Apply to Sibelius Academy’s Junior Academy

Admissions guide 2024 to Sibelius Academy's Junior Academy.

Published 2.12.2019 | Updated 3.3.2024

Application period: between 3 January at 9 am and 17 January 2024 at 3 pm EET (Finnish time)
Application form: https://q.surveypal.com/Nuorisokoulutuksen-hakemus-2024
Admissions results: 31 May 2024 at 9 am EET (Finnish time)

Watch the Junior Academy information event (YouTube)!

The preliminary schedule of the Junior Academy entrance examinations:

Global Music 11 May 2024
Jazz Music 13 May 2024
Folk Music 15 May 2024
Voice (classical music performance) 7 May 2024
Accordion 20 May 2024
Brass and woodwind instruments:
- Brass: 15 May 2024
- Woodwinds: 11 May 2024
Cello: 15 May 2024
Double bass: video submission deadline 24 April 2024 by 3 pm (Finnish time)
Early music period instruments: May 2024, to be clarified
Guitar 14 May 2024
Harp 7 May 2024
Kantele 10 May 2024
Organ: video submission deadline 24 April 2024 by 3 pm (Finnish time)
Piano 15 May 2024
Viola 3 May 2024
Violin 11 May 2024
Composition: second stage instrument assignment submission deadline 24 April 2024 by 3 pm (Finnish time), second stage tests 13–14 May 2024 and interview 16–17 May 2024
Music theory: third stage instrument assignment submission deadline 24 April 2024 by 3 pm (Finnish time), second stage tests 13–14 May 2024 and third stage interview 16–17 May 2024

The Junior Academy at the University of the Arts Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy is a national, goal-oriented programme, which prepares musically exceptionally talented young people for higher education in music. It functions as a part of the Sibelius Academy — in which teaching, artistic activity, and research provide an interactive university-level learning environment.

The pedagogical approach of the Junior Academy is to consider the student’s overall development as a musician and as a balanced young school student. Interaction, feedback and discussions between the student and teachers on the one hand and between the student’s guardians and teachers on the other support the student’s learning process.

As a Junior Academy student, you have a main subject or a main instrument. Your studies will also include at least one public performance, which will be assessed, each academic year (for example as part of a Junior Academy matinee). In addition to your main subject or instrument, you study ensemble playing and participate in general music skills studies (structural awareness of music studies). General music skills studies are arranged in the Junior Academy’s own groups or in collaboration with your local music institute, considering the practical circumstances, such as where you live. You may also be granted tuition in the other fields represented in the Sibelius Academy, for example in the form of secondary instrument or subject tuition.

As a student, you must be able to participate in the teaching of the Junior Academy on site in the Sibelius Academy’s facilities in Helsinki on a regular basis.

Every year, approximately 20-30 new students are selected for the Junior Academy. Students are granted admission to the Junior Academy based on their performance during the entrance examination. The number of selected students is influenced annually by the number of students completing their studies at the Junior Academy, i.e. the number of available student places.

The decision on students admitted to Junior Academy is made by the Dean.

Main subjects and main instruments in the Junior Academy

Global Music
Jazz Music
Folk Music
Classical Music Performance, voice
Classical Music Performance, instrument: early music period instruments (wind instrument [Baroque oboe, recorder, traverso], string instrument [Baroque cello, Baroque violin, Viola da Gamba], harpsichord or lute), piano, accordion, guitar, kantele, woodwind and brass instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba), string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass), percussion, harp, and organ
Music Theory
Composition

Study plan

Your studies will progress according to the Junior Academy curriculum and your individual study plan (NOPS). The study plan includes tuition in your main subject or main instrument, general music skills studies, possible studies in other subjects, period-based tuition, and the required public performances that will be assessed. Alongside the goals regarding your music studies, your goals related to comprehensive or secondary education will also be taken into consideration when planning your studies.

Every spring, you will have a discussion with a Sibelius Academy department head or a Junior Academy teacher. During the spring discussion your progress in accordance with your study plan as well as the continuation of your Junior Academy studies will be assessed.

Eligibility for education

Jazz, Folk Music, Music Theory, Composition, Classical Music Performance: piano, accordion, kantele, guitar, string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass), and organ:

You are eligible for the Junior Academy if you

will turn at most 18 during the same calendar year you start your studies at the Junior Academy and
are enrolled in comprehensive education which will make you eligible for secondary education or you are enrolled in secondary education that provides eligibility for higher education. Sibelius Academy and other Finnish higher education institutions require their applicants to be eligible for higher education.

Classical Music Performance, voice:

You are eligible for the Junior Academy if you

will turn at least 15 and most 18 during the same calendar year you start your studies at the Junior Academy and
are enrolled in comprehensive education which will make you eligible for secondary education or you are enrolled in secondary education that provides eligibility for higher education. Sibelius Academy and other Finnish higher education institutions require their applicants to be eligible for higher education.

Classical Music Performance, woodwind and brass instruments, percussion, harp, and Early Music period instruments:

You are eligible for the Junior Academy if you

will turn at least 13 and most 18 during the same calendar year you start your studies at the Junior Academy and
are enrolled in comprehensive education which will make you eligible for secondary education or you are enrolled in secondary education that provides eligibility for higher education. Sibelius Academy and other Finnish higher education institutions require their applicants to be eligible for higher education.

Global Music:

You are eligible for the Junior Academy if you

will turn at least 12 and most 18 during the same calendar year you start your studies at the Junior Academy and
are enrolled in comprehensive education which will make you eligible for secondary education or you are enrolled in secondary education that provides eligibility for higher education. Sibelius Academy and other Finnish higher education institutions require their applicants to be eligible for higher education.

If you do not meet the age requirement for your main instrument/subject when you apply, you will not be invited to the entrance examinations. The Sibelius Academy checks the eligibility of each applicant after the end of the application period. You will be notified of your eligibility by email no later than 6 March 2024.

Right to study

The right to study at the Junior Academy is granted for a period of one academic year at a time. The continuation of the right to study is affected by the student’s success in their studies, which is continuously assessed during the studies. The continuation of the right to study does not have to be applied for through an admissions procedure.

The right to study ends at the end of the academic year when the student finishes their comprehensive education or secondary education. However, the right to study will expire at the latest at the end of the spring term of the calendar year during which the student turns 20.

A student’s right to study may also end if they neglect their studies: The student does not follow information provided on the Junior Academy and fails to take care of the student’s tasks (for example compiling NOPS, taking part in a spring discussion), is absent from their lessons without notification or discontinues their studies included in their NOPS without a valid reason.

The decision to terminate the right to study is made by the Dean.

How to apply

The application period starts on 3 January 2024 at 9am EET (Finnish time) and ends on 17 January 2024 at 3pm EET (Finnish time). Fill in the online application form (SurveyPal) here:

Junior Academy: Application form 2024

If you are applying for more than one main subject or instrument, you will be asked to prioritise your choices in the application form. If you are admitted to more than one main subject or instrument, you will be automatically placed in the main subject or instrument you have selected as the highest in your order of priority.

The possible advance assignments (Composition and Music Theory) must be submitted to the Sibelius Academy via the electronic SurveyPal application form no later than 24 January 2024 at 3pm EET (Finnish time). If you fail to deliver the required advance assignments, you will not be invited to take part in the entrance examination. NOTE! Advance assignments cannot be submitted by e-mail.

The Sibelius Academy Admissions Office will answer your questions. The e-mail address is siba.admissions@uniarts.fi.

Study certificates or other certificates are not submitted during the application period.

Entrance examinations

The entrance examinations of the Sibelius Academy will be arranged as described in the admissions criteria for each main subject or main instrument. The examinations vary in content and implementation. They may include video and sound recordings, sub-tests to be completed via remote connection and sub-tests arranged at the premises of Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. If the main subject or main instrument you apply for arranges the entrance examinations or individual sub-tests at the premises of Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, you must prepare to be present in person at the entrance examination on the dates and at the times given. You are responsible for all travel and possible accommodation expenses and arrangements while attending the entrance examination.

Instructions for completing and submitting electronic entrance examination assignments

The preliminary schedule of the entrance examinations will be published on the Uniarts Helsinki website no later than 31 January 2024 You will receive an invitation to entrance examinations or a notification of not being invited by e-mail no later than 2 to 3 weeks before the examination date. The exact instructions and schedules of your entrance examination will be detailed in your invitation.

You will be assigned an individual entrance examination time, which cannot be changed except for compelling reasons not due to the applicant, and if the timetable of the Entrance Examination Board allows. Acceptable grounds for changing your examination time are an accident or sudden illness (a medical certificate is required). If you do not attend your entrance examination, you will not be offered a place at the Sibelius Academy. Please notify the Sibelius Academy Admissions Office as soon as possible if you are unable to attend the entrance examination.

You must prove your identity in the entrance examinations with a passport, other official proof of identity or driving license.

The entrance examination is a non-public event to which you must not bring any outside persons. For some main subjects or main instruments, it is permissible to bring your own accompanist or assisting musician to the entrance examination. This, however, will always be specifically stated in the admissions criteria for the main subject or main instrument in question. Auditions at the entrance examination cannot be recorded (L 621/1999).

Announcement of results

Admissions results will be published on 31 May 2024 at 9am EET (Finnish time).

The Dean’s decision will be available at 9am onwards on Uniarts Helsinki website including the names of the applicants who have given permission to publish their names online.

The Sibelius Academy will send e-mail to those admitted as students. You can also check the results on Uniarts Helsinki website or inquire about the results by e-mail at siba.admissions@uniarts.fi. Some main instruments or main subjects may choose not to admit new students.

The decision made by the Dean on admitting an applicant as a student in the Junior Academy cannot be appealed.

A list of people giving feedback as well as the schedule for requesting feedback will be published on the Uniarts Helsinki website when the results are published. Feedback is intended to guide you to further improve your performance and help you identify areas for improvement.

Accepting the offered study place and starting your studies

New students will receive registration instructions with the acceptance letter.

In August, students admitted to the Junior Academy must submit a certificate of studying in comprehensive or secondary education in 2024–2025. If a selected student fails to provide the study certificate by the given deadline, they will lose their study place at the Junior Academy. Sibelius Academy will inform the selected new students of the exact timetable for the submission of the certificate in their letter of acceptance.

A Junior Academy student cannot register as an absent student. Instead, they must accept the study place and begin their studies in the autumn term following their admission.

The studies will begin with an orientation week for the new Junior Academy students at the turn of August-September. The annual service fee for Junior Academy students is EUR 340 (EUR 170 per term).

The new students will be allocated to teachers and possible accompanists by the respective department heads. Students’ preferences will be accommodated if possible.

Admissions requirements for each main subject and main instrument

GLOBAL MUSIC

The entrance auditions will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

The entrance auditions consist of three different parts. You may apply with any instrument, including voice.

Interactive group workshop

This part of the audition consists of an interactive workshop in a group, made up of other Global Music applicants. The workshop will involve work away from instruments, including warmup exercises, body percussion, voice work, improvisation, ear-training, and small group tasks. In addition, the workshop may involve group work using instruments as required.

Own performance

A performance of 10 – 15 minutes may be performed on more than one instrument/voice.

Perform pieces of your own choice, which demonstrate your own musical tradition, musical background, or own form of musical expression. This may include traditional and/or contemporary pieces. Your own compositions may also be included as part of this programme.

The performance may be solo or with accompanying musicians. You must provide your own accompanying musicians if required.

Please bring your own instruments to the entrance examination, unless otherwise agreed.

Discussion

A short discussion will be held with you and the Entrance Examination Board. During the discussion, you will be asked about your motivation for wanting to study global music and any longer-term goals. The Board may also ask other questions related to your music studies as needed.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s entrance examination performance, the Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicant’s present skills and motivation for studying within the aims of the Junior Academy curriculum. The Board will also follow your ability to adapt to the different tasks, as well as your ability to work collaboratively within a group.

During the performance, the Board will assess the applicant’s instrumental and/or vocal performance skills. During the interactive workshop, the Board will assess the applicant’s listening and communication skills as well as their interaction with musicians from diverse backgrounds. During the discussion, the Board will assess the applicant’s ability to articulate clear reasons for wanting to study Global Music.

The parts of the entrance examination are weighted as follows:

Own performance  50 %
Interactive workshop  40 %
Discussion 10 %

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25 points.

The Examination Board also takes into consideration the formation of a diverse student ensemble.

JAZZ

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

The entrance examination includes:

Two prepared well-known jazz compositions of your own choice performed from memory
Additional assignments (for example scales, chords, blues in F or Bb) at the Entrance Examination Board’s discretion
A brief interview

The two prepared jazz compositions must be of different types (for example in tempo, style and key), and you must include an improvised solo in accordance with the chords and form of the composition. For singers, an interpretation of the melody is sufficient. Scat singing is optional.

Each applicant will be allowed a maximum of 15 minutes.

The Sibelius Academy will provide accompaniment (a pianist, a bassist, and a drummer) for the entrance examination. You must perform with the accompanying ensemble. You must submit sheet music for the accompanists no later than 27 March 2024 via e-mail to siba.suunnittelija.jazz@uniarts.fi. The sheet music must be submitted in PDF format, and each composition as a single file (not one page at a time). The maximum file size is 20 MB. You may also bring the sheet music (3 copies) with you to the examination.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s performances, the Board will assess the applicant’s command of their instrument, their command of jazz rhythmics, melody and harmony, and especially the applicant’s ensemble playing skills. In addition, a short interview section examines the applicant’s motivation to study at the Junior Academy.

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25 points.

FOLK MUSIC

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

The entrance examination includes:

A 10–15-minute folk music repertoire of your own choice performed from memory
An additional task to assess music perception skills, the ability to distinguish sounds, and tonal memory
A brief interview

The repertoire may consist of traditional music, new music, and/or your own folk compositions, and improvisation. However, if the repertoire consists mainly of music other than traditional Finnish music, the performance must include a sample of Finnish folk music.

In addition to your main instrument, you may include a demonstration on a secondary instrument.

All pieces are to be performed without accompaniment. However, double bass and electric bass as well as percussion players may use an assisting musician during part of their repertoire. Applicants who play other instruments may also use an assisting musician if the applicant also wishes to demonstrate their accompaniment skills/comping skills during the entrance examination. Even so, part of the entrance examination repertoire must be performed without an assisting musician. If you wish to use an assisting musician during part of your entrance examination, you must bring them with you.

Assessement criteria

The assessment will focus on the following areas:

skills and technical command of the instrument(s) or voice (including improvisation skills)
knowledge of folk music (performance methods, improvisation)
skills and expression typical of folk music (ability to play based on hearing, typical phrasing and rhythm)
skills in structural awareness of music: musical perception skills, the ability to distinguish pitch and timbre, tonal memory and music theory skills
motivation

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25 points. The main focus of the assessment is on the performed repertoire.

CLASSICAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE, VOICE

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In the entrance examination, perform the following repertoire:

An aria from an oratorio or opera
The composition must be performed from memory and with accompaniment. You must use the pianist provided by Sibelius Academy. You must perform the piece in the original key.
A song of your choice (Lied)
The composition must be performed from memory and with accompaniment. You must use the pianist provided by Sibelius Academy.
A demonstration on a secondary instrument. The composition must be performed without accompaniment.
A brief interview. The board will interview you.

Submittal of sheet music:

Submit a list of your audition repertoire and related sheet music no later than 27 March 2024 via e-mail to siba.lamuvalinnat@uniarts.fi. The sheet music must be in the intended key and in PDF format (each composition as a single file, not one page at a time). The maximum file size is 20 MB. Your name and the main subject/instrument you are applying for, as well as all possible cuts, cadenzas, or other deviations from the original notation must be clearly marked on the sheets. All sheet music must also include the name of the composer and the composition. You must bring the sheet music to the entrance examination either as originals or as taped copies.

NOTE! The contents or sequence of the programme cannot be changed after the submittal deadline.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s performance, the Board will assess their voice material, vocal technique, artistic potential, learning capabilities and motivation. The applicant is expected to give at minimum a PT 2/2 level performance or to showcase equivalent skills.

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25 points.

CLASSICAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE, INSTRUMENT

ACCORDION

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform three different types of works of your choice. In addition, the Board interviews you and may ask you to provide a prima vista demonstration on your instrument.

All compositions must be performed from memory.

Each applicant will be allowed a maximum of 15 minutes. At its discretion, the Board may listen to only a part of the prepared repertoire.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s entrance examination performance, the Board will assess the applicant’s technical capabilities, learning capabilities, motivation, and their ability to develop artistically and technically during their studies.

The Board will assess the applicants’ entrance examination performances on a scale of 0 to 25.

BRASS INSTRUMENTS

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of works of your choice, one of which must be a composition with piano accompaniment. The total duration of the freely selected compositions is approximately 10 minutes. In addition, the Board interviews you and may ask you to provide a prima vista demonstration on your instrument.

In addition, those applying for the French horn must perform the B flat major scale over three octaves. The sheet music is sent to the applicants 10 days before the entrance examination.

The compositions need not be performed from memory. Compositions including accompaniment must be performed with accompaniment. The accompanying instrument is a piano. The performed composition(s) may also be a movement or movements of a concerto or sonata.

You may use your own accompanist, or one provided by the university. Notify us of your choice and submit the sheet music via an electronic SurveyPal form that we will send you by email after the end of the application period. Changes to the accompanist selection cannot be made after the deadline for the submission of the sheet music. The Sibelius Academy does not offer the opportunity to practice with the accompanist before the entrance examination.

If you are using the accompanist provided by the university, submit the sheet music of the works you have selected to the Sibelius Academy no later than on 27 March 2024 via the electronic SurveyPal form. Submit the sheet music in PDF form and each composition as a single file (not one page per file). The maximum file size is 20 MB. The names of the composer and the composition as well as your name and the main instrument/subject you are applying for must be stated at the beginning of the sheet music of each composition. You must bring the same sheet music to the entrance examination as either originals or taped copies.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s performances, the Board will assess the applicant’s technical capabilities, performance skills, learning capabilities, motivation, and their ability to develop artistically and technically during their studies. The applicant is expected to give at minimum a PT3 level performance or to showcase equivalent skills.

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

CELLO

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of works of your choice with a total duration of approximately 10 minutes. In addition, the Board interviews you.

All compositions must be performed from memory. Compositions including accompaniment must be performed with accompaniment. The accompanying instrument is a piano.

You may use your own accompanist or one provided by the university. Notify us of your choice and submit the sheet music via an electronic SurveyPal form that we will send you by email after the end of the application period. Changes to the accompanist selection cannot be made after the deadline for the submission of the sheet music. The Sibelius Academy does not offer the opportunity to practice with the accompanist before the entrance examination.

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

DOUBLE BASS

The entrance examination will be arranged by requiring a video recording. You are responsible for producing the video required.

Submit your video recording to the Sibelius Academy via the OneDrive system no later than 24 April 2024 at 3pm EET (Finnish time).

On your video recording, perform two different types of works of your choice. In addition, describe your study background, motivation and goals as a musician on the video.

All compositions must be performed from memory. All compositions are to be performed without accompaniment.

The video can be recorded in several takes and more than one space. Individual compositions must be recorded in one, single take (as in a live performance), and the recordings of individual compositions must not be edited.

Play facing the camera so that your face and hands are visible at all times. The video must not be shot from too far away. You must be visible in the frame from head to knees.

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

EARLY MUSIC PERIOD INSTRUMENTS

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of works of your choice. In addition, the Board interviews you and asks you to provide a prima vista demonstration on your instrument.

The repertoire must be performed on a period instrument. The compositions need not to be performed from memory. At its discretion, the Board may listen to only a part of the prepared repertoire.

Compositions including accompaniment must be performed with accompaniment. The accompanying instrument is a harpsichord.

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

GUITAR

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of works of your choice. In addition, the Board interviews you and may ask you to provide a prima vista demonstration on your instrument.

All compositions must be performed from memory. All compositions are to be performed without accompaniment.

At its discretion, the Board may listen to only a part of the prepared repertoire.

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

HARP

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of solo pieces of your choice with a total duration of 5 to 15 minutes. In addition, present yourself briefly: describe yourself as a musician in a few words and explain why you are applying to the Sibelius Academy’s Junior Academy.

It is recommended to perform the compositions from memory. All compositions are to be performed without accompaniment. The performed composition(s) may also be a movement or movements of a concerto or sonata.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s performances, the Board will assess the applicant’s technical capabilities, learning capabilities, motivation, and their ability to develop artistically and technically during their studies. The applicant is expected to give at minimum a PT3 level performance or to showcase equivalent skills.

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

KANTELE

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of works of your choice. In addition, the Board interviews you and may ask you to provide a prima vista demonstration on your instrument.

All compositions must be performed from memory. All compositions are to be performed without accompaniment.

At its discretion, the Board may listen to only a part of the prepared repertoire.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s performances, the Board will assess the applicant’s learning capabilities, technical capabilities, motivation, and their ability to develop artistically and technically during their studies.

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

ORGAN

The entrance examination will be arranged by requiring a video recording. You are responsible for producing the video required.

Submit your video recording to the Sibelius Academy via the OneDrive system no later than 24 April 2024 at 3pm EET (Finnish time).

On your video recording, perform two different types of works of your choice. In addition, describe your study background, motivation and goals as a musician on the video.

The compositions need not be performed from memory. All compositions are to be performed without accompaniment.

On the video, play so that your face and hands are visible at all times. The video must not be shot from too far away. You must be fully visible in the frame.

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

PERCUSSION

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

Prepare a freely selected demonstration of your skills on the following instruments (duration approx. 5 min / instrument):

Snare drum
Timpani
Melodic percussion instrument (xylophone, vibraphone, or marimba)

In addition, the entrance examination includes prima vista playing and musical capability assignments at the discretion of the Entrance Examination Board, and an interview.

The compositions need not be performed from memory. All compositions are to be performed without accompaniment. You must bring the sheet music for the freely selected assignments to the entrance examination for the Board.

Assessment criteria

Based on the applicant’s performances, the Board will assess the applicant’s technical capabilities, performance skills, learning capabilities, motivation, their understanding of the styles of different periods and their ability to develop artistically and technically during their studies. The applicant is expected to give at minimum a PT3 level performance or to showcase equivalent skills.

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

PIANO

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

The entrance examination repertoire depends on your year of birth. All compositions must be performed from memory.

Those born in 2010 or later:

A composition by J.S. Bach
A fast movement from a Viennese-Classical sonata or sonatina or other equivalent composition
A freely selected composition or parts of a composition

Those born in 2009 or earlier:

A three-part invention or prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach
A fast movement from a Viennese-Classical sonata
A freely selected composition or parts of a composition

In addition, the Board interviews you and may ask you to provide a prima vista demonstration on your instrument.

Assessment criteria

The Board will assess the applicants’ entrance examination performances on a scale of 0 to 25.

VIOLA

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of works or parts of works of your choice. In addition, the Board interviews you and may ask you to provide a prima vista demonstration on your instrument.

The compositions need not be performed from memory. Compositions including accompaniment must be performed with accompaniment. The accompanying instrument is a piano.

If you are using the accompanist provided by the university, submit the sheet music of the works you have selected to the Sibelius Academy no later than on 27 March 2024 via the electronic SurveyPal form. Submit the sheet music in PDF form and each composition as a single file (not one page per file). The maximum file size is 20 MB. The names of the composer and the composition as well as your name and the main instrument/subject you are applying for must be stated at the beginning of the sheet music of each composition. You must bring the same sheet music to the entrance examination as either originals or taped copies.

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

VIOLIN

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

In your entrance examination, perform two different types of works of your choice with a total duration of approximately 10 minutes. In addition, the Board interviews you.

All compositions must be performed from memory. All compositions are to be performed without accompaniment.

At its discretion, the Board may listen to only a part of the prepared repertoire if the total duration of the programme exceeds 10 minutes.

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS

The entrance examination will be held on site at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

The entrance examination includes:

Two different works from your instrument’s repertoire list (link below). At least one of these must be a composition with piano accompaniment.

Flute, clarinet and saxophone: The total duration of the selected works approx. 15 min
Oboe and bassoon: The total duration of the selected works approx. 10 min

The compositions need not be performed from memory. Compositions including accompaniment must be performed with accompaniment. The accompanying instrument is a piano. The performed composition(s) may also be a movement or movements of a multi-part work (concerto, sonata or suite).
A brief introduction (3 to 5 minutes) in which you introduce your previous studies, your motivation, and your goals as a musician.

Find the repertoire lists here!

Assessment criteria

The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicants on a scale of 0 to 25.

COMPOSITION

First stage: Advance assignments

SurveyPal form: Junior Academy advance assignments 2024

Submit the following advance assignments to the Sibelius Academy via the electronic SurveyPal form no later than 24 January 2024 at 3pm EET (Finnish time):

A written account of your previous studies in music (max. 1 standard A4 page), which must include the following details:
- Your name
- Prior studies in the theory and history of music, aural skills and music analysis. Please also state where and when these subjects were studied as well as the highest level or qualification attained.
- Previous instrumental studies and other musical activity
- Previous studies in composition (teacher’s name, duration and form of studies, possible institution, and official attainments)
A selection of samples of your own compositions.
The selection of samples is limited. It must include two entire pieces or individual movements from an entire piece, whose combined total number of pages is 5-40.

If the selection of samples does not precisely comply with the instructions given above, it will be rejected.

Should a sound sample already exist, this should also be included in the SurveyPal form.

The Entrance Examination Board will invite a part of the applicants to the second stage of the entrance examination based on the scores awarded in the first stage. If you fail to submit the required advance assignments to the Sibelius Academy by the deadline, you will not be invited to the second stage of the entrance examination.

Second stage

The second stage of the entrance examination will be conducted via a remote connection. The second stage includes the following sub-tests:

Tests in general music skills
Composition assignment
Interview
Instrument auditions

Tests in general music skills

The assignments in general music skills may test your aural ability to recognize musical works and styles, your basic knowledge of music theory, identification of intervals and chords, melody and rhythm dictation, and sight-singing.

Composition assignment

Applicants invited to the second stage of the entrance examination will be sent a composition assignment together with the invitation. You must submit your completed assignment as specified and by the deadline given in the invitation to the second stage, and you must also prepare to present your composition assignment in the interview.

Interview

The interview will be conducted via a remote connection.

The interview will assess your abilities to analyze compositional solutions, your motivation for composing and systematic training in composition, knowledge of repertoire, and theoretic-analytical capabilities. The Entrance Examination Board will also assess your educability.

You must also prepare to present your short text (of a maximum of 50 words) written in advance on your expectations for composition studies as well as your composition assignment during the interview.

Instrument auditions

Submit your instrument auditions to the Sibelius Academy as a video recording. You are responsible for producing the video required. Submit your video recording to the Sibelius Academy via the OneDrive system no later than 24 April 2024 at 3pm EET (Finnish time).

If your main instrument is the piano, perform an invention by J.S. Bach or a comparable composition, a fast movement from a Viennese-Classical sonata, a freely selected composition, and other possible instrumental demonstrations (on secondary instrument(s)) on the video recording. If you prefer, you may perform a shorter excerpt of a larger piece. In addition, you may improvise or give other samples of your practical musicianship (total duration of 4 minutes). The total duration of the video recordings must not exceed 15 minutes.

If your main instrument is not the piano, perform two different styles of works from your instrument’s core repertoire. In addition, perform one Western art music piece on the piano. If you prefer, you may perform a shorter excerpt of a larger piece. In addition, you may improvise or give other samples of your practical musicianship (total duration of 4 minutes). The total duration of the video recordings must not exceed 15 minutes.

Play facing the camera so that your face and hands are visible at all times. The video must not be shot from too far away. You must be visible in the frame from head to knees.

Assessment criteria

You are required to have a good basic command of music theory, aural skills and practical music-making, and also a knowledge of Western art music. You are also required to be musically creative and motivated regarding the studies.

The components of the entrance examination are weighted as follows:

Advance assignment (composition samples) 20 %
Tests general music skills 30 %
Composition assignment 10 %
Interview (inclunding instrument auditions) 40 %

MUSIC THEORY

First stage: Advance assignments

SurveyPal form: Junior Academy advance assignments 2024

Submit the following advance assignments to the Sibelius Academy via the electronic SurveyPal application form no later than 24 January 2024 at 3pm EET (Finnish time):

A written account of your previous studies in music (max. 1 standard A4 page), which must include the following details:
- Your name
- Prior studies in the theory and history of music, aural skills and music analysis. Please also state where and when these subjects were studied as well as the highest level or qualification attained.
- Previous instrumental studies and other musical activity
- If you’re applying also for the main subject Composition, you must submit an account of your previous studies in composition (teacher’s name, duration and form of studies, possible institution, and official attainments)
A free-form essay (of max. 500 words), in which you describe your interests and activities within music theory

All eligible applicants who have submitted their advance assignments before the given deadline will be invited to the second stage of the entrance examination.

Second stage

The second stage of the entrance examination will be conducted via a remote connection. The second stage includes the following sub-tests:

Tests in general music skills
Music theory and analysis tests arranged for the Composition and Music Theory programme

Tests in general music skills

Music theory and analysis tests arranged for the Composition and Music Theory programme

This tests your analytical perception, ability to describe music in writing and knowledge of music theory and music history. The examination may include assignments on the following areas: figured bass, the sonata form and other traditional forms (recognition of bridge passages and cadences), basic post-tonal concepts, perception of texture by ear.

The Entrance Examination Board will invite a part of the applicants to the third stage of the entrance examination on the basis of the scores awarded in the second stage. Applicants invited to the third stage will be notified by e-mail.

Third stage

The third stage of the entrance examination will be conducted via a remote connection. The third stage includes the following sub-tests:

Interview
Instrument auditions

Interview

The interview will be conducted via a remote connection.

During the interview, you will need a piano or keyboard. If it is not possible for you to use a piano or keyboard during the interview, the Board will assess the assignment in question based on your verbal comments.

You may briefly present compositions, arrangements or research papers written by you or similar merits in the interview if you wish. If you wish to present material like this, you must say so at the beginning of the interview.

Instrument auditions

All applicants must submit their instrument audition recording by the deadline, but only the assignments of those invited to the third stage will be assessed.

An individual piece must be recorded as a continuous and unedited take. However, not all pieces need to be recorded in the same session.

You must play facing the camera so that your face and hands are visible at all times. The video must not be shot from too far away. You must be visible in the frame from head to knees.

Assessment criteria

You are required to have a good basic command of music theory, aural skills and practical music-making, and also a knowledge of Western art music. In addition, you must be motivated to study.

The components of the entrance examination are weighted as follows:

Tests in general music skills 20 %
Music theory and analysis tests 40 %
Interview (including discussion of your essay and instrument auditions) 40 %

Questions or comments?

You can contact us via e-mail at siba.admissions@uniarts.fi or siba.nuorisokoulutus@uniarts.fi.

View study programme's details