Jazz, instrument or voice, bachelor and master

Why study here?

You can develop into a versatile jazz professional under the guidance of Finland’s leading musicians and international top names. We are known worldwide for our high-quality teaching, comprehensive curriculum and the abundant master class activity which also includes possibilities to play and work with the top-notch international jazz musicians.

Content and objective of the programme

During the studies, you will receive professional-level knowledge and skills in African-American music, music culture and performance practices. Upon graduating, you may take on demanding roles as a musician, bandleader, composer & arranger and pedagogue. Some of the most internationally acclaimed Finnish jazz professionals such as Timo Lassy, Verneri Pohjola, Aki Rissanen and Kalle Kalima are all alumni of the Sibelius Academy.

Bachelor’s studies

Jazz students complete studies in ensemble playing, aural skills, rhythm and arrangement that support their major subject. Optional studies andminor subject studies are also included in the degree. You will also study languages and music technology. 

Master’s studies

At the master’s degree stage, you can choose almost a third of your courses freely. In addition to instrument classes and ensemble playing, you can choose, e.g., music business courses or pedagogical studies needed to work as a teacher. During your studies, you will also participate in different musical projects, master classes and social events. 

You can also choose courses organized by the other departments in Sibelius Academy and the two other Uniarts Helsinki academies. You can also complete joint studies that are available to all students. 

New curriculum to be launched

Our curriculum is currently being updated. Teaching according to the new curriculum will start in autumn 2024. Please keep this in mind when browsing the current curriculum.

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 jazz and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies. Some of the theses written by our doctors of music are available on-line.

• Sami Linna http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2019112243797
• Mikko Helevä http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-329-071-6
• Riitta Paakki http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-329-038-9
• Antti Rissanen http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2018050923728
• Jarno Kukkonen http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20052000
• Jari Perkiömäki http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20031086

Teachers

The Sibelius Academy’s teaching staff represents the top of the Finnish jazz scene. In recent years they have included

• Jim Beard
• Seamus Blake
• Peter Bernstein
• René Marie
• Christie Dashiell
• Sinne Eeg
• Jamie Baum
• Jeff Hirshfield
• Aaron Parks
• Tony Malaby
• Guillermo Klein
• Marquis Hill
• Frank McComb
• Tim Hagans
• Craig Taborn
• Mark Soskin
• Billy Cobham
• Aaron Goldberg
• Matt Penman
• Leon Parker
• Jonathan Kreisberg
• Martin Bejerano
• Phil Markowitz
• Jeff “Tain” Watts
• Paul Bollenback
• Pedro Martins
• Godwin Louis
• Samora Pinderhughes
• Terell Stafford
• Jason Moran
• Dana Hall
• Ralph Alessi
• Ashley Kahn.

We collaborate with the Manhattan School of Music via video conference. These video-streamed master classes have been held, for example, by John Riley, Dave Liebman, Phil Markowitz and Gretchen Parlato. 

Applying to the programme

Uniarts Helsinki is one of the most sought-after places to study in Finland. Browse the applicant statistics from previous years.

Sibis Alumni Big Band

Our unique big band brings together students, teachers and prominent alumni.

Our students share their experiences about the studies