Church and organ music

Sibelius Academy's church music studies are available in both Helsinki and Kuopio. The programme in Helsinki also educates solo organists and clavichordists. The programme produces high-quality musicians, teachers, and researchers for positions requiring knowledge of church music. Their own instruments, the excellent instrument selection in adjacent churches, and the vibrant culture in both cities together create excellent opportunities for studying church and organ music. Major subjects include solo church music studies, and in Helsinki also organ and clavichord instrument studies. In Helsinki, youth education is available as well.

The Church Musician is a Master of Music

Cantors are a part of Finnish everyday life. They teach in music playschools or direct youth choirs in local churches; they play at funerals and weddings, and, in smaller towns, cantors are often the only professional musicians. The core of education of these musicians is formed by worship service music; however, other musical proficiencies needed for church work are also essential to their studies. One of the leading themes in university-level church music studies is the broad and varied musicianship required by working life.
In master's degree studies, students can specialise either in choir conducting, vocal music, church music-related projects, research, or organ music. The language of study is Finnish; in Helsinki, students can also study in Swedish. If necessary, individual instruction can also be given in English. Students of church music have two orientation options: Evangelical Lutheran (Helsinki and Kuopio), and the general orientation option (Kuopio).

The Organ is the King of Instruments

The organ as an art music instrument functions in varied ways: from solo instrument to part of a symphony orchestra, and in-between. The organ is also a source of constant inspiration and a much researched subject. Solo organ students at Sibelius Academy learn the skills needed to work as soloists, orchestral musicians, or teachers.