Music Finland is one of the content partners of the new master's program starting in 2025. The master's programme in Music Business brings a new kind of commercial expertise to the Finnish music industry. The English-language programme will launch at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki in fall 2025, supported by the Teosto Cultural Foundation.

Because of the limited size of Finland's domestic music market, growth in the sector can only come from international business. This program aims to build growth by enhancing expertise in commercialization, export, and marketing. The master's program in Music Business is the first of its kind in Finland. Alongside Norway, similar programs can be found in EU countries such as Germany and Spain. The most extensive educational offerings in the field are available in the United Kingdom and the United States.

The two-year programme, leading to a Master of Arts degree, prepares students for expert and leadership roles both in Finland and the highly competitive global markets. It complements Uniarts Helsinki's existing curriculum by fostering a deep understanding of both the creative and business processes within the music industry.

"Music Finland has strong global networks and in-depth expertise in the fundamentals of the music business. By inspiring and training new internationally-oriented professionals, we can strengthen the Finnish music industry,” says Mikko Manninen, Executive Director of Music Finland.

The programme equips musicians, music makers and industry professionals with commercial skills to work in agencies and management offices, record labels and publishing companies, music marketing, export, rights management, event production – and the diverse networks of the industry.

Supported by the Teosto Cultural Foundation

The program was created in response to the needs of the Finnish music industry. It is implemented in collaboration with Music Finland, an expert organization in music export, the University of Agder in Norway – a leading university in the field – and respected U.S. institutions.

The program is supported by the Teosto Cultural Foundation, which has granted €100,000 in funding for the program. Established in 2024, the foundation’s mission is to promote Finnish creative musical art and its operational conditions, with the goal of significantly increasing the value of music.

“The Music Business program is a completely new initiative that perfectly aligns with the strategy of the Teosto Cultural Foundation. Through this program, we can strengthen the structures of Finnish music, enhance business expertise, and create even better opportunities for high-quality Finnish musical art to gain visibility,” says Anna Baijars, Chair of the Board of the Teosto Cultural Foundation.

“With this excellent lineup, the program draws not only from Finland’s rich artistic heritage but also from the practical expertise and best practices of the global music markets. Collaboration ensures a strong connection to working life and broad expertise, which enhances the program’s international significance and appeal,” says Emilie Gardberg, Dean of the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki.