Percussion, classical instrument, bachelor and master
The diverse studies give you the chance to become a percussion professional in an international environment that has been ranked among the best in the world.
Why study here?
Study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world. The programme allows you to reach the highest competence level in your instrument under the guidance of the best possible teachers. You will gain the skills needed to work as a versatile percussion professional, both as a soloist and as an orchestra or chamber musician. You can also complete a large study module in pedagogical studies required to work as a teacher.
Content and objective of the programme
The focus of percussion studies is mastering your instrument. With this goal in mind, you will receive 90 minutes of personal instruction in your main instrument per week from some of the best teachers in the field. You will also study chamber music, structural awareness of music, music history, pedagogy and languages, as well as optional and elective studies of your own choosing. You will take part in the activities of a symphony orchestra already during your first year of studies. The health of a musician is part of your study plan from the beginning.
The primary instruments that you will study include percussion instruments required in orchestral music, such as timpani, snare drum, bass drum, glockenspiel, tambourine and cymbals. You will also study solo instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone.
You can complete studies in composition and arrangement, conducting, as well as jazz and folk music. You can either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate, e.g., on orchestral performance and chamber music or contemporary music.
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 guests on a regular basis. You can search for teachers by instrument from the link below.
Applying
Uniarts Helsinki is one of the most sought-after places to study in Finland. Browse the admissions statistics from previous years.
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
You can complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you can apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.
Find out more
As a Sibelius Academy student, you will be offered great opportunities to play together with students studying other instruments, and as part of the SibA Percussion Ensemble, which gives concerts on an annual basis.
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 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
-
Antti Rislakki
Part-time teacher, Wind instruments, percussion and harp, Sibelius Academyantti.rislakki@uniarts.fi
Unit
Sibelius Academy
Ask about applying
Why study here?
Study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world. The programme allows you to reach the highest competence level in your instrument under the guidance of the best possible teachers. You will gain the skills needed to work as a versatile percussion professional, both as a soloist and as an orchestra or chamber musician. You can also complete a large study module in pedagogical studies required to work as a teacher.
Content and objective of the programme
The focus of percussion studies is mastering your instrument. With this goal in mind, you will receive 90 minutes of personal instruction in your main instrument per week from some of the best teachers in the field. You will also study chamber music, structural awareness of music, music history, pedagogy and languages, as well as optional and elective studies of your own choosing. You will take part in the activities of a symphony orchestra already during your first year of studies. The health of a musician is part of your study plan from the beginning.
The primary instruments that you will study include percussion instruments required in orchestral music, such as timpani, snare drum, bass drum, glockenspiel, tambourine and cymbals. You will also study solo instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone.
You can complete studies in composition and arrangement, conducting, as well as jazz and folk music. You can either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate, e.g., on orchestral performance and chamber music or contemporary music.
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 guests on a regular basis. You can search for teachers by instrument from the link below.
Applying
Uniarts Helsinki is one of the most sought-after places to study in Finland. Browse the admissions statistics from previous years.
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
You can complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you can apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.
Find out more
As a Sibelius Academy student, you will be offered great opportunities to play together with students studying other instruments, and as part of the SibA Percussion Ensemble, which gives concerts on an annual basis.