Master's Program in Jazz (Major Subject: Composition)
University of the Arts Helsinki
About this program
Master's Program in Jazz (Major Subject: Composition)
Specialise in jazz composition in an international degree program under the guidance of international top professionals and be a part of an inspiring and vibrant study community.
You will learn how to combine the form, harmony and melody of jazz music. Through your compositions and arrangements, you will come up with creative solutions for challenges concerning rhythmic jazz expression.
You can choose almost a third of your courses freely. In addition to composing classes, you may choose e.g. music business, music technology or pedagogical studies. During your studies, you will also participate in different musical projects, master classes and social events.
You can also choose courses organised by the other departments at the Sibelius Academy or the two other academies of the University and complete so-called joint studies that are available for all students.
Admission requirements
Language skill requirements
In order to be admitted as a degree student to 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 moreScholarships & 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
As a student, 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 composer, arranger, orchestra conductor and pedagogue.
Jazz professionals such as Timo Lassy, Verneri Pohjola, Pessi Levanto, Kirmo Lintinen, Aki Rissanen, Valtteri Pouyhnen and Kalle Kalima are all alumni of the Sibelius Academy who have established themselves in the Finnish and international music scene both as composers and musicians.
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
Upon graduating you may take on demanding assignments as a musician, conductor / orchestra leader, composer / Arranger and Educator.
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.
