- Credits:
- 120, programme, master's level
- Length of Study:
- 2 years
- Study Pace:
- 100%
- Location:
- Piteå
Master Programme in Music Performance
Application period starts 2026-10-16
The Master Programme in Music Performance is suitable for those who want to deepen their knowledge in music. You get the chance to develop your own musical ability and identity. Though various collaborative projects and internships, you will get a close connection to your future professional life.
At the school of music in Piteå, you get to be part of a creative environment where you are close to world-leading teachers, state of the art equipment, and other music interested people in many different fields. During the program you develop and work with your musical ability and expression, as well as reflect on artistic questions. The program comprises two years of full-time studies and is given in the areas of musician, composition and conducting. The program also prepares you for further studies at artistic postgraduate level.
The programme comprises two years of full-time study and is taught in English, with individual instruction conducted in English.
The education is individually structured, and as a student you have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
During the second academic year, students present an artistic thesis in both musical and written form.
Parts of the education are common for all specialisations and some parts are also shared with the One-Year Master Programme. Approximately 10 weeks of the academic year consist of concentrated ‘Master Weeks’, in which both programme instructors and guest instructors participate.
You can study the following specialisations within the master programme:
Musician, Composition and Conducting.
Musician
Studies within the Master Programme in Music Performance with specialisation Musician give you opportunities to develop your artistic abilities and identity in various musical and artistic constellations. The specialisation Musician welcomes students who are instrumentalists/singers, as well as students combining this with other roles, such as composer or arranger. We welcome students in a wide range of genres.
We are looking for students who, in addition to developed instrumental skills, also demonstrate musical awareness, reflection and independence in their artistry. Therefore, it is a merit if you can already in the application point to ideas to explore in your degree project. Central parts of the education are common to all specialisations and are concentrated to about nine weeks of the academic year, so-called Master Weeks, in which both the programme’s own teachers and guest lecturers participate.
The education is individually structured, and as a student you have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
Being active as a music professional with gigs, recordings, tours, and other projects is not considered an obstacle but rather an asset. Students who complete the programme with organ as specialisation and who already have a church music degree will qualify for employment as organists (A-level church musician) in the Church of Sweden.
Composition
Studies in the Master Programme in Music Performance with a specialisation in Composition provide opportunities to develop your artistic profile as a composer by working on various projects together with professional ensembles, musicians, choirs, and orchestras.
We are looking for students who show musical awareness, reflection, and independence in their art. Therefore, it is a merit if you can already in the application point to ideas to explore in your degree project. Central parts of the education are common to all specialisations and are concentrated to about nine weeks of the academic year, so-called Master Weeks, in which both the programme’s own teachers and guest lecturers participate.
The education is individually structured and as a student you have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
Through various collaborative projects with orchestras, ensembles and choirs, the specialisation has a clear connection to professional life. Being professionally active as a composer with different projects is not considered an obstacle but rather an asset.
Conducting
Studies in the Master Programme in Music Performance with specialisation Conducting provide opportunities to develop and deepen your artistic and technical skills as a conductor by working in various projects together with professional ensembles, musicians, choirs, and orchestras.
We are looking for students who show musical awareness, reflection, and independence in their artistry. Therefore, it is a merit if you can already in the application point to ideas to explore in your degree project. Central parts of the education are common to all specialisations and are concentrated to about nine weeks of the academic year, so-called master weeks, in which both the programme’s own teachers and guest lecturers participate.
The education is individually structured and students have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks during the programme. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
During the conductor training, you will work regularly with vocal and instrumental ensembles of different constellations and sizes. Being active as a conductor with concerts, recordings, tours, and other projects is not considered an obstacle but rather an asset. Students who complete the programme with conducting as specialisation and already have a church music degree will qualify for employment as organists (A-level church musician) in the Church of Sweden.
The future labour market for graduates of the Master Programme in Music Performance comprises a diverse range of areas within the Swedish and international music and performing arts fields. After graduation, you are eligible to apply for a research program in musical performance.
For those studying solo organ or conducting within the music specialization and have a previous bachelor in church music, the education aims to provide you with eligibility for employment within the Church of Sweden with a church musician degree at A level.
For those studying solo organ or conducting within the music specialization and have a previous bachelor in church music, the education aims to provide you with eligibility for employment within the Church of Sweden with a church musician degree at A level.
Apply to the programme
LTU-90003
Application period starts 2026-10-16
Apply to Master Programme in Music Performance - Conducting
Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027, PiteåNormal teachingDay-time 100%Autumn 2027
Period:Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027
Location:Piteå
Form of study:Day-time 100%
Language:English
Tuition fees:Information for non-EU/EEA students
Application code:LTU-90003
Application period starts:2026-10-16
Last day for application:2027-01-15
Number of places:1
Entry requirements:Bachelor of Arts in music of minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent knowledge and passed admission test.
General exemption for knowledge in Swedish is allowed.
Good knowledge in English, corresponding to English 6.
In the admission test, the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability is assessed.
The admission test consists of two parts; orchestral conducting, choral conducting (audition)
Selection:The selection procedure is based on merit evaluation of degree project/specialization and course content in terms of quality and quantity, as well as a ranking skill test to assess the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability.
NOTE! ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONRead more about the admission test
LTU-90004
Application period starts 2026-10-16
Apply to Master Programme in Music Performance - Composition
Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027, PiteåNormal teachingDay-time 100%Autumn 2027
Period:Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027
Location:Piteå
Form of study:Day-time 100%
Language:English
Tuition fees:Information for non-EU/EEA students
Application code:LTU-90004
Application period starts:2026-10-16
Last day for application:2027-01-15
Number of places:2
Entry requirements:Bachelor of Arts in music of minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent knowledge and passed admission test.
General exemption for knowledge in Swedish is allowed.
Good knowledge in English, corresponding to English 6.
In the admission test, the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability is assessed.
The admission test consists of submitted work samples
Selection:The selection procedure is based on merit evaluation of degree project/specialization and course content in terms of quality and quantity, as well as a ranking skill test to assess the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability.
NOTE! ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONRead more about the admission test
LTU-90002
Application period starts 2026-10-16
Apply to Master Programme in Music Performance - Musician
Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027, PiteåNormal teachingDay-time 100%Autumn 2027
Period:Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027
Location:Piteå
Form of study:Day-time 100%
Language:English
Tuition fees:Information for non-EU/EEA students
Application code:LTU-90002
Application period starts:2026-10-16
Last day for application:2027-01-15
Number of places:7
Entry requirements:Bachelor of Arts in music of minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent knowledge and passed admission test.
General exemption for knowledge in Swedish is allowed.
Good knowledge in English, corresponding to English 6.
In the admission test, the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability is assessed.
The admission test consist of an audition
Selection:The selection procedure is based on merit evaluation of degree project/specialization and course content in terms of quality and quantity, as well as a ranking skill test to assess the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability.
NOTE! ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONRead more about the admission test
Programme overview
Select Specialisation
Application period starts 2026-10-16
The Master Programme in Music Performance is suitable for those who want to deepen their knowledge in music. You get the chance to develop your own musical ability and identity. Though various collaborative projects and internships, you will get a close connection to your future professional life.
At the school of music in Piteå, you get to be part of a creative environment where you are close to world-leading teachers, state of the art equipment, and other music interested people in many different fields. During the program you develop and work with your musical ability and expression, as well as reflect on artistic questions. The program comprises two years of full-time studies and is given in the areas of musician, composition and conducting. The program also prepares you for further studies at artistic postgraduate level.
The programme comprises two years of full-time study and is taught in English, with individual instruction conducted in English.
The education is individually structured, and as a student you have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
During the second academic year, students present an artistic thesis in both musical and written form.
Parts of the education are common for all specialisations and some parts are also shared with the One-Year Master Programme. Approximately 10 weeks of the academic year consist of concentrated ‘Master Weeks’, in which both programme instructors and guest instructors participate.
You can study the following specialisations within the master programme:
Musician, Composition and Conducting.
Musician
Studies within the Master Programme in Music Performance with specialisation Musician give you opportunities to develop your artistic abilities and identity in various musical and artistic constellations. The specialisation Musician welcomes students who are instrumentalists/singers, as well as students combining this with other roles, such as composer or arranger. We welcome students in a wide range of genres.
We are looking for students who, in addition to developed instrumental skills, also demonstrate musical awareness, reflection and independence in their artistry. Therefore, it is a merit if you can already in the application point to ideas to explore in your degree project. Central parts of the education are common to all specialisations and are concentrated to about nine weeks of the academic year, so-called Master Weeks, in which both the programme’s own teachers and guest lecturers participate.
The education is individually structured, and as a student you have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
Being active as a music professional with gigs, recordings, tours, and other projects is not considered an obstacle but rather an asset. Students who complete the programme with organ as specialisation and who already have a church music degree will qualify for employment as organists (A-level church musician) in the Church of Sweden.
Composition
Studies in the Master Programme in Music Performance with a specialisation in Composition provide opportunities to develop your artistic profile as a composer by working on various projects together with professional ensembles, musicians, choirs, and orchestras.
We are looking for students who show musical awareness, reflection, and independence in their art. Therefore, it is a merit if you can already in the application point to ideas to explore in your degree project. Central parts of the education are common to all specialisations and are concentrated to about nine weeks of the academic year, so-called Master Weeks, in which both the programme’s own teachers and guest lecturers participate.
The education is individually structured and as a student you have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
Through various collaborative projects with orchestras, ensembles and choirs, the specialisation has a clear connection to professional life. Being professionally active as a composer with different projects is not considered an obstacle but rather an asset.
Conducting
Studies in the Master Programme in Music Performance with specialisation Conducting provide opportunities to develop and deepen your artistic and technical skills as a conductor by working in various projects together with professional ensembles, musicians, choirs, and orchestras.
We are looking for students who show musical awareness, reflection, and independence in their artistry. Therefore, it is a merit if you can already in the application point to ideas to explore in your degree project. Central parts of the education are common to all specialisations and are concentrated to about nine weeks of the academic year, so-called master weeks, in which both the programme’s own teachers and guest lecturers participate.
The education is individually structured and students have great influence over content and working methods. You are encouraged to build your own networks during the programme. Both on your own and together with your teachers, you create valuable contacts for the future.
During the conductor training, you will work regularly with vocal and instrumental ensembles of different constellations and sizes. Being active as a conductor with concerts, recordings, tours, and other projects is not considered an obstacle but rather an asset. Students who complete the programme with conducting as specialisation and already have a church music degree will qualify for employment as organists (A-level church musician) in the Church of Sweden.
The future labour market for graduates of the Master Programme in Music Performance comprises a diverse range of areas within the Swedish and international music and performing arts fields. After graduation, you are eligible to apply for a research program in musical performance.
For those studying solo organ or conducting within the music specialization and have a previous bachelor in church music, the education aims to provide you with eligibility for employment within the Church of Sweden with a church musician degree at A level.
For those studying solo organ or conducting within the music specialization and have a previous bachelor in church music, the education aims to provide you with eligibility for employment within the Church of Sweden with a church musician degree at A level.
Programme overview
Select Specialisation
Apply to the programme
LTU-90003
Application period starts 2026-10-16
Apply to Master Programme in Music Performance - Conducting
Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027, PiteåNormal teachingDay-time 100%Autumn 2027
Period:Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027
Location:Piteå
Form of study:Day-time 100%
Language:English
Tuition fees:Information for non-EU/EEA students
Application code:LTU-90003
Application period starts:2026-10-16
Last day for application:2027-01-15
Number of places:1
Entry requirements:Bachelor of Arts in music of minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent knowledge and passed admission test.
General exemption for knowledge in Swedish is allowed.
Good knowledge in English, corresponding to English 6.
In the admission test, the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability is assessed.
The admission test consists of two parts; orchestral conducting, choral conducting (audition)
Selection:The selection procedure is based on merit evaluation of degree project/specialization and course content in terms of quality and quantity, as well as a ranking skill test to assess the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability.
NOTE! ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONRead more about the admission test
LTU-90004
Application period starts 2026-10-16
Apply to Master Programme in Music Performance - Composition
Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027, PiteåNormal teachingDay-time 100%Autumn 2027
Period:Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027
Location:Piteå
Form of study:Day-time 100%
Language:English
Tuition fees:Information for non-EU/EEA students
Application code:LTU-90004
Application period starts:2026-10-16
Last day for application:2027-01-15
Number of places:2
Entry requirements:Bachelor of Arts in music of minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent knowledge and passed admission test.
General exemption for knowledge in Swedish is allowed.
Good knowledge in English, corresponding to English 6.
In the admission test, the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability is assessed.
The admission test consists of submitted work samples
Selection:The selection procedure is based on merit evaluation of degree project/specialization and course content in terms of quality and quantity, as well as a ranking skill test to assess the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability.
NOTE! ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONRead more about the admission test
LTU-90002
Application period starts 2026-10-16
Apply to Master Programme in Music Performance - Musician
Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027, PiteåNormal teachingDay-time 100%Autumn 2027
Period:Start date 2027-08-30, v. 35 2027
Location:Piteå
Form of study:Day-time 100%
Language:English
Tuition fees:Information for non-EU/EEA students
Application code:LTU-90002
Application period starts:2026-10-16
Last day for application:2027-01-15
Number of places:7
Entry requirements:Bachelor of Arts in music of minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent knowledge and passed admission test.
General exemption for knowledge in Swedish is allowed.
Good knowledge in English, corresponding to English 6.
In the admission test, the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability is assessed.
The admission test consist of an audition
Selection:The selection procedure is based on merit evaluation of degree project/specialization and course content in terms of quality and quantity, as well as a ranking skill test to assess the applicant's previous knowledge of musicality, technical ability and artistic ability.
NOTE! ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONRead more about the admission test
Meet our teachers
Meet inspiring teachers with international careers who are passionate about helping students grow as musicians, performers and artists.
Opera Studio Norrlandsoperan (ONO)
We have a partnership with Norrlandsoperan. It provides an opportunity for singing students to receive practical training in opera. (photo by Elin Berge)
"There are an incredible number of qualified teachers"
Mikael Mannberg studied the Master Programme in Music Performance, specialisation Classical Guitar.
How to apply
Application instructions for foreign students and specialisations.
Do you have a question?
You are welcome to ask us anything about your future studies. Perhaps you have questions about the programme, accommodation or student life, or would like guidance from a study counsellor.
Send us your question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Programme director
Petter Sundkvist
Updated: