Why do old traditions continue to captivate and provide a source for contemporary music-making?
The main focus of the folk music programme is on instrumental and vocal skills in traditional Norwegian music. Old traditions are introduced primarily through solo play, ensemble play and folk dancing – all centred around performance, communication and interpretation.
Creating folk music arrangements is a core activity in which inspiration, expressions and stylistic elements from many different types of music help shape the final product.
NMH faculty members are passionate performers who have never lost their enthusiasm for the unique characteristics of folk music. They also enlist local specialists on various traditional instruments, and over th course of the programme the students will encounter performers from all of Norway’s main folk music districts.
There is extensive involvement with the folk music scene, and the students and teachers are themselves part of the folk music community.
