University of the Arts Helsinki

Master of Music in Classical Music Performance: Vocal Arts

Why study here?

The leading degree program of its field gives students the professional skills needed in working in demanding soloist roles and as an unprofessional vocal teacher.

Come and study at one of the best work arts universities in the world. Through your studies, you will gain a professional-level ability in vocal skills, artistic capability, and musical understanding. Music and drama studies are part of education on all levels. You will also regularly have the chance to participate in master classes taught by international guest teachers.

Content and objective of the program

As a master’s student, you will acquire the extensive professional competence of a vocal artist in the main areas of classical vocal music. Depending on your interests, you can specialize either in voice pedagogy, oratorio music, or lied and vocal chamber music and choose minor subjects and optional studies from the selection of the Sibelius Academy of the University’s other academies. You will also complete studies in career skills that will give you practical training in building your portfolio, finding employment, and getting started on your career.

You can also choose to complete the required amount of pedagogical studies to fulfill the requirements for working as a teacher. Through your voice pedagogy studies, you will gain invaluable and practical insight into vocal lessons, vocal coaching methods, and vocal physiology. During teaching practice, you will get the chance to teach practice pupils under the supervision of a supervising teacher. You will develop your pedagogical vision by observing classes and working on your teaching portfolio.

The master’s program in vocal arts also gives students the preparedness to pursue artistic doctoral studies.

You can also choose courses organized by the other two academies of the University and complete so-called joint studies that are available for all students.

Teachers

Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the program welcomes international top experts as guests on a regular basis.

Many of our teachers are also renowned performing artists. Over the years, our staff have included e.g. Soile Isokoski, Tom Krause, Karita Mattila, Monica Groop, Jorma Hynninen, Petteri Salomaa, Seppo Ruohonen and Jaakko Ryhänen.

Applying

The entrance examination will assess applicants’ educability and suitability for the profession. An important criterion is the quality of the applicant’s voice and suitability for a career as a performing artist. Applicants must also have a sufficient command of Finnish, Swedish, or English.