A unique educational path at Jyväskylä Universities: music pedagogues can progress directly to master’s studies

This new educational path is aimed at students who wish to combine the skills of both an instrument teacher and a music teacher. Students will begin their studies at Jamk, pursuing a degree in music pedagogy before gradually proceeding to university-level studies. Upon completing their degree at Jamk, students will transition seamlessly to the master’s degree programme in music education at JYU, bypassing the need for a separate entrance examination.

Upon graduation, students will earn the following double qualification:

• Music pedagogue (instrument teaching and group guidance)
• Music teacher in primary and lower secondary education and general upper secondary education

This provides a clear, goal-oriented educational path in music.

The new cooperation model responds to the needs of the world of work

The higher education institutions have developed this educational path in close cooperation as part of the establishment of the Jyväskylä Universities group. The aim is to strengthen students’ pedagogical and musical competence to better correspond to the changing needs of the world of work. There is a growing demand for the dual qualifications in instrument teaching and music teaching across Finland.

“This educational path, created in collaboration between Jamk and JYU, is unique in Finland,” says Marja-Leena Laakso, Vice Rector for education at the University of Jyväskylä. “It is a great example of the educational solutions we can develop together to help students develop their transferable skills responsibly. This is possible when will, skills and commitment converge. This achievement has required the cooperation of many people and organisations, and it is now an inspiring example that encourages new initiatives.”

Exceptional educational path in Finland

The planned educational path is unique even on a national scale. There is no other entity like it available elsewhere in Finland at the moment. The Finnish Music Campus in

Jyväskylä is a compact music education environment that provides an ideal setting for this educational path. This collaboration further strengthens Jyväskylä’s position as a centre for music education and research, and enhances the town’s appeal as a place to study.

“This educational path is a fantastic example of combining the strengths of higher education institutions in a bold and open-minded way to create interesting and relevant paths for developing skills,” says Minna-Maaria Hiekkataipale, Vice Rector at Jamk University of Applied Sciences. “The Finnish Music Campus will serve as a natural platform for this type of collaboration.”

Applications taken from 2027

The first group of students will start their studies in autumn 2027. Applicants must apply for the programme via the Studyinfo service during the second joint application of spring. Student admissions will be carried out in collaboration between Jamk and JYU.

The programme totals 360 ECTS, comprising a bachelor’s degree in music pedagogy (240 ECTS credits) and a master’s degree in music education (120 ECTS credits).