Master's Program in Classical Music Performance (Early Music)
University of the Arts Helsinki
About this program
Master's Program in Classical Music Performance (Early Music)
Immerse yourself in the special characteristics of early music and period instruments with the help of the large instrument collection in world-class training that emphasises ensemble playing.
During your master's studies, you will continue studying your main instrument. Optional studies enable you to either develop your competence more broadly or select a focus for more in-depth study.
Admission requirements
In order to be admitted as a degree student to the Uniarts Helsinki, applicants must have command of the language of instruction used in the program. Having sufficient language skills is, in principle, a requirement in order to be eligible to apply, and it ensures that the applicant has demonstrated educability and suitability for university-level education and has the communication skills needed as a student.
The academies determine the languages of instruction for each degree program. The languages are stated in the program’s admission criteria as well as the syllabus.
If a Program has several languages of instruction, applicants are only required to prove their proficiency in one of the languages.
Applicants must demonstrate their skills with a language certificate or prior studies. Language skills may also be assessed as part of entrance examinations.
A number of our study programs is offered in Finnish, Swedish, and English. This means that the student has the right to use any of these languages in teaching and study attainments, unless it is otherwise stated in the curriculum or the character of teaching makes it impossible. Please notice that most of our group instruction is held in Finnish or English.
These requirements are followed in our bachelor’s and Master's admissions, and in doctoral admissions where appropriate.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
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Learn moreProgram content
Main Subject Studies
Instrument performance
- Continuo performance, ensemble
- Harpsichord players: Continuo performance A
- Other instruments
- Ensemble
- Baroque Orchestra
- Select 1-3 cr per semester
- Ensemble playing
- Variable course (eg chamber music weekend at Kallio-Kunkkula)
- Proficiency demonstration and maturity essay
- Maturity essay
General music skills and communication skills
- Early music seminar
- Advanced structural awareness of music
Performance practices and repertoire research
Master's degree, research and writing skills
Career and study skills
- Studies determined by the department
For more information, please check the course webpage.
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program delivery
The languages of instruction for this Program are English, Finnish and Swedish.
Tuition
The tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is €5000 per year.
Tuition fees at Uniarts Helsinki are only applicable to Non-EU and non-EEA students studying for a BA or a MA degree in English.
Qualification
Content and Objective of the Program
In the Department of Early Music, your main instrument is one of the following:
- Harpsichord
- Iute
- Viola da gamba
- Recorder
- Traverso
- Baroque violin
- Baroque cello
- Baroque oboe
- Baroque trumpet (master's student)
You can also study baroque singing and have baroque viola, baroque bassoon, natural horn, baroque trombone, violone, fortepiano or chlavichord as a secondary instrument.
You will gain an understanding of different musical styles and learn to work in different ensembles as well as in different types of roles as a musician. Mastery of your own instrument and performing in concerts is at the core of the studies. In addition to honing your solo repertoire, you will deepen your skills in ensemble playing in our own Baroque Orchestra and in different chamber music ensembles, for example.
We also organise several chamber music weekends with different themes in the Kallio-Kuninkala Centre in cooperation with the University's Open Campus and Collegium ry on a yearly basis. In 2020 and 2021, the Program's visiting professor will be harpsichord player and conductor Lars Ulrik Mortensen, and the visiting teacher will be baroque violinist Sirkka-Liisa Kaakinen-Pilch.
Continuing studies
It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a Master's degree, you will have the option to apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies
Career paths
The studies prepare students for their career by combining artistry and research, seminar work and pedagogical studies. You may also study instrument pedagogy more extensively and complete pedagogical studies providing qualifications as a teacher. You can also choose courses organised by the other two academies of the University and complete so-called joint studies that are available for all students.
About this institute
University of the Arts Helsinki
The University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki) offers the highest education in fine arts, music, dance and theatre in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment. Uniarts Helsinki’s wide selection of programs in the field of arts and productive dialogue between teaching...
Why study at University of the Arts Helsinki
- The University of the Arts is one of the leading performing arts universities in the world: Uniarts Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy has ranked among the top 22 universities in the QS World University Ranking for five consecutive years (2016–2022).
- We have unique facilities for creating arts with two campuses in Helsinki and a new building for fine arts which was opened in 2021. The facilities are in the use of the Academy of Fine Arts as well as students of light design, sound design, and design for the performing arts. We host over 1,000 public performances or exhibitions per year.
- At Uniarts Helsinki you can study in an inspiring environment where different disciplines of art influence each other. The academies of Uniarts Helsinki;Academy of Fine Arts, Theatre Academy and Sibelius Academy, have roots deep within the Finnish arts education and history of art. The predecessors of all three academies were founded in the 19th century although then they operated under slightly different names.
- The Academy of Fine Arts of Uniarts Helsinki is an international academy with a focus on fine arts. Students' personal aspirations and one-to-one guidance in teaching are at the heart of the academy.
- The Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki is one of the largest music academies in Europe. It is the cornerstone of the Finnish music culture through its expertise in teaching, research and artistic activities.
- The Theatre Academy of Uniarts Helsinki is a reformer of the performing arts and offer the highest education in theatre, dance and writing in Finland.
