The jazz programme at Sibelius Academy is the only university degree course of its kind in Finland. Its primary function is to provide the highest level of education in Finland regarding music based on the African-American tradition. Cooperation with international jazz schools and tutor and concert visits by interesting foreign jazz artists have laid the groundwork for various forms of international activity.
Sibelius Academy first launched the jazz programme in 1983. It is well established in Finnish cultural life and on the international jazz scene and brings together top Finnish jazz musicians as teachers and students. Many jazz music students come to Sibelius Academy from abroad and are provided instruction in English. International master class visitors are a permanent and essential feature of jazz music instruction at Sibelius Academy. These visitors have included Randy Brecker (trumpet, USA), Tim Hagans (trumpet, USA), Anders Jormin (bass, Sweden), Phil Markowitz (piano, USA), Gustavo Bergalli (trumpet, Sweden), Vince Mendoza (composition, USA), Kenny Werner (piano, USA), Jerry Bergonzi (saxophone, USA), Joey Calderazzo (piano, USA), Jim McNeely (piano, composition, USA), Ben Monder (guitar, USA), and Rebecca Mauleon-Santana (piano, composition, USA).
