Master of Music in Classical Music Performance: Early Music

Immerse yourself in the special characteristics of early music and period instruments with the help of the large instrument collection in world-class training that emphasizes ensemble playing.

Why study here?

Come and study at one of the best performing arts universities in the world! As a student of early music, you will increase your knowledge of music from the renaissance to the romantic era, without forgetting contemporary music composed for period instruments. You will have access to a large collection of instruments, including the full range of baroque orchestra instruments and a collection of renaissance and classical instruments. We believe that ensemble playing is the best way to learn.

Content and objective of the program

In the Department of Early Music, your main instrument is one of the following:

• harpsichord
• lute
• viola da gamba
• recorder
• traverso
• baroque violin
• baroque cello
• baroque oboe
• baroque trumpet (master’s student)

You can also study baroque singing and have baroque viola, baroque bassoon, natural horn, baroque trombone, violone, fortepiano or clavichord as a secondary instrument.

You will gain an understanding of different musical styles and learn to work in different ensembles as well as in different types of roles as a musician. Mastery of your own instrument and performing in concerts is at the core of your studies. In addition to honing your solo repertoire, you will deepen your skills in ensemble playing in our own Baroque Orchestra and in different chamber music ensembles, for example.

We also organize several chamber music weekends with different themes in the Kallio-Kuninkala Centre in cooperation with the University’s Open Campus and Collegium ry on a yearly basis. In 2020 and 2021, the program’s visiting professor will be harpsichord player and conductor Lars Ulrik Mortensen, and the visiting teacher will be baroque violinist Sirkka-Liisa Kaakinen-Pilch.

The studies prepare students for their careers by combining artistry and research, seminar work, and pedagogical studies. You may also study instrument pedagogy more extensively and complete pedagogical studies providing qualifications as a teacher. 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.

During your master’s studies, you will continue studying your main instrument. Optional studies enable you to either develop your competence more broadly or select a focus for a more in-depth study.

Teachers

Our teachers are some of the best experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the program welcomes international top experts as guests on a regular basis.