University of the Arts Helsinki
Master of Music in Jazz: Jazz Instrument or Voice
Helsinki, Finland
Master degree
DURATION
30 months
LANGUAGES
English, Finnish, Swedish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* applications are open 7-21 January 2026
Key Summary
About: You can develop into a versatile jazz professional at Uniarts Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy under guidance from Finland’s leading musicians and international guests. The Master of Music in Jazz (instrument or voice) covers African-American music, performance practice, improvisation, ensemble playing, composition, arranging, and optional music business or pedagogical studies. You’ll take instrument classes, ensembles, masterclasses, joint studies across the university, and free-choice courses (about one third). Teaching staff represent the top of the Finnish jazz scene and you’ll join projects and international collaborations.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work as musicians, bandleaders, composers, arrangers, pedagogues, session players, ensemble leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs.
Why study here?
You can develop into a versatile jazz professional under the guidance of Finland’s leading musicians and international top names. We are known worldwide for our high-quality teaching, comprehensive curriculum, and abundant master class activity which also includes possibilities to play and work with top-notch international jazz musicians.
Content and objective of the program
During your studies, you will receive the necessary knowledge and skills in African-American music, music culture, and performance practices to become a professional. Upon graduating, you may take on demanding roles as a musician, bandleader, composer, arranger, and pedagogue. Finnish jazz professionals such as Timo Lassy, Verneri Pohjola, Aki Rissanen, and Kalle Kalima are all alumni of the Sibelius Academy who have established themselves in the Finnish and international music scene.
At the master’s degree stage, you can choose almost a third of your courses freely. In addition to instrument classes and ensemble playing, you may choose e.g. music business courses or pedagogical studies needed for working as a teacher. During your studies, you will also participate in different musical projects, masterclasses, and social events.
You can also choose courses organized by the other departments in Sibelius Academy and the other two academies of the University of the Arts and complete so-called joint studies that are available for all students.
Teachers
The Sibelius Academy’s teaching staff represents the top of the Finnish jazz scene.
A student who has completed a Master’s degree is expected to be familiar with the traditions and current trends of jazz and to have formed an original and specific artistic vision to guide his/her performances. The studies undertaken focus on evolving the student’s artistic vision, building on his/her stylistic and technical competence.
Please visit the university website for more information.


