Music producer, musician, songwriter Sean Holt appointed visiting professor at the Sibelius Academy

Sean Holt, a US-born assistant professor, producer, and songwriter, has worked extensively in the music industry, including with numerous well-known pop artists. He has also produced music for large multinational companies and television networks. As part of the Sibelius Academy International Visitor Programme, he has now been appointed visiting professor at the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki from 1 November 2021 to 31 December 2022.

International experience for developing studies in composing and producing pop music

As a visiting professor, Holt will contribute to the Sibelius Academy’s teaching in music education and strengthen cooperation with the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, which is of strategic importance to the Sibelius Academy. During his professorship, he will continue the development work focusing on studies in composing and producing pop music. He will also teach the subject for two academic terms. Furthermore, his duties will include participating in the planning and development of a minor study module in the composition and production of pop music in the Sibelius Academy’s Department of Music Education.

Holt’s in-depth understanding and experience of the music industry, extensive international networks and excellent pedagogical skills offer Sibelius Academy students the opportunity to expand their professional skills and perspectives in the music industry.

Holt visited the Sibelius Academy’s Department of Music Education for the first time in 2019 and taught, among other subjects, the composition and production of pop music. The visits have received very good feedback from the students. This is one of the reasons why the Sibelius Academy is looking forward to continuing and deepening the cooperation with Holt. The professorship is part of the Sibelius Academy’s International Visitor Programme, which was launched in 2019 and is now being carried out with support from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and the Wihuri Foundation.

Watch a video of Sean Holts’ teaching visit in 2019

More information

Faculty Dean Tanja Johansson
tanja.johansson@uniarts.fi