Accordion, classical instrument, bachelor and master
Study classical accordion in an internationally acclaimed study programme with a cosy community feeling.
Why study here?
The Sibelius Academy has one of the best classical accordion study programmes in the world. For decades, our alumni have worked in esteemed teaching positions around the world and have been successful in numerous international competitions.
Content and objective of the programme
The objective of the education is to allow you to acquire well-rounded expertise that suits your personality. In order to achieve this, the teachers will help you identify the studies that best suit your interests.
The accordion major study programme focuses on versatile soloist studies, spanning different genres and eras, as well as the development of extensive pedagogical skills. The studies also include familiarization with chamber music, playing the accordion prima vista (sight-reading), as well as free accompaniment and improvisation. During the studies, you will be introduced to the wide repertoire of the accordion, ranging from the Baroque era to the modern day. Seminars and masterclasses are also organised on a regular basis as part of the studies.
Bachelor’s studies
As a bachelor’s student, you will learn a soloist repertoire and study music theory, music history and chamber music, and develop your ability to read music and play by ear. For a period of two years, you will improve your accordion pedagogy on a weekly basis by teaching your own pupil.
Master’s studies
As a master’s student, you will continue your soloist studies, studies in chamber music, and general music studies. You will also improve your communications, career and study skills. You can also select optional courses in your fields of interest, comprising 30 credits. For example, you may choose to complete pedagogical studies, giving you the qualifications to work as a teacher.
You can also choose courses organised by our other two academies, Academy of Fine Arts and Theatre Academy, and courses in joint studies that are available for all students at the university.
Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to work, for example, in demanding positions as a soloist, pedagogue and chamber musician. The extensive general music studies also give you a well-rounded foundation to take on other kinds of career paths.
Besides instrument studies, ensemble playing is also integral to the programme. The study environment offers a close-knit yet international community with a homely atmosphere. The community is enriched by the presence of exchange students and degree students from all over the world.
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.
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
It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki as a third-cycle degree. After graduating as a master, you will have the option to apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.
Admissions guide
Application instructions for this programme haven't been published yet.
Target degree and length of study
Master of Music (MMus)
5,5 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply will be announced later.
Application languages
English, Finnish, Swedish
Read more about language skill requirements
Tuition fee
From August 2025, the annual tuition fee is € 12,000 for students who are studying in English and come from outside the EU and EEA countries.
Supervising teacher
-
Veli Kujala
Lecturer, accordion, Piano, accordion, guitar and kantele, Sibelius Academy+358505145515veli.kujala@uniarts.fi
Unit
Sibelius Academy
Ask about applying
Why study here?
The Sibelius Academy has one of the best classical accordion study programmes in the world. For decades, our alumni have worked in esteemed teaching positions around the world and have been successful in numerous international competitions.
Content and objective of the programme
The objective of the education is to allow you to acquire well-rounded expertise that suits your personality. In order to achieve this, the teachers will help you identify the studies that best suit your interests.
The accordion major study programme focuses on versatile soloist studies, spanning different genres and eras, as well as the development of extensive pedagogical skills. The studies also include familiarization with chamber music, playing the accordion prima vista (sight-reading), as well as free accompaniment and improvisation. During the studies, you will be introduced to the wide repertoire of the accordion, ranging from the Baroque era to the modern day. Seminars and masterclasses are also organised on a regular basis as part of the studies.
Bachelor’s studies
As a bachelor’s student, you will learn a soloist repertoire and study music theory, music history and chamber music, and develop your ability to read music and play by ear. For a period of two years, you will improve your accordion pedagogy on a weekly basis by teaching your own pupil.
Master’s studies
As a master’s student, you will continue your soloist studies, studies in chamber music, and general music studies. You will also improve your communications, career and study skills. You can also select optional courses in your fields of interest, comprising 30 credits. For example, you may choose to complete pedagogical studies, giving you the qualifications to work as a teacher.
You can also choose courses organised by our other two academies, Academy of Fine Arts and Theatre Academy, and courses in joint studies that are available for all students at the university.
Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to work, for example, in demanding positions as a soloist, pedagogue and chamber musician. The extensive general music studies also give you a well-rounded foundation to take on other kinds of career paths.
Besides instrument studies, ensemble playing is also integral to the programme. The study environment offers a close-knit yet international community with a homely atmosphere. The community is enriched by the presence of exchange students and degree students from all over the world.
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.
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
It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki as a third-cycle degree. After graduating as a master, you will have the option to apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.