Strings, classical instrument, bachelor and master

Study under the guidance of internationally esteemed string instrument teachers and play together with top professionals in a symphony orchestra.

Why study here?

Already during your first year of studies, you will get to play as part of the full-scale Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra. You will also get the chance to take part in our chamber music activities, join the Orchestra Academy at the Helsinki Music Centre, and cooperate with professional orchestras. We regularly welcome top international artists and pedagogues as guests.

Content and objective of the programme

You can study violin, viola, cello or double bass as your main instrument. The core of the studies consists of chamber music, playing in an orchestra and high-level competence in your instrument.

Bachelor’s studies

You will receive 90 minutes of individual instruction in your main instrument per week. You will also study the following: chamber music, music perception, music history, pedagogy and languages, and minor studies of your own choosing. You can complement your degree by completing courses in, for example, conducting, jazz, folk music, early music, composition and arrangement.

Master’s studies

As a master’s student, you will increase your competence in your major subject. You will either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate, e.g., on one of the following: 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 coaching and training for the role of the principal/leader of strings and concertmaster. Our graduates work as competent pedagogues and orchestra musicians, chamber musicians and soloists.

You can also choose courses organised by the two other Uniarts Helsinki academies and complete so-called joint studies that are available to all students.

Teachers

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

Sibelius Junior Academy

This instrument is part of our Junior Academy, a national programme, which prepares young music students for studies in a higher education institution. In addition to studies in either a major subject or a main instrument, you will study ensemble playing, structural awareness of music and other subjects offered by the Sibelius Academy.

Doctoral studies

You can complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you can apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.

Student experiences

Admissions guide

Target degree and length of study

Master of Music (MMus)
5,5 years

Application period

Next possible time to apply is in January 2024. Studies begin in August 2024.

Application languages

English, Finnish, Swedish Read more about the language skill requirements

Tuition fee

Annual tuition fee €5,000 for students studying in English and come from outside the EU and EEA countries.
Read more about tuition fees

Supervising teacher

  • Erkki Lahesmaa

    Lecturer, cello, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
    +358503046001
    erkki.lahesmaa@uniarts.fi

Unit

Sibelius Academy

Ask about applying

siba.admissions@uniarts.fi