Music theory, bachelor and master

Why study here?

You will study in one of the best performing arts universities in the world and gain the competence to work in specialist positions that require a profound knowledge of music. The studies prepare you to engage in discussion within the music community and in society at large. Our graduates work in demanding expert and pedagogue professions, for example as teachers, journalists, researchers and musicians.

Content and objective of the programme

Harmony and voice leading, music analysis and instrumentation, as well as instrument studies form the core of the Music Theory studies. As a bachelor’s student, you will also study aural skills and music history. During your master’s studies, you will deepen your understanding of music research and gain more knowledge of your personal research field.

Applicants who apply to study either composition or music theory as a major subject are evaluated in different admission groups. You can apply for both major subjects during the same year. We require you to have better basic knowledge in music theory and aural skills than the other programmes at the Sibelius Academy as well as extensive knowledge of western music. Applicants who pursue composition as a major are also expected to have creative musical skills.

Teachers

Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes top international professionals as visiting teachers on a regular basis. Many of our teachers are also esteemed researchers.

Doctoral studies

You can complete a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki as a third-cycle degree. After graduating as a master, you can apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented doctoral studies or applied doctoral studies.