Wind instruments, percussion and harp

The main objective for the wind instruments, percussion, and harp programmes is for all students to find their place as professional musicians; the focus is on playing skills as soloist and as musician in an orchestra or chamber orchestra. Close cooperation with the orchestral conducting programme gives students the chance to play in a full-sized symphony orchestra from the very outset of their studies. Active chamber music work in inventive ensembles offers possibilities for various music productions. Soloist and chamber music work and performances, together with playing in the Sibelius Academy symphony orchestra and wind orchestra, form an essential part of the studies.

The wind instruments, percussion, and harp programmes offer major subject studies in the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and harp.

Studying orchestral instruments at Sibelius Academy offers a long-term study span, from the Junior Academy to a doctoral degree, preparing students for a high degree of professional competence. Upon completion of the degree programme, students will be able to work in the demanding role of a soloist, a musician in an orchestra or chamber orchestra, and a music pedagogue, and they will be familiar with the key repertoire, styles, techniques and interpretations of their instrument as well as the essential Western art music repertoire. Optional studies offer the possibility to deepen skills by taking part in, for example, audition training, performance coaching, orchestral conducting for wind instruments, or in musicians’ wellbeing. Pedagogy studies focus on teaching one’s respective instrument at all levels, from the various levels of music schools to professional training.

Sibelius Academy soloist majors work as both professional pedagogues in the broad range of Finnish music schools and as orchestra and chamber musicians and soloists. Professional orchestras all over the world employ Sibelius Academy graduates.