GUIDE FOR 2004 FOREIGN APPLICANTS

Transcription

1 GUIDE FOR 2004 FOREIGN APPLICANTS SIBELIUS ACADEMY P.O.BOX 86 FI HELSINKI Tel (switchboard)

2 CONTENTS PREFACE 3 Brief description of Finland 3 Financing your studies 3 STUDYING AT THE SIBELIUS ACADEMY 4 First degrees 4 APPLICATION PROCEDURES IN Entrance qualifications 5 Application timetable 6 Entrance examinations 6 Timetable 7 Announcement of the results and how to appeal 7 Orientation and study counselling 8 One-place-per-student provision 8 DEGREE PROGRAMME SPECIFIC SELECTION CRITERIA 9 ARTS MANAGEMENT MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME 9 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN CHURCH MUSIC 11 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN COMPOSITION AND MUSIC THEORY 15 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN FOLK MUSIC 17 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN JAZZ 19 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN MUSIC EDUCATION 21 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL CONDUCTING 27 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN PERFORMANCE 29 THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN VOCAL MUSIC 36 JUNIOR ACADEMY 38 Application procedure 38 Entrance requirements 38 Publisher & editor Sibelius Academy Layout Pirkko Rantanen Photography Pekka Elomaa ISSN Hakapaino Oy Helsinki

3 PREFACE This booklet is a guide for foreign students planning to study at the Sibelius Academy. It answers questions on how to apply for entrance to the Sibelius Academy and which degree programme to choose. It also gives necessary information about the entrance examinations. However, if you should need any further information about the application procedure or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact the persons mentioned in the booklet, to be found within the information of each degree programme. The Sibelius Academy s postal address is: Sibelius Academy P.O. Box 86 FI Helsinki Finland World Wide Web: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FINLAND A NORTHERN COUNTRY Finland is the northernmost country in the world after Iceland. However, the climate is not as cold as this might suggest, partly because of the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. The land is long and narrow with a long coastline. The archipelago to the south and south-west of the country contains around 30,000 islands and is one of the world s most beautiful marine areas. Finland is also a land of lakes: almost 200,000 at the last count. Two-thirds of the country is covered by forest, which we like to call our "green gold". In terms of land area, Finland is the fifth largest country in Europe; with a population of only five million, the sense of space is truly amazing. Finland shares her borders with three countries: Russia, Sweden and Norway, and thus has links to both East and West. Like many other western countries, Finland is a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party political system. EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish; the latter is the mother tongue of about 6% of the population. In addition, about two thousand people in Lapland speak the Lapp language. Post-comprehensive school education has been completed by 50% of Finns, 40% have some higher qualification, and 14% a university degree or equivalent. The most widely studied foreign language is English, followed by German, French and Russian. SOME OTHER FACTS ABOUT FINLAND Major cities: Helsinki, the capital, population 500,000 (The metropolitan area including the neighbouring towns of Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa has a population of 800,000) Tampere, population 170,000 Turku, population 160,000 Monetary unit: The euro divided into 100 cents. Some exchange rates (February 6, 2004): 1 USD = 1,2529 EUR FINANCING YOUR STUDIES THE FINANCING SYSTEM IN FINLAND AND AT THE SIBELIUS ACADEMY You should be prepared to finance your studies in Finland yourself or have a scholarship from your home country or from some other source. The Sibelius Academy grants scholarships to students who have been studying there for several years. The Finnish Government awards student grants to foreigners who have been living in Finland for at least two years for other than study purposes and whose residence in Finland is regarded as permanent. Refugees and returning emigrants may be eligible for a student grant even though they have not been in Finland for two years. The Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) and some other organisations grant scholarships for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers, for study and research in Finland. CIMO s address for further inquiries is: 3

4 Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) P.O. Box 343 (street address Hakaniemenkatu 2) FI Helsinki tel fax cimoinfo@cimo.fi STUDYING EXPENSES University education is funded by the State through the Ministry of Education, so students enrolled in regular degree programmes pay no tuition fees. This includes the Sibelius Academy. Students have to meet their own living and study expenses (food, rent, travel, recreation, study material, Student Union fee, including a health care fee). Usually a student should be prepared to pay EUR a month (approximately USD ). ACCOMMODATION There is some accommodation for Sibelius Academy students at the Academy s own hall of residence, Clavis (places for 100 students) and in apartments owned by the Student Housing Foundation of the Helsinki Region (HOAS). To apply for accommodation in one of these you will need to show proof of your student status (e.g. with a letter of acceptance or a student card issued by a student union). It is not therefore worth starting to look for accommodation until you have actually gained admission to the Academy. There is, of course, accommodation available on the free market, but rents there are usually higher. The providers of student accommodation are as follows: Clavis (Sibelius Academy s own hall of residence) P.O. Box 86 FI Helsinki tel clavis@kolumbus.fi HOAS Housing Service P.O. Box 81 FI Helsinki tel fax asuntopalvelu@hoas.fi Internet STUDYING AT THE SIBELIUS ACADEMY FIRST DEGREES The basic Sibelius Academy degree is the Master of Music (MMus), which ranks as a higher university degree. The education aims primarily at the Master s degree. The ten degree programmes are as follows: 1. Arts Management - admission only for the Kuopio department (Note. Tuition in Finnish!) 2. Church Music 3. Composition and Music Theory 5. Folk Music 6. Jazz 7. Music Education 8. Music Technology - no admission in spring Orchestral and Choral Conducting 9. Performance 10. Vocal Music The degree programmes lead to the Master of Music (MMus) degree from completed secondary education. The programmes are orientated towards the mastery, practice and advancement of different musical professions requiring artistic talent and expertise. The Degree Programme in Arts Management leading to the MMus degree can only be taken after the completion of a lower degree. The programme is orientated towards the mastery, practice and advancement of professions requiring managerial expertise in different fields of art. 4

5 It should be possible to complete the MMus degree in 5 1/2 years and the Arts Management MA degree in two years. The Academy also offers a lower, the Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree. It should be possible to complete the BMus degree in 4 years. The MMus degree consists of 180 credit units, the BMus degree of 120 credit units, and the Arts Management MA degree of 60 credit units. One credit unit is equivalent to 40 hours of full-time study. The teaching languages at the Sibelius Academy are Finnish and Swedish. Those of the Arts Management Degree Programme are English and Finnish. APPLICATION PROCEDURES IN 2004 The information in this booklet regarding entrance and degree programmes is based on the Law on Universities (645/97), the Decree on Universities (115/98), and the Decree on the Sibelius Academy degrees (148/95). The Rector of the Sibelius Academy enforces the entrance requirements of the degree programmes. The Sibelius Academy s study programmes will in the spring of 2004 be selecting approx. 170 new students. Our music technology study programme will not be admitting new students in The two-year post-graduate Arts Management study programme will only be admitting new students for its Kuopio department (tuition in Finnish), with emphasis on culture industry and business skills. The Orchestral and Choral Conducting programme will in 2004 only admit students for a two-year study programme, which requires the applicants to hold an existing undergraduate degree. The Study Programmes in Performance, Vocal ja Jazz Music will be admitting new students for both a two-year study programme (60 cu) and a five-year study programme (180 cu). The Rector decides on acceptance after receiving the results of the Entrance Examination Board. For specific reasons the Rector can, however, veto the results of the Entrance Examination Board. The Rector s selection criteria ruling lays out the principles by which applicants are placed in their own selection groups. These groups cover entire study programmes or their parts, such as programme options or main instruments. Applicants can apply for several degree programmes, programme options or main instruments. In that case, they should fill in an application form for each degree programme or option marking their programme or option preference. ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS The general entrance qualifications are sufficient musical talent and suitability for a musical education and career. Applicants should have completed their secondary education, corresponding to the Finnish Matriculation examination (The Decree on Universities 115/98), or have the necessary musical skills and knowledge. Eligibility for study may also be obtained through a degree from a polytechnic or other college of higher education, a three-year professional diploma, studies abroad that in the country in question qualify the applicant for university entrance, or a person whom the Academy has judged, as proven by the different parts of the entrance examination, to possess sufficient musical skills and knowledge for studies. All parts of the entrance examination are scored. In written examinations, the answers submitted score points for the applicants. In other tests, the Examination Boards assess the present skills, knowledge and educability of the applicants. Every member of the Examination Board scores the applicants independently for all the tests the applicant is taking. The applicants are ranked according to the points given by the members of the Examination Board. The results of the entrance examinations may also be used in determining credit transfers from previous studies. A person, who has obtained a suitable lower degree from a university or a polytechnic, or an appropriate degree from a foreign educational establishment giving comparable eligibility for higher education, can apply directly for one of the following 60 credit unit programmes: Performance, Vocal Music, Jazz, Orchestral and Choral Conducting and Music Education. Should an applicant be selected, his or her previous degree will be credited towards the Bachelor of Music degree without a separate application. An applicant selected directly for the Master of Music study does not have the right to apply for a Bachelor of Music degree certificate from the Sibelius Academy. The Sibelius Academy may require students selected in the previously mentioned ways to have completed supplementary studies of a maximum of 20 credit units in order to ensure their required preparedness before the start of their actual studies. These studies are not credited towards the Master of Music degree. Applicants for the two-year study programme that is based on a previously obtained degree are tested in their own selection groups and slightly different, separately outlined selection criteria apply to these applicants. 5

6 Allowance will be made in selecting students for their ability to study in Finnish or Swedish and, in the case of Arts Management, in English and Finnish. An applicant may be rejected if he/she is found uneducable. APPLICATION TIMETABLE Applicants to the Sibelius Academy must follow the application procedure determined by the Academy (The Decree on Universities 115/98). All applications must reach the Sibelius Academy Registrars Office not later than Monday, 15 March 2004, 4.15 p.m. local time. (Visiting address Töölönkatu 28, 2nd floor, Helsinki; Postal address: P.O. Box 86, FI Helsinki, Finland.) (PLEASE NOTE! Write the word OPISKELIJAVALINTA (= application] on the envelope.) The Sibelius Academy will not be responsible for any applications mislaid by the postal authorities. We do not accept applications returned by telefax or . However, applications from other countries than Finland can be returned by telefax (fax ) by the specified date (15 March 2004 at 4.15 p.m. local time). In that case, the original form must reach the Sibelius Academy Registrars Office by Monday 22 March 2004 at 4.15 p.m. local time, or the application will be considered invalid. The Sibelius Academy will not accept applications with inadequate postage. Applicants must sign their applications. Applications from persons under the age of 18 must be signed by the applicant s parent or legal guardian. Application forms and information about accommodation during the entrance examinations can be obtained from the Sibelius Academy, P.O. Box 86, Helsinki; opiskelijapalvelut@siba.fi, or the following service desks of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki: Kutomotie 9, B-wing, 1st floor Open Mon Fri 8.30 a.m p.m., tel Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, 1st floor Open Mon Fri 8.30 a.m p.m., Sat 9.00 a.m. 5 p.m., Sun 12 noon 6.00 p.m., tel Töölönkatu 28, 2nd floor Open Mon Fri 12 noon 3.00 p.m., tel Application forms and other material will not be sent by post to Helsinki, Espoo or Vantaa. Application forms can be obtained also by ; state in your , which degree programme you are applying for. Application forms and the Guide for Foreign Applicants can also be read/printed in the Internet: Applicants must fill in a separate application form for every study programme, programme option or main instrument they are applying for. If a student applies for a study programme that requires an existing lower degree, he or she must deliver a verifiable copy of the degree certificate to the Sibelius Academy s Registrar s Office at the previously mentioned address by 3 p.m. on 31 May 2004 at the very latest. The entrance exams will be held in May. The applicants will receive a letter of invitation with the information on the exact dates. Certain applicants may, however, be considered unsuitable for education and a career in music on the basis of the information submitted in the application form. These applicants will not be invited to the entrance examinations. The applicants should be prepared for entrance examinations of several days. NOTE! With the application, applicants living in Finland should enclose an envelope for the letter of invitation and any other material with their name, address, and a 65 cent stamp attached. The applicant should enclose a separate envelope for each application form. ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS Each Examination Board will define its own ranking scale. Applicants must present official proof of identity at all the examinations. 6

7 TIMETABLE The entrance exams will be held in April and May according to the following provisional timetable: The Degree Programme in Composition and Music Theory May The Degree Programme in Orchestral and Choral Conducting Orchestral Conducting April Brass Band Conducting 26 April Choral Conducting 5 May The Degree Programme in Performance Piano May (Junior Academy 24 May) Guitar May (also Junior Academy) Accordion 13 May (also Junior Academy) Kantele 14 May (also Junior Academy) Early music 3 4 May Violin (Junior Academy 3 4 May) Part I May Part II 14 May Cello 11 May (also Junior Academy) Other instruments: further information in the letters of invitation The Degree Programme in Music Education 180 credit unit programme: Part I 3 May Part II May 60 credit unit programme: May The Degree Programme in Church Music Part I 3 May Part II 10 May The Degree Programme in Jazz May (Junior Academy 10 May) The Degree Programme in Folk Music 24 May (Junior Academy 26 May) The Degree Programme in Vocal Music Part I May Part II May The Degree Programme in Arts Management Documents should be sent in with the application forms by 15 March. The set dates for the general music theory and aural perception assignments, which are compulsory in some of the degree programmes, are 5 May, 12 May and 19 May. The applicants will be informed of the date they will be tested on in the letter of invitation. Junior Academy, see Application Procedures in 2004 ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS AND HOW TO APPEAL Applicants who have been admitted will receive written notification of the results. The results of the entrance examinations will be announced on Friday 18 June The results will be posted on the front doors of the Sibelius Academy at Kutomotie 9, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9 and Töölönkatu 28 as of 18 June. You may also enquire about results during office hours in the week beginning 21 June. An applicant who is dissatisfied with the results can lodge a complaint within fourteen (14) days of the announcement. The written complaint should be addressed to the Rector of the Sibelius Academy (Decree 115/98). The written complaint should be submitted to the Sibelius Academy Registrars Office, visiting address Töölönkatu 28, 2nd floor; postal address P.O. Box 86, FI Helsinki, Finland. 7

8 ORIENTATION AND STUDY COUNSELLING Orientation days for new students will be arranged in August. During this period new students will be told about studying at the Sibelius Academy, about planning and starting their studies. Instruction will also be provided in small groups in languages, theory, solfège, etc. Tests will also be held in these subjects to determine the student s previous level of achievement. Study counselling is provided by the individual departments. Please check the contact information for each department. ONE-PLACE-PER-STUDENT PROVISION According to the provision, a student may accept only one study place in a degree programme leading to a higher education degree during any one academic year (Law 1058/1998). Additional information National Board of Education: - >English> NBE Sites in English>How to apply to education in Finland - tel or or (National Board of Education switchboard) The acceptance of the study place offered The outcome of all the student selections commencing in the autumn of 2004 will be announced on 16 July, 2004, at the latest (at the Sibelius Academy June 18, 2004). Higher education institutes announce the acceptance in writing. Those admitted by 16 July, 2004, shall return the signed confirmation form of acceptance to the higher education institution concerned on Friday 6 August, 2004, by 15.00, at the latest, to confirm his/her study place. The confirmation form of acceptance is binding and irrevocable and it cannot be altered. If you have applied for more than one degree programme leading to a higher education degree, find out the results of all the selections to which you have applied before sending the confirmation form. Do not send the form until you are sure about your situation. However, do note that the confirmation forms arriving after the prescribed time limit are not considered. 8

9 DEGREE PROGRAMME SPECIFIC SELECTION CRITERIA ARTS MANAGEMENT MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME The Sibelius Academy has conducted a two-year, 60 credit units long Master of Arts Management study programme in Helsinki since In the autumn of 2004, the Arts Management study programme will also start at the Sibelius Academy's Kuopio department. At Kuopio, the emphasis will be on culture industry and business skills. The study programme will admit 15 new students. The tuition will take place in Finnish and English. Our Master of Arts Management study covers the meeting points in the fields of culture industry and business fairly comprehensively. The study programme is intended to give students the analytical and practical skills to act in diverse expert tasks in the culture industry and business, and as entrepreneurs in the field. The programme consists of studies combining the fields of culture industry and business and seeks ways to adapt them to projects in everyday working situations. The master s degree involves full-time study and is completed in two years. The degree enables students to go on to undertake post-graduate licentiate and doctoral study. SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants to the study programme are required to meet the following criteria: 1) An existing lower degree or studies corresponding with a lower degree (120 credit units), or a polytechnic degree in a suitable field. Sufficient Finnish and English language skills required. 2) Practical experience in at least one field of culture and arts (such as music, theatre, dance, visual arts). 3) Educability and suitability for duties requiring expertise in culture industry and business. SELECTION METHOD Selection of students is carried out in two stages. Stage 1 Students apply for the Master s programme with a separate application form, in which they describe their previous studies and work experience. Applicants additionally need to write a 1,500-word (+/- 10%) essay, the aim of which is to give an idea of their writing skills. The essay needs to answer the following questions: - Why are you seeking entry into the Arts Management Master s programme, in particular the culture industry and business programme at Kuopio? - How could you utilise your previously learned skills in the study; how could the previous studies and/or work experience in your opinion benefit and support the study on this Master s programme? - What kind of a role would you see yourself in five years from now? - How would the Arts Management Master s programme and the knowledge and skills gained whilst on it benefit your work and future plans? Based on the evaluation conducted during the first stage, approximately 30 applicants are invited to attend the second stage. Stage 2 Stage two includes a written examination and interview. It is conducted at the Kuopio department of the Sibelius Academy during 3-6 May The written examination takes place during the first day, and the personal interview during the second. The applicants Finnish and English language skills are also checked during these examinations. The written examination assesses the applicant s ability to learn and adapt information related to culture industry and business. The examination consists of 2-3 essays. The applicant must prepare for the examination beforehand by reading the following book: Culture business by Kaisa Sibelius & Marja-Liisa Niinikoski (editors), WSOY

10 The interview is intended to assess the applicants motivation to study and their commitment to the completion of their studies, their work orientation and their likely success in tasks for which the study would give them competence. The applicants language skills are graded as either acceptable or insufficient. If they do not display sufficient Finnish and English language skills for the completion of their studies, they may be omitted from the selection. Emphasis placed on the different parts of student selection The following emphasis is placed on the different parts of student selection: Stage 1 40% Study and work experience 25% Essay 15% Stage 2 60% Entrance examination 30% Interview 30% TIMETABLE OF THE STUDENT SELECTION The application period finishes on 15 March 2004 at 4.15 p.m., when the written application (application form and essay) must reach the Registrar s Office at the Sibelius Academy. Late applications will not be considered. Photocopies must not be attached to the applications. The accuracy of information presented in the application forms is only checked in the case of those applicants who are invited to the Master s programme. Further information: Sibelius Academy Kuopio Department Kuopionlahdenkatu 23 C, FI Kuopio, Finland Manager of the selection process: Departmental Manager Elina Laakso, Tel: +358 (0) , elina.laakso@siba.fi Departmental Secretary Anu Räsänen, Tel: +358 (0) , anu.rasanen@siba.fi Study Planner Paula Kosunen, Tel: +358 (0) , paula.kosunen@siba.fi 10

11 DEGREE PROGRAMME IN CHURCH MUSIC The purpose of the degree programme in Church Music is to qualify the student - to work in positions of responsibility requiring expertise in church music - for postgraduate studies The degree programme includes voice and instrumental studies, conducting, music theory, liturgical music, optional and advanced studies. The advanced study subject is chosen by the student from the following: organ, voice, choral conducting, project, research. The curricula of the Helsinki and Kuopio departments are slightly different. Successful completion of the degree programme requires sufficient skills in Finnish or Swedish. There are two programme options within the degree programme: 1. Evangelical-Lutheran programme option (Helsinki and Kuopio departments) The Master of Music degree in this programme qualifies graduates for work as a cantor in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland in positions requiring an academic degree. 2. General programme option (Kuopio department only) A degree from the general programme option does not qualify the graduate for positions as cantor in the Evangelical- Lutheran Church of Finland but is suitable for positions within other churches and Christian congregations. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS The applicant is expected to have good basic musical skills and knowledge of music, and general competence and motivation for studies in church music. Compulsory assignments in the entrance examination are a) keyboard skills (organ and piano for the Helsinki department, piano only for the Kuopio department), b) voice, c) solfège, d) music theory, e) group assignment and interview, f) voice control test. If the applicant is applying for both the Kuopio and the Helsinki department, he/she must participate in the organ audition, in which case the applicant s points will be calculated separately for each department. In addition, any applicant who has not taken the Finnish Matriculation examination must (including final year school students) take a written language test. The applicant may if he/she so wishes take a voluntary audition in choral conducting and/or free accompaniment/improvisation and also perform with the keyboard instrument that was not used for the compulsory sample. The Board may listen to only a part of the audition. The Board must be informed of the voluntary auditions in the application. Students to the degree programme in church music are chosen according to the points awarded in the entrance examination. The Sibelius Academy will place students in their preferred departments on the basis of success in the entrance examinations. The students preferences will be taken into account; however, an equal number of students will be placed in both Helsinki and Kuopio. If the applicant marks both Helsinki and Kuopio in the application form, it means that he/she is willing to study either in Helsinki or Kuopio. The Sibelius Academy reserves the right to place the students. Applicants cannot be accepted for a department which they have not applied for, even though their points would entitle them to a place there. The entrance examination is in two parts. The applicant may use Finnish, Swedish or English in the entrance examination. However, studies can only be conducted in Finnish or Swedish. Applicants must present official proof of identity at all the examinations. Part I: keyboard skills and voice Part II: solfège, music theory, group assignment, interview, voice control test, written language test and additional voluntary auditions. Applicants are chosen for Part II on the basis of the points awarded in Part I. WEIGHTING OF AUDITIONS The auditions included in the entrance examination are weighted so that their points will have the following impact on the final result: 11

12 COMPULSORY AUDITIONS a) Keyboard skills 30% prepared assignments (piano) or sight reading (organ) 5% other assignments 25% b) Voice 25% c) Solfège 20% dictation and voice 10% learning ability 10% d) Music theory 10% e) Group assignment and interview 15% group assignment 7.5% interview 7.5% f) Voice control test appraisal: pass fail g) Written language test appraisal: pass fail ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY AUDITIONS An applicant may give an optional keyboard sample in the instrument (organ or piano) that was not used for the compulsory sample, if they so wish. Organ/piano 15% prepared assignments (piano) or sight reading (organ) 2,5% other assignments 12,5% Choral conducting 15% Free accompaniment/improvisation 15% The additional voluntary assignments are taken into account only if the points awarded are higher than the total of the compulsory part. The applicant may not be accepted if 1. the Board does not consider that, following the compulsory voice or instrument auditions, the applicant possesses the potential for completing the course, 2. the applicant does not, judging from the group assignment or interview, possess the potential for completing the course, 3. the applicant has a voice defect that can be regarded as a major impediment to studies and career, 4. the applicant s written language is not of a sufficient standard for university studies or 5. an audition or assignment test is missing. COMPULSORY AUDITIONS Either a) Piano 1) A J.S. Bach Invention or a comparable composition 2) A fast movement from a sonata 3) A composition of the applicant s own choice (of a stylistic period other than that offered under 1 and 2) 4)an assignment set by the board, sent to the applicant three weeks before the audition Assignments 1) and 3) must be played from memory. 12

13 or b) Organ 1) A Baroque organ chorale (e.g. from J.S. Bach s Orgelbüchlein) 2) An organ composition of the applicant s own choice 3) Sight reading assignments, some of them at half an hour s notice, of which one is a chorale from the Chorale book including use of pedals. The compositions need not be played from memory. Voice 1) One verse chosen from the three set hymns sent in advance, performed unaccompanied and from memory 2) A classical vocal composition from 16th 19th century (performed in the original language) 3) A 20th century vocal composition (performed in the original language) The applicants should bring music to compositions 2) and 3) in the key in which they intend to sing them. All songs should be performed from memory. The Academy s own accompanist will be available or the applicant may bring his/her own accompanist. GENERAL SOLFÈGE ASSIGNMENT This tests the applicant s ability to perceive tonal music, to distinguish between sounds and to memorise melodies. It includes sight reading, identification of intervals and chords, and the reproduction of short fragments of melody. Applicants are advised to study Lectio sonorum (vols. 1 and 2) and the Diktaattikirja and accompanying CD by Seija- Sisko Raitio. GENERAL MUSIC THEORY AND AURAL PERCEPTION The assignment is in three parts. The first tests the applicant s aural ability to recognise works and different styles in music and the second the applicant s basic knowledge of music. The third part is a musical dictation. It may also serve as a test to determine the standard reached by successful applicants. The theory and aural perception test may be taken in Finnish, Swedish or English. In the application form, the applicant must make a note of the language he/she wishes to be tested in. All applicants (including those with a polytechnic degree and foreign applicants) must complete the general music theory, aural perception and solfège assignments. Applicants must present official proof of identity at all the examinations. Applicants may prepare for the dictation test with the help of the Diktaattikirja by Seija-Sisko Raitio and accompanying CD. The book and CD can be ordered COD from the Sibelius Academy, Department of Composition and Music Theory, P.O. Box 86, Helsinki. Price 15 euros + postage. Group assignment In this assignment the applicant teaches a song to a group in an 8 minute teaching session. More detailed instructions are given circa 30 minutes before the assignment. Interaction with the group and the logical outlining of the assignment are particularly assessed. Interview The interview assesses the applicants overall motivation for study, their career orientation and general suitability for education. Voice Control Test The applicant s voice will be tested by an authorised speech therapist, who will diagnose any speech defects during the group assignment. His or her opinion will, if necessary, be checked by a second authorised speech therapist. Applicants may, if they wish, present a statement on the state of their vocal cords before the voice control test. This may prove useful should the applicant be suffering from a cold or allergy. Written language test The applicant who has not taken the Matriculation examination in Finland (including final year school students) writes a short text on a given subject in Finnish, Swedish or English. 13

14 VOLUNTARY AUDITIONS Organ and piano Requirements: see compulsory auditions/organ and piano Choral conducting Four choral songs will be sent to the applicant. Of these four songs, the applicant should choose one and the Board will choose another for the audition. Free accompaniment/improvisation The applicant may demonstrate his/her skill on the piano in accompanying a song, chorale, etc., given only the melody (sight reading) and/or present a short improvisation either on a given theme or on a theme of his/her choice. Detailed information on the results of the entrance examination can be obtained from the Head of Admissions of the Church Music Department. The date and contact information will be announced with the results. Information on results can also be obtained from the Church Music and Kuopio department administrators. Further information: Sibelius Academy Kuopio Department Kuopionlahdenkatu 23 C FI Kuopio Manager of the selection process: Department Head Elina Laakso, tel elina.laakso@siba.fi Department Secretary Anu Räsänen, tel anu.rasanen@siba.fi Programme Coordinator Paula Kosunen, tel paula.kosunen@siba.fi 14

15 DEGREE PROGRAMME IN COMPOSITION AND MUSIC THEORY The purpose of the degree programme in Composition and Music Theory is to give the student the required knowledge of music, music theory and composition for jobs demanding artistic creativity and special expertise in music. The degree programme also qualifies students for postgraduate studies. There are two options in this degree programme: Composition and Music Theory. The programme option must be stated in the application. Studying in this degree programme requires more advanced qualifications in music and music theory as well as more analytical abilities than in the other degree programmes. The studies in Composition concentrate on the practice of composition and prepare the student for the artistic Maturity Thesis. The studies in Music Theory concentrate on both pedagogical studies and on research, preparing the student for the scientific Maturity Thesis. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS The applicant is presumed to be musically creative, to possess good basic qualifications in music theory and solfège as well as practical musical ability and a wide knowledge of both early and modern Western music. With their application, applicants for the Composition programme should include a selection of samples of their own compositions, totalling not more than five pages. The samples may constitute complete works and/or sections from them. In the latter case the passages may be accompanied by an account of the work as a whole. The samples should be submitted in five copies (note: not originals), each marked with the applicant s name and address. Should a sound version already exist, this should also be included (C-cassette, CD or MiniDisc). The samples will not be returned. Letters of invitation to the entrance examinations will be sent on the basis of these samples approximately two weeks prior to the examination date. The entrance examination for Composition will consist of the following parts: a general music theory and an aural perception assignment, a general solfège assignment, an assignment in music theory and analysis (Parts 1, 2 and 3), an interview and an audition in an instrument (Parts 4 and 5A). The entrance examination for the Music Theory programme is divided into two parts: a general solfège assignment and theory and analysis assignments (Parts 1, 2 and 3). All applicants for the music theory option will be informed in writing on 22 April 2004 of the time and place of the first part. Those who pass the first part will be called for the second one, which includes an interview and an audition in a main instrument (Parts 4 and 5b). About ten applicants will be selected for Part II. A list of those selected and the timetable for the second part will be posted on the front door of the Töölönkatu building (Töölönkatu 28) at 8.00 p.m. on 12 May Applicants must present official proof of identity at all the examinations. 1. GENERAL MUSIC THEORY AND AURAL PERCEPTION The assignment is in three parts. The first tests the applicant s aural ability to recognise works and different styles in music and the second the applicant s basic knowledge of music. The third part is a musical dictation. It may also serve as a test to determine the standard reached by successful applicants. The theory and aural perception test may be taken in Finnish, Swedish or English. In the application form, the applicant must make a note of the language he/she wishes to be tested in. All applicants (including those with a polytechnic degree and foreign applicants) must complete the general music theory, aural perception and solfège assignments. Applicants must present official proof of identity at all the examinations. 2. GENERAL SOLFÈGE ASSIGNMENT This tests the applicant s ability to perceive tonal music, to distinguish between sounds and to memorise melodies. It includes sight reading, identification of intervals and chords, and the reproduction of short fragments of melody. The solfège test may be taken in Finnish, Swedish or English. In the application form, the applicant must make a note of the language he/she wishes to be tested in. All applicants (including those with a polytechnic degree and foreign applicants) must complete the solfège assignment. 3. ASSIGNMENT IN MUSIC THEORY AND ANALYSIS FOR APPLICANTS FOR THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN COMPOSITION AND MUSIC THEORY This tests the applicant s analytical perception, ability to write music and knowledge of music theory and music history. 15

16 4. AUDITION IN MAIN INSTRUMENT One part of the entrance examination is an interview, including an audition in a main instrument. If the applicant s main instrument is piano, he/she should play a J. S. Bach Invention or some other comparable composition, a fast movement from a Viennese classical sonata and a composition of his/her own choice. There may also be a sight reading assignment if regarded necessary. If the applicant s main instrument is an orchestral instrument, the requirements are a classical sonata or two other contrasting compositions. If the applicant s instrument is voice, the requirement is two songs of his/her own choice. Applicants should state on the application form if they require an accompanist. They may bring their own if they wish. Applicants whose main instrument is other than the piano should also be prepared to play a piece on the piano. Free accompaniment, score reading, improvisation or other samples of the applicant s practical ability as a musician may also be included in the examination. 5A. INTERVIEW (COMPOSITION OPTION) Applicants will be called for an interview on the basis of their submitted compositions. At this interview the Board will appraise the applicant s ability to analyse his/her compositions and the artistic criteria employed in composing, the applicant s motivation for composition, knowledge of repertoire, and ability for theoretical analysis. The Board will also assess the applicant's other qualifications and their effect on the student s success in the Music Theory programme and later in working life. The different parts of the entrance examination are weighted as follows: - composition samples 20% - general theory, aural perception and solfège test 20% - theory test for programme in question 20% - interview (and audition) 40% 5B. INTERVIEW (MUSIC THEORY OPTION) Applicants will be called for an interview at which the Board will assess their ability to analyse compositions, their motivation to compose and engage in the systematic study of composition, their knowledge of repertoire, and ability for theoretical analysis. The Board will also assess the applicant's other qualifications and their effect on the student s success in the Music Theory programme and later in working life. Copies of diplomas and any other testimonials from school or work should be enclosed with the application forms. Applicants may, if they wish, present their compositions, arrangements, musical studies or other such merits. The different parts of the entrance examination are weighted as follows: - general theory, aural perception and solfège test 20% - theory test for programme in question 20% - interview 40% - audition (incl. sight reading) 20% Applicants for the Music Theory programme will be placed ranked according to the weighted mean of the various factors. An applicant may, however, fail to be admitted if he or she fails in any of the above parts. The applicant s present skills and abilities and his/her suitability for musical education and a career in music will be taken into account in the assessment. The languages of tuition in the degree programme are Finnish and Swedish. Further information: The Department of Composition and Music Theory P.O. Box 86, FI Helsinki Visiting address: Töölönkatu 28, 4th floor Programme Coordinator Aino Saastamoinen, tel aino.saastamoinen@siba.fi 16

17 DEGREE PROGRAMME IN FOLK MUSIC The degree programme in Folk Music gives the student an insight into the styles of traditional playing and singing, a practical and comprehensive command of new folk music, and an insight into folk music research. Graduates will be qualified to work as teachers, instructors, folk musicians or in other positions requiring expertise in folk music. The degree programme qualifies the student for postgraduate studies. There are no further optional programmes within the department, but students can specialise to a certain extent in performance, folk music pedagogy or folk music research. Studies concentrate on main instrument and ensemble playing. Students will become familiar with Finnish instrumental music and folk-song as well as European and world music. The teaching will emphasise the importance of close interaction between folk music theory, research, and practical musicianship. Successful participation in the degree programme requires a sufficient command of Finnish or Swedish. Graduates from the Folk Music department qualify for employment in demanding positions as music pedagogues or professional musicians. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS All applicants must attend the entrance examinations in person. Video or audio recordings are not accepted. Applicants must present official proof of identity at all the examinations. The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicant s present skills and abilities and his/her suitability for musical education and a career in music. General entrance qualifications for universities are also taken into account. The Board may listen to only a part of the audition. The entrance examination is in three sections: a) Instrument and voice audition b) Test on knowledge of folk music c) Music theory and solfège assignment All sections of the examination may include several parts. All parts are compulsory. An applicant can be rejected if he/she fails to perform any single part of the entrance examination. The instrument and voice audition is in two parts. The test on knowledge of folk music and the music theory and solfège assignments will be taken only by those accepted for Part II. The most important part of the entrance examination is the audition in the main instrument. The audition should display the applicant s ability to master his/her instrument or voice and familiarity with folk music tradition in performance. The main instrument can be an instrument such as the kantele, violin, a wind instrument, accordion, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, double bass or percussion, voice, or in special cases a folk instrument from another country. A) INSTRUMENT AND VOICE AUDITION The first part of the instrument and voice audition will consist of a programme of circa 10 minutes' duration. In addition to the main instrument the audition may include a second instrument. The music must be performed without sheet music or accompaniment. Double bass and electric bass players and percussionists may use a supporting musician for part of their programme. The programme may consist of traditional, contemporary and the applicant s own folk music compositions and improvisation. If the programme mainly consists of material other than traditional Finnish music, a sample of Finnish folk music must be included. 15 applicants will be invited for Part II on the basis of their success in Part I of the audition. The second part of the audition will consist of a programme lasting circa 20 minutes. In addition to the main instrument the programme must include a sung element by instrumentalists and a played instrumental part by singers. The programme may also include other instruments. The programme can be partly the same as in Part I. The programme may consist of traditional, contemporary and the applicant s own folk music compositions and improvisation. If the programme mainly consists of material other than traditional Finnish music, a sample of Finnish folk music must be included. The programme must be played from memory and without an accompanist. Double bass and electric bass players and percussionists may use a supporting musician for part of their programme. 17

18 The Examination Board will give points to the applicants chosen for Part II on the basis of their assessment of the applicant as a whole, in other words the points from Part I will also be taken into account. The points awarded in Part II will be the final points of the instrument and voice audition. B) KNOWLEDGE OF FOLK MUSIC This assignment consists of identifying recordings and answering questions on the history and the present day of folk music. C) THEORY AND SOLFÈGE This exam will test the basics of music theory and the applicant s aural ability and musical perception. The parts of the entrance examination will be weighted so that they affect the sum scores as follows: The instrument and voice audition 90%, the assignments in knowledge of folk music, music theory and solfège 10%. The Examination Board will assess the applicant s suitability for education and a career in music in connection with the instrument and voice audition. Further information: Folk Music Department P.O. Box 86, FI Helsinki Visiting address: Kutomotie 9, 2nd floor Programme Coordinator Hannu Tolvanen tel folkmusic@siba.fi 18

19 DEGREE PROGRAMME IN JAZZ The purpose of the degree programme in Jazz is to provide the student with such skill and knowledge of Afro-American musical culture that the graduate is able to work in demanding professional positions such as musician, orchestral conductor, arranger-composer or teacher. The degree also qualifies students for postgraduate studies. The student can choose between two programme options within the Department: 1) instrumental 2) composer Advanced studies in the degree programme are based on a demonstration of artistic ability and skills. A person, who has obtained a suitable lower degree from a university or a polytechnic, or an appropriate degree from a foreign educational establishment that gives the student comparable eligibility for higher education, can apply directly for the 60 credit unit Master of Music study programme. Should an applicant be selected, his or her previous degree will be credited towards the Bachelor of Music degree without a separate application. The Sibelius Academy may require a student selected in the previously mentioned ways to have completed supplementary studies of a maximum of 20 credit units in order to ensure the required aptitude before embarking on their actual studies. These studies do not count towards the Master of Music degree. Entrance examination tasks for the jazz music study programme are the same as those required for the 180 credit unit programme, but the applicants are evaluated in their own selection group. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS 1. INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAMME OPTION All applicants must attend the entrance examinations in person. Video or audio recordings are not accepted. The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicant s present skills and abilities and his/her suitability for musical education and a career in music. General entrance qualifications for universities are also taken into account. The Board may listen to only a part of the audition. The entrance examination is in two sections: a) Instrument and voice audition b) Music theory and solfège assignment The instrument and voice audition is in two parts. Not more than 15 applicants are invited to Part II according to the points awarded in Part I. The Entrance Examination Board will assess the applicant s present skills and abilities and his/her suitability for musical education and a career in music. Only those admitted to the second part of the instrument and voice audition need complete the theory and solfège assignments. A) INSTRUMENT AND VOICE AUDITION In the first part, the applicants will play/sing from memory a well known jazz composition of their own choice. The style can be chosen freely (e.g. swing, Latin, bebop, rock-jazz, free, etc.). Each applicant is allowed a maximum of 10 minutes. In the second part, the applicants will play/sing from memory a prepared assignment, a jazz or rock composition of their own choice, for example one of their own compositions. The style can be chosen freely (e.g. swing, Latin, bebop, rockjazz, free, etc.). As an assignment given by the board at the audition the applicants will play/sing a commonly known jazz composition (a jazz standard), a sight reading assignment and an accompaniment assignment (applies only to guitar/piano/bass/drums). Each applicant is allowed a maximum of 20 minutes. In both parts the Board may also include extra assignments (e.g. blues in F or in Bb), but the Board will not necessarily listen to the assignment in full. At least half of the prepared assignments will be auditioned taking into account the total time allotted for each applicant. The compositions performed by the applicant should be in different tempos and modes and should include a solo improvisation based on the composition s chords and form. The Academy will provide a pianist, bassist and drummer for the audition. The applicant should provide the music of the compositions of his/her own choice for the accompanists. The music for Part I of the audition must be sent to the Jazz Department at least two weeks before the audition, the music for Part II may be brought to the theory and solfège test. The Examination Board will give points to the applicants chosen for Part II on the basis of their assessment of the applicant as a whole, in other words the points from Part I will also be taken into account. The points awarded in Part II will be the final points of the instrument and voice audition. 19