Music theory, master
Gain the skills needed to work in specialist positions that require a profound knowledge of music.
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. 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 bachelor-level proficiency in music so that you can pursue master-level studies in composition and music theory.
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.
Professor
-
Lauri Suurpää
- Professor, music theory, Composition and music theory, Sibelius Academy
- +358407104256
- lauri.suurpaa@uniarts.fi
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.
Target degree and length of study
Master of Music (MMus)
2,5 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply is in January 2025. Studies begin in August 2025.
Application languages
English, Finnish, Swedish
Read more about the 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
-
Minna Holkkola
Lecturer, music theory, Composition and music theory, Sibelius Academy+358505296492minna.holkkola@uniarts.fi -
Lauri Suurpää
Professor, music theory, Composition and music theory, Sibelius Academy+358407104256lauri.suurpaa@uniarts.fi
Unit
Sibelius Academy
Ask about applying
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. 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 bachelor-level proficiency in music so that you can pursue master-level studies in composition and music theory.
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.
Professor
-
Lauri Suurpää
- Professor, music theory, Composition and music theory, Sibelius Academy
- +358407104256
- lauri.suurpaa@uniarts.fi
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.