Percussion, classical instrument, master
In this master's degree, you will learn from the top professionals in a world-class environment. You will benefit especially from close links to professional orchestras.
Why study here?
Study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world. As a master student in percussion you will have the flexibility to focus on career paths and genres of music that interest you. You will be equipped to work in demanding roles.
Your future career could be as a soloist, orchestral or chamber musician or an instrument pedagog. You will be taught by top professionals and you will become part of warm and supporting community.
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, and languages, as well as optional and elective studies of your own choosing. You may also deepen your knowledge in pedagogics.
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, we welcome top international professionals as guests on a regular basis. You can search for teachers by instrument from the link below.
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.
Life as a student
Life as a student
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
-
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. As a master student in percussion you will have the flexibility to focus on career paths and genres of music that interest you. You will be equipped to work in demanding roles.
Your future career could be as a soloist, orchestral or chamber musician or an instrument pedagog. You will be taught by top professionals and you will become part of warm and supporting community.
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, and languages, as well as optional and elective studies of your own choosing. You may also deepen your knowledge in pedagogics.
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, we welcome top international professionals as guests on a regular basis. You can search for teachers by instrument from the link below.
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.