Church Music alum: An equal, supportive and rich learning environment
Teachers nourish and support your musical growth and future possibilities with their knowledge and expertise both in spirit and in practice
NEA MERIRANTA, Church Music, FINLAND
Nea has always been the leader of her own life. As a teenager, she was well on her way to becoming a gardener, but then returned to her long-time passion to pursue a career in music. The Sibelius Academy gave her the space and support to discover her own artistic voice and creativity.
“The Sibelius Academy was an ideal place for me because you can shape your studies very much based on your own interests. Thanks to the flexibility and freedom available I was able to create my own individual study path with courses chosen from a wide range of diverse study programmes. I worked well in this trust-based culture because I like taking responsibility for what I do – it fit with how I plan and construct my daily life.
Students are well respected and valued here with teachers and staff treating you like an equal. As a student you “own the process” and make your own personal choices. Teachers listen to you and trust your judgement. They nourish and support your musical growth and future opportunities with their knowledge and expertise both in spirit and in practice.
I was able to play and experiment, test and grow my skills in many challenging situations. It took a great deal of courage to stick my neck out and lead a professional choir, for instance. It was not an easy ride, but I learned a lot about my potential and about the opportunities my future may hold.”