Percussion, classical instrument, bachelor and master

Why study here?

Study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world. The programme allows you to reach the highest competence level in your instrument under the guidance of the best possible teachers. You will gain the skills needed to work as a versatile percussion professional, both as a soloist and as an orchestra or chamber musician. You can also complete a large study module in pedagogical studies required to work as a teacher. 

Content and objective of the programme

The focus of percussion studies is mastering your instrument. With this goal in mind, you will receive 90 minutes of personal instruction in your main instrument per week from some of the best teachers in the field. You will also study chamber music, music perception, music history, pedagogy and languages, as well as minor and optional studies of your own choosing. You will take part in the activities of a symphony orchestra already during your first year of studies.  

The primary instruments that you will study include percussion instruments required in orchestral music, such as timpani, snare drum, bass drum, glockenspiel, tambourine and cymbals. You will also study solo instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone. 

You can complete studies in composition and arrangement, conducting, as well as jazz and folk music. You can either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate, e.g., on orchestral performance and chamber music or contemporary music. 

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.

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. 

Applying

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

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.

Find out more

As a Sibelius Academy student, you will be offered great opportunities to play together with students studying other instruments, and as part of the SibA Percussion Ensemble, which gives concerts on an annual basis..