Sibelius Academy student: apply for courses in the pedagogy of composition and structural awareness of music for the academic year 2026–2027

The Degree Programme in Composition and Music Theory organises courses in the pedagogy of composition and structural awareness of music and, which are also open to students majoring in other subjects. The courses allow you to broaden your pedagogical skills and improve your employment prospects, for example if your main instrument alone offers only limited teaching opportunities. There has been a demand for specialists in the pedagogy of structural awareness of music, and teachers are also expected to have skills for integrating instrumental studies and structural awareness of music studies.

The pedagogy of structural awareness of music is divided into semester-long modules (5 ECTS). The level 1 courses focus on beginners and basic studies in music institutes, while the level 2 courses focus on intermediate and advanced studies. The courses are offered in alternating years. In the academic year 2026–2027, the following courses are available:

• S-STT12A_24-3001 Pedagogy of structural awareness of music 2a (autumn, EN, FI)
• S-STT12B_24-3001 Musiikin hahmotustaitojen pedagogiikka 2b (spring, in Finnish, online participation possibility)
• S-STS13_26 Composition pedagogy 2 EN, FI (for students who have some background in composition studies)

The pedagogy of structural awareness of music courses (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are usually organized on every second year and can be studied in a flexible order. Students majoring in other subjects are advised to discuss a suitable schedule with the course coordinator. The advanced course in the pedagogy of composition requires students to have their own composition studies.

The pedagogy of structural awareness of music courses include a short teaching practice period, which is usually organised in music institutes. Schedules are agreed individually with students in May–June. For more information on teaching practice in the pedagogy of composition, see the Peppi database.

Course registration is open in the Peppi. The courses must be included in the student’s personal study plan (HOPS).

For further information, contact lotta.ilomaki@uniarts.fi (pedagogy of structural awareness of music) and minna.leinonen@uniarts.fi (pedagogy of composition).