Master of Music in Church Music

This versatile training under the guidance of top-level experts gives you the competence to work in diverse roles in the field of church music.

Why study here?

Come and study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world! We provide the highest level of church music training that prepares you for working in diverse expert and developer roles. Besides focusing on your musical skills, you will also improve your knowledge of pedagogy, theology, and research. You can choose to complete studies that will give you the qualifications for a church musician post within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Depending on your interests, you can focus on early childhood education, solo musicianship, gospel music, or choral conducting, for example.

Content and objective of the program

Studies in vocal music, conducting, and organ music are the core of church music training. You will also complete studies in accompaniment, arranging and composing music, improvisation, pedagogy, all-around music skills, and research. The degree gives the competence to work as a cantor and in several other roles in the field of music.

As a master’s student, you will reach a higher level in your instrument and expand your knowledge and skills in pedagogy and research. You will choose an area of specialization – choral conducting, singing, organ music, or research – or carry out a project and design your own unique module of artistic studies. Degree requirements include a written work and a thesis project.

You can also choose courses organized by the other two academies of the University and complete so-called joint studies that are available for all students.

Learn more about our instruments

In autumn 2011, the Sibelius Academy’s church and organ music programs were endowed with the new Helsinki Music Centre Organo Hall, where up to three instruments can be used for teaching and concerts. Various organs at the Sibelius Academy’s premises at Nervanderinkatu as well as at the Kuopio Music Centre and at Hermanni are also available for students’ use. Classes are also held in churches in cooperation with parishes in the Helsinki area and in Kuopio.