Early music, classical instrument, master
Immerse yourself in the special characteristics of early music and period instruments with the help of our large instrument collection and excellent training that emphasises ensemble playing.
Why study here?
As a master’s student of early music, you will increase your knowledge of music from the Renaissance to the romantic era, without forgetting contemporary music composed for period instruments. You will have access to a large collection of instruments, including the full range of baroque orchestra instruments and a collection of renaissance and classical instruments. We believe that ensemble playing is the best way to learn.
Watch the Early music department presentation video
Content and objective of the programme
In the Department of Early Music, your main instrument is one of the following:
- harpsichord
- lute
- viola da gamba
- recorder
- traverso
- baroque violin
- baroque cello
- baroque oboe
- baroque trumpet
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, for example, in our own Baroque Orchestra and in different chamber music ensembles.
We annually organise several chamber music weekends with different themes in the Kallio-Kuninkala Centre, in cooperation with the Uniarts Helsinki’s Open Campus and Collegium ry.
The studies prepare you for your career by combining artistry and research, seminar work and pedagogical studies. You can also study instrument pedagogy more extensively and complete pedagogical studies to qualify as a teacher. You can also choose courses organised by the other two Uniarts Helsinki academies and complete joint studies that are available to all students.
During your master’s studies, you will continue studying your main instrument. Optional studies enable you to either develop your competence more broadly or to select a focus area for more in-depth study.
Teachers
Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes international top experts as guests on a regular basis.
Open University path to studies
You can also apply to the Early music programmes by first completing a minimum of 30 credits of early music path studies at the Uniarts Helsinki Open University. Those applicants will be accepted directly to the second phase of the entrance exams.
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.
Find out more
The Sibelius Academy Baroque Orchestra has established itself as an important part of the Sibelius Academy’s Department of Early Music. The Orchestra has concerts every academic term and engages in cooperation with other training at the Sibelius Academy, for example in the form of opera and oratorio productions.
Target degree and length of study
Master of Music (MMus)
2,5 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
-
Annamari Pölhö
Lecturer, harpsichord, Early music, Sibelius Academyannamari.polho@uniarts.fi
Unit
Sibelius Academy
Ask about applying
Why study here?
As a master’s student of early music, you will increase your knowledge of music from the Renaissance to the romantic era, without forgetting contemporary music composed for period instruments. You will have access to a large collection of instruments, including the full range of baroque orchestra instruments and a collection of renaissance and classical instruments. We believe that ensemble playing is the best way to learn.
Watch the Early music department presentation video
Content and objective of the programme
In the Department of Early Music, your main instrument is one of the following:
- harpsichord
- lute
- viola da gamba
- recorder
- traverso
- baroque violin
- baroque cello
- baroque oboe
- baroque trumpet
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, for example, in our own Baroque Orchestra and in different chamber music ensembles.
We annually organise several chamber music weekends with different themes in the Kallio-Kuninkala Centre, in cooperation with the Uniarts Helsinki’s Open Campus and Collegium ry.
The studies prepare you for your career by combining artistry and research, seminar work and pedagogical studies. You can also study instrument pedagogy more extensively and complete pedagogical studies to qualify as a teacher. You can also choose courses organised by the other two Uniarts Helsinki academies and complete joint studies that are available to all students.
During your master’s studies, you will continue studying your main instrument. Optional studies enable you to either develop your competence more broadly or to select a focus area for more in-depth study.
Teachers
Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes international top experts as guests on a regular basis.
Open University path to studies
You can also apply to the Early music programmes by first completing a minimum of 30 credits of early music path studies at the Uniarts Helsinki Open University. Those applicants will be accepted directly to the second phase of the entrance exams.
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.
Find out more
The Sibelius Academy Baroque Orchestra has established itself as an important part of the Sibelius Academy’s Department of Early Music. The Orchestra has concerts every academic term and engages in cooperation with other training at the Sibelius Academy, for example in the form of opera and oratorio productions.