Degree Program in Conducting

Degree Program in Conducting

This 5.5 year program leads to a Bachelor's and a Master's degree.

Leave your name in the history of Finnish music by studying symphony or wind orchestra conducting or choral conducting under the guidance of top-quality teachers.

Orchestral conducting

As a student of orchestral conducting, your most important tool is the trainee orchestra, available to students for an average of twice a week. You will also get to lead Finnish orchestras on an annual basis. In your studies you will become extensively acquainted with the literature of orchestral music, different styles and their special features and interpretations, as well with musical theatre such as opera, ballet and musical plays. As part of your professional skill set you will also learn the administrative tasks of a conductor.

Choral Conducting

With choral conducting as your major, you will work with the Sibelius Academy’s 16-member vocal ensemble (“Vokis”) in your practice and degree concerts. You will perform with Vokis 3 to 4 times a year. As a student of choral conducting, you will study the history of choral music, choral literature from the 14th century to the present day, the conducting technique required for the most demanding choral music works, sound formation techniques in choral music during different stylistic periods, the special features of repertoires and sound formation in different types of choirs, and enunciation practices of foreign languages.

Wind orchestra conducting

You have the opportunity to choose between studying general wind orchestra conducting or specialising in military orchestra conducting. In your studies, you will become acquainted with the conducting techniques required for more demanding pieces in the wind orchestra repertoire, the extensive repertoire that exists for wind orchestras as well as its different styles, special features and interpretations. You will regularly get the opportunity to work with varying band compositions. Your weekly tool is the 12-17-member trainee wind band. Your class will also serve as visiting conductors for the Finnish Military Bands around Finland.

Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.

The languages of instruction for this program are English, Finnish and Swedish.

Annual tuition fee €5,000 for students studying in English and coming from outside the EU and EEA countries.

Target degree - Bachelor’s + Master’s Degrees in Music

It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you’ll have the option to apply for doctoral studies in music and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.

The orchestral and choral conductors who have graduated from the program have went on to build impressive careers in the world’s leading orchestras and choirs.