Curriculum

 

Degree studies at Sibelius Academy are organised as a two-cycle system in compliance with the Bologna Process. Successful applicants have the right to study towards the Masters degree for 5.5 years. After three years of study, students complete a Bachelor’s degree and can continue in the Masters programme without an additional entrance exam. If a student has received a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree in Finland or abroad, he/she can directly apply to the 2.5-year Master’s programme. The number of ECTS required for a Bachelor of Music degree is 180, and an additional 150 credits are required for a Master of Music degree. At the beginning of studies, an individual study plan is drawn up for the student.

The Bachelor of Music degree consists of instrumental and vocal studies, and studies in the subject to be taught, e.g. practical accompaniment, band music, studies in Finnish folk music and music cultures of the world, music and movement, and basics of information and music technology. In addition, students take courses in theory, history, solfège and languages. The degree includes also pedagogic studies. These courses are organised with the Department of Applied Sciences in Education of the University of Helsinki.

The Master’s degree consists of instrumental and/or vocal studies, pedagogic studies, and studies in the subject to be taught as a music teacher, such as arrangement, conducting and improvisation. During their thesis studies, students specialise in their chosen area.

BACHELOR OF MUSIC (180 ECTS)

  • Music Education Major (at least 90 ECTS): Instrumental and vocal studies (at least 40 ECTS of the subject to be taught as a music teacher). These studies have to include History of Music (at least 9 ECTS), demonstration of proficiency 6-10 ECTS (thesis) and a maturity essay.
  • Pedagogical studies (at least 30 ECTS): Including teaching practice in schools.
  • Secondary studies (at least 24 ECTS): Music theory and solfège.
  • Language studies (at least 8 ECTS): Second official language in Finland or a foreign language.
  • Optional studies (at least 10 ECTS)
  • MASTER OF MUSIC (150 ECTS)
  • Music Education Major (at least 60 ECTS): Instrumental and/or vocal studies, if the student has not completed the minimum studies in the main and secondary instruments in the course of his or her studies for the Bachelor’s Degree. Furthermore is included demonstration of proficiency 20-40 ECTS (thesis) and a maturity essay.
  • Pedagogic studies (at least 30 ECTS): The degree programme may also include studies in voice and instrument pedagogy.
  • Optional studies (at least 30 ECTS).

© 2012 EAS - European Association for Music in Schools