Percussion (main instrument)

Why study here?

Come and study at one of the best performing arts universities of 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 for working as a teacher.

Content and objective of the programme

The focus of percussion studies is that the student learns to master their 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, as well as solo instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone.

You can also 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.

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 professionals as guests on a regular basis.

Applying

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

Doctoral studies

It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. 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.

Find out more

As a Sibelius Academy student, you will be provided with 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.