Helsinki region.

Teachers

Our teachers are Finland’s leading experts with extensive international experience. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the program welcomes organ artists and pedagogues as guests on a regular basis.