45 Instrumental Music Masters Degree Programs

These programs in MA in Classical Music Performance (Piano, Violin, Flute, Guitar) are for the truly committed – for those young artists who do have the aim to be on stage regularly. In the instrumental performance classes held two times a week through four semesters the goal is to achieve: - technical abilities of a real virtuoso, - playing stability and reliability, - detailed stylistic knowledge of all major eras and genres of classical music related to the instrument studied, - an ability to shape the musical process down to the smallest nuances and shades with ease and creativity, - a fundamental respect for the composer’s instructions, put into a viable combination with the performer’s own ideas and personality.

Established in the academic year 2019/2020, the Chair of Historical Performance Practices emerged in 2008 as the Department of Historical Instruments. Since the beginning, the head of this unit has been harpsichordist Maria Banaszkiewicz-Bryła, PhD, DSc, ProfTit.

As a master’s student, you will increase your competence in your major subject and either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate e.g. on orchestral performance and chamber music, contemporary music, or early music instruments and performance practices. In your optional studies, you can deepen your skills as a string musician by participating in audition training or training for acting as the principal/leader of strings and playing parts. Our graduates work as competent pedagogues and orchestra musicians, chamber musicians, and soloists.

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.

Come and study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world. As a piano student at the Sibelius Academy, you will study in a program that is respected both nationally and globally under the guidance of top musicians and pedagogues from Finland and abroad. Many virtuoso pianists educated at the Sibelius Academy have gone on to achieve international success, including e.g. Paavali Jumppanen, Antti Siirala, Laura Mikkola, Gergely Bogányi, Olli Mustonen, and Henri Sigfridsson.

Come and study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world. The program allows you to reach the highest competence level in your instrument under the guidance of the best possible teachers. You will gain the skills needed to work as a versatile percussion professional, both as a soloist and as an orchestra or chamber musician. You can also complete a large study module in pedagogical studies required for working as a teacher.

Develop your artistry with our Music MA specialising in Jazz. This practical postgraduate degree is designed to develop your artform and enhance your musical skills, professional approach, and innovative thinking, equipping you for the dynamic nature of today's music industry. 

You can study viola as your main instrument. Chamber music, playing in an orchestra and high-level competence in one’s instrument is the core of the studies. As a master’s student, you will increase your competence in your major subject and either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate e.g. on orchestral performance and chamber music, contemporary music, or early music instruments and performance practices. In your optional studies, you can deepen your skills as a string musician by participating in audition training or training for acting as the principal/leader of strings and playing parts. Our graduates work as competent pedagogues and orchestra musicians, chamber musicians, and soloists.

You can study cello as your main instrument. Chamber music, playing in an orchestra and high-level competence in one’s instrument is the core of the studies. As a master’s student, you will increase your competence in your major subject and either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate e.g. on orchestral performance and chamber music, contemporary music, or early music instruments and performance practices. In your optional studies, you can deepen your skills as a string musician by participating in audition training or training for acting as the principal/leader of strings and playing parts. Our graduates work as competent pedagogues and orchestra musicians, chamber musicians, and soloists.

During the 2.5-year master’s studies, you will deepen your competence in your major subject, but you may also choose optional studies in e.g. orchestral performance, chamber music, contemporary music, early music instruments, and performance practice.

As a master’s student, you will continue your soloist studies, study chamber music, general music studies, and communications, and improve your career and study skills. You can also select optional courses comprising 30 credits. For example, you may choose to complete pedagogical studies, giving you the qualifications to work as a teacher.

You can study double bass as your main instrument. Chamber music, playing in an orchestra and high-level competence in one’s instrument is the core of the studies. As a master’s student, you will increase your competence in your major subject and either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate e.g. on orchestral performance and chamber music, contemporary music, or early music instruments and performance practices. In your optional studies, you can deepen your skills as a string musician by participating in audition training or training for acting as the principal/leader of strings and playing parts. Our graduates work as competent pedagogues and orchestra musicians, chamber musicians, and soloists.

During the 2.5-year master’s studies, you will deepen your competence in your major subject, but you may also choose optional studies in e.g. orchestral performance, chamber music, contemporary music, early music instruments, and performance practice. You can also choose courses organized by the other two academies of the University and complete joint studies that are available for all students.

The Sibelius Academy is one of the few European institutions that offer master’s studies in fortepiano. We give you the chance to hone your skills in playing this unique historical instrument and learn more about music composed between the years 1730 and 1850, in particular.

The kantele program is multi-faceted and highly respected both by national and international standards. It has a unique mission in fostering and renewing kantele music and pedagogy. Kantele artists who have studied at the Sibelius Academy and achieved global success include Eva Alkula, Eija Kankaanranta, Kristi Mühling, and Hedi Viisma.

The core of the programme is weekly one-on-one instruction given by the best teachers in the field. Graduates of the programme have the skills to work as orchestra musicians, soloists, chamber musicians, or music teachers. You can also complete a larger study module in pedagogical studies required for working as a teacher.