Kuopio
In English.
Sibelius Academy's Kuopio Department
The basic task of Sibelius Academy's Kuopio department is to provide tuition that follows the department's church music curriculum. The department works alongside the Academy's church music department in Helsinki. The Kuopio department was founded in 1983, but church music has been taught in Kuopio in close co-operation with Sibelius Academy since 1960. The core of the study of church music consists of liturgical music. The musical skills needed for parish work are central. Besides them, students may choose to specialise in artistic, pedagogical or research subjects. The department has established a high profile in parochial music education and music to the young people. Alongside traditional training, the department specialises in old keyboard instruments.
In the past twenty years, about 200 students have acquired the Master of Music degree at the Kuopio department. The majority of them have found employment in the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is also possible to complete a Licentiate or Doctorate in Kuopio. In autumn 2004 the Arts Management master program has started in Kuopio in cooperation with the similar education in Helsinki and with Kuopio University.