Strings, classical instrument, bachelor and master
Study under the guidance of internationally esteemed string instrument teachers and play together with top professionals in a symphony orchestra.
Why study here?
Already during your first year of studies, you will get to play as part of the full-scale Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra. You will also get the chance to take part in our chamber music activities, join the Orchestra Academy at the Helsinki Music Centre, and cooperate with professional orchestras. We regularly welcome top international artists and pedagogues as guests.
Content and objective of the programme
You can study violin, viola, cello or double bass as your main instrument. The core of the studies consists of chamber music, playing in an orchestra and high-level competence in your instrument.
Bachelor’s studies
You will receive 90 minutes of individual instruction in your main instrument per week. You will also study the following: chamber music, music perception, music history, pedagogy and languages, and minor studies of your own choosing. You can complement your degree by completing courses in, for example, conducting, jazz, folk music, early music, composition and arrangement.
Master’s studies
As a master’s student, you will increase your competence in your major subject. You will either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate, e.g., on one of the following: orchestral performance and chamber music, contemporary music, or early music instruments and performance practices.
In your optional studies, you can deepen your skills as a string musician by participating in audition coaching and training for the role of the principal/leader of strings and concertmaster. Our graduates work as competent pedagogues and orchestra musicians, chamber musicians and soloists.
You can also choose courses organised by the two other Uniarts Helsinki academies and complete so-called joint studies that are available to all students.
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.
Professors
-
Martti Rousi
- Professor, cello, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- martti.rousi@uniarts.fi
-
Reka Szilvay
- Professor, violin, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- +358504772860
- reka.szilvay@uniarts.fi
-
Cecilia Zilliacus
- Professor, violin, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- +358503140562
- cecilia.zilliacus@uniarts.fi
-
Marko Ylönen
- Professor, chamber music, cello, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- +358503216297
- marko.ylonen@uniarts.fi
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.
Student experiences
Target degree and length of study
Master of Music (MMus)
5,5 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
-
Erkki Lahesmaa
Lecturer, cello, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy+358503046001erkki.lahesmaa@uniarts.fi
Unit
Sibelius Academy
Ask about applying
Why study here?
Already during your first year of studies, you will get to play as part of the full-scale Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra. You will also get the chance to take part in our chamber music activities, join the Orchestra Academy at the Helsinki Music Centre, and cooperate with professional orchestras. We regularly welcome top international artists and pedagogues as guests.
Content and objective of the programme
You can study violin, viola, cello or double bass as your main instrument. The core of the studies consists of chamber music, playing in an orchestra and high-level competence in your instrument.
Bachelor’s studies
You will receive 90 minutes of individual instruction in your main instrument per week. You will also study the following: chamber music, music perception, music history, pedagogy and languages, and minor studies of your own choosing. You can complement your degree by completing courses in, for example, conducting, jazz, folk music, early music, composition and arrangement.
Master’s studies
As a master’s student, you will increase your competence in your major subject. You will either develop a broad understanding of several areas or concentrate, e.g., on one of the following: orchestral performance and chamber music, contemporary music, or early music instruments and performance practices.
In your optional studies, you can deepen your skills as a string musician by participating in audition coaching and training for the role of the principal/leader of strings and concertmaster. Our graduates work as competent pedagogues and orchestra musicians, chamber musicians and soloists.
You can also choose courses organised by the two other Uniarts Helsinki academies and complete so-called joint studies that are available to all students.
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.
Professors
-
Martti Rousi
- Professor, cello, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- martti.rousi@uniarts.fi
-
Reka Szilvay
- Professor, violin, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- +358504772860
- reka.szilvay@uniarts.fi
-
Cecilia Zilliacus
- Professor, violin, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- +358503140562
- cecilia.zilliacus@uniarts.fi
-
Marko Ylönen
- Professor, chamber music, cello, Strings and chamber music, Sibelius Academy
- +358503216297
- marko.ylonen@uniarts.fi
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.