Choral Conducting alum: During your studies, you build your own community
Read Kristina Bogataj’s story.
Kristina first came to the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki as an exchange student in Music Education, determined to experience the country’s much-admired educational system firsthand. Being far along in her studies she also embraced opportunities in orchestral conducting and singing in the Academy’s vocal ensemble. While completing her master’s at home in Slovenia, she was already preparing to come back for a second master’s in Choral Conducting.
“I grew up in a place rich with all kinds of alternative music and grooves. This environment inspired me to start playing the piano at a very young age. My strong connection to music eventually led me to university-level studies first in Music Education and later in Choral Conducting.
At the Sibelius Academy, the premises for choral conducting are exceptional. Students get to work with a vocal ensemble of 16 professional singers. Learning from a practical situation is the most important tool for conducting students.
As students, we were expected to be able to prepare in advance and make artistic decisions early on. The schedule is quite intense, and it can be challenging to adapt to the instructions and feedback, and at the same time, build and stay faithful to your own views and perceptions.
During study years, you build your own community. I took classes across the entire Uniarts Helsinki, in addition to SibA both at the Theatre Academy and the Academy of Fine Arts, which turned out to be extremely valuable for my current career. I did study trips around Europe, extended my networks, studied with guest teachers, and participated in conducting competitions and masterclasses. Through auditions and networking, I was able to find and win my current workplace positions in Finland and abroad.
Today, I am a singing musician, conductor, choral singer, section leader, vocal coach, choir teacher, accompanist, continuo player and, so my work covers a whole spectrum of the musical world in Finland and abroad. I like collaborations and diversity of tasks that rounded musicianship offers. The working opportunities might also become broader with awareness of the wide spectrum of musician’s skills.
“Everything art” with focus on music is my way of life. I am grateful that I am able to do music – and take other people on the journey with me, creating both meaningful artistic experiences, and a space for learning about a whole palette of emotions in a safe environment.
I am happy about opportunities and experiences Finland and Uniarts have offered me. I encourage future applicants to come open-minded and be ready to swim. Listen to yourself and be courageous to make new turns to find your own place. Ask for support. Enjoy and have fun.”