Kantele, classical instrument, bachelor and master
Study to become a top-level kantele professional of classical and contemporary music in the leading programme in its field.
Why study here?
Our versatile kantele programme is highly respected both in Finland and internationally. It has a unique mission in fostering and renewing kantele music and pedagogy. Kantele artists who have studied at the Sibelius Academy and achieved global success include Eva Alkula, Eija Kankaanranta, Kristi Mühling and Hedi Viisma.
Watch the classical kantele education presentation
Content and objective of the programme
Our flexible curriculum caters to individual interests and aims at providing students with wide expertise and top-level mastery of the instrument. You will be able to grow into a professional with your own strong artistic vision.
The kantele major focuses on versatile soloist studies, spanning different eras and genres as well as the development of extensive pedagogical skills. Your studies will cover topics like chamber music, free accompaniment and improvisation, ergonomics and the history and modern state of kantele. We offer you the opportunity to work with composers and composition students. You will learn how to incorporate electric kantele and music technology in your music. You will also become acquainted with the structure and maintenance of a kantele instrument.
Bachelor’s studies focus on general studies, like courses in music theory and history, as well as kantele studies with more specialised themes.
As a master’s student, you can choose courses more freely, and even select courses organised by the other two Uniarts Helsinki academies. You can complement your degree with courses in jazz, folk music and early music, as well as in composition and arrangement.
After graduating, you can work as a soloist, chamber musician, kantele pedagogue or in other jobs requiring expertise in music and the arts.
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 subject is part of our Junior Academy, a national programme that 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
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. It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the university as a third-cycle degree.
Target degree and length of study
Master of Music (MMus)
5,5 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply is in January 2026. Studies begin in August 2026.
Degree language
English, Finnish, Swedish
Read more about language skill requirements
Tuition fee
From August 2026, the annual tuition fee is € 28,000 for students who are studying in English and come from outside the EU and EEA countries.
Supervising teacher
-
Eija Kankaanranta
Lecturer, kantele, Piano, accordion, guitar and kantele, Sibelius Academy+358505758100eija.kankaanranta@uniarts.fi
Unit
Sibelius Academy
Ask about applying
Why study here?
Our versatile kantele programme is highly respected both in Finland and internationally. It has a unique mission in fostering and renewing kantele music and pedagogy. Kantele artists who have studied at the Sibelius Academy and achieved global success include Eva Alkula, Eija Kankaanranta, Kristi Mühling and Hedi Viisma.
Watch the classical kantele education presentation
Content and objective of the programme
Our flexible curriculum caters to individual interests and aims at providing students with wide expertise and top-level mastery of the instrument. You will be able to grow into a professional with your own strong artistic vision.
The kantele major focuses on versatile soloist studies, spanning different eras and genres as well as the development of extensive pedagogical skills. Your studies will cover topics like chamber music, free accompaniment and improvisation, ergonomics and the history and modern state of kantele. We offer you the opportunity to work with composers and composition students. You will learn how to incorporate electric kantele and music technology in your music. You will also become acquainted with the structure and maintenance of a kantele instrument.
Bachelor’s studies focus on general studies, like courses in music theory and history, as well as kantele studies with more specialised themes.
As a master’s student, you can choose courses more freely, and even select courses organised by the other two Uniarts Helsinki academies. You can complement your degree with courses in jazz, folk music and early music, as well as in composition and arrangement.
After graduating, you can work as a soloist, chamber musician, kantele pedagogue or in other jobs requiring expertise in music and the arts.
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 subject is part of our Junior Academy, a national programme that 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
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. It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the university as a third-cycle degree.