Background / Organisation
The Finnish system of higher education is divided into the following two sectors: the university sector and the polytechnic sector. The universities award Bachelor’s, Master’s, Licentiate’s and Doctor’s degrees. The only music university – the Sibelius Academy – is mainly located in Helsinki. Music teachers are also trained at the Universities of Oulu and Jyväskylä.
The polytechnics provide instruction in several subjects from various fields. They award mainly Musician and Music Pedagogue degrees with a professional emphasis. Ten polytechnics offer music programmes. The conservatories used to educate professional musicians and teachers before the polytechnics were established. Presently, the conservatories offer education mainly for children and adolescents. In addition, they offer upper secondary level education leading to a vocational qualification. The Qualification Decree (“Kelpoisuusasetus” 986/98) prescribes the qualifications required of teachers working at institutions offering basic arts education, adult education or professional education as well as of teachers in comprehensive and upper secondary schools.
Teachers of music schools, folk academies and conservatories are qualified at the Sibelius Academy and the polytechnics. Music teachers in comprehensive and secondary schools are qualified only in the university sector (since a Masters degree is required). The Decrees 256/95 and 437/98 stipulated the qualifications required of teachers in polytechnics. The present Polytechnics Act and the Government Decree on Polytechnics were introduced in 2003 (“Ammattikorkeakoululaki” 351/03, “asetus” 352/03). In general, a Masters level degree is required. At least a Licentiate degree or artistic awards are required of the head teachers.
The number of students in one “generation” on the Music Education programme at the Sibelius Academy is 28. The teachers for primary and secondary schools are fully qualified after they have passed all elements in the Masters program (180+150 ECTS) and other requirements, laid down by the Ministry of Education. The title of the qualification is Master of Music.