Kantele, classical instrument, bachelor and master
Study to become a top-level kantele professional of classical and contemporary music in the leading programme in its field.
Why study here?
Our versatile kantele programme is highly respected both locally and internationally. It has a unique mission in fostering and renewing kantele music and pedagogy. Kantele artists who have studied at the Sibelius Academy and achieved global success include Eva Alkula, Eija Kankaanranta, Kristi Mühling and Hedi Viisma.
Content and objective of the programme
Our flexible curriculum caters to individual interests and aims at providing students with wide expertise and top-level mastery of the instrument. You will be able to grow into a professional with your own strong artistic vision.
The kantele major focuses on versatile soloist studies, spanning different eras and genres as well as the development of extensive pedagogical skills. Your studies will cover the following topics: chamber music; free accompaniment and improvisation; ergonomics when playing; and the history and modern state of kantele. We offer you the opportunity to work with composers and composition students. You will learn how to incorporate electric kantele and music technology in your music. You will also become acquainted with the structure and maintenance of the kantele.
Bachelor’s studies focus on general studies, like courses in music theory and history, as well as kantele studies with more specialised themes.
As a master’s student, you can choose courses more freely, and even select courses organised by the other two Uniarts Helsinki academies. You can complement your degree with courses in jazz, folk music and early music, as well as in composition and arrangement.
After graduating as a professional kantele player specialising in classical music, you can work as a soloist, chamber musician or kantele teacher, or alternatively in other jobs that require expertise in music and the arts.
Teachers
Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, we welcome top international 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 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.
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
-
Eija Kankaanranta
Lecturer, kantele, Piano, accordion, guitar and kantele, Sibelius Academy+358505758100eija.kankaanranta@uniarts.fi
Unit
Sibelius Academy
Ask about applying
Why study here?
Our versatile kantele programme is highly respected both locally and internationally. It has a unique mission in fostering and renewing kantele music and pedagogy. Kantele artists who have studied at the Sibelius Academy and achieved global success include Eva Alkula, Eija Kankaanranta, Kristi Mühling and Hedi Viisma.
Content and objective of the programme
Our flexible curriculum caters to individual interests and aims at providing students with wide expertise and top-level mastery of the instrument. You will be able to grow into a professional with your own strong artistic vision.
The kantele major focuses on versatile soloist studies, spanning different eras and genres as well as the development of extensive pedagogical skills. Your studies will cover the following topics: chamber music; free accompaniment and improvisation; ergonomics when playing; and the history and modern state of kantele. We offer you the opportunity to work with composers and composition students. You will learn how to incorporate electric kantele and music technology in your music. You will also become acquainted with the structure and maintenance of the kantele.
Bachelor’s studies focus on general studies, like courses in music theory and history, as well as kantele studies with more specialised themes.
As a master’s student, you can choose courses more freely, and even select courses organised by the other two Uniarts Helsinki academies. You can complement your degree with courses in jazz, folk music and early music, as well as in composition and arrangement.
After graduating as a professional kantele player specialising in classical music, you can work as a soloist, chamber musician or kantele teacher, or alternatively in other jobs that require expertise in music and the arts.
Teachers
Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, we welcome top international 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 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.