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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Nor­we­gi­an folk song

Year of study: One semester, autumn

Final assessment: assessment from course instructor

Language of instruction: English


Course description

The course in an introduction to Norwegian folk singing. The teaching will follow the tradition of Norwegian folk music and be based on learning by ear. Students will have an introduction to characteristics such as rhythm, tonality, ornamentation, phrasing and history. It may be relevant to include learning through archival recordings and sheet music as needed.

Course coordinator: Jazz, Improvised Music and Traditional Nordic Folk Music Department

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, it is expected that the student:

  • can perform a folk tune solo
  • has knowledge of Norwegian folk singing and is familiar with key performers
  • demonstrates reflection on what folk singing is and can relate it to their own performance
  • masters basic features such as ornamentation
  • documents a repertoire list of at least 6 songs
  • can convey a folk tune solo and in collaboration with others.


Overview

The students will learn repertoire by ear, explore various ways to use the material together, receive an introduction to features such as rhythm, ornamentation, and tonality. They will discuss what folk singing is, reflect on it together, and place the repertoire in historical and cultural contexts.

Structure

The teaching will be conducted weekly. If necessary, it may be relevant to organize som lessons in blocks to carry out in-house activities together with the folk music students or externally. The course will be taught in groups.


Course requirements

  1. Participation in the scheduled lessons is compulsory. Absence of more than 20% will normally lead to failure of the course.
  2. The student must submit a repertoire list of at least 6 songs to the course instructor. The student must be able to perform a folk tune solo, and a repertoire together with the other students.


Final assessment

All coursework requirements must be approved prior to obtaining a final assessment.

Students are assessed in correspondence to the learning outcomes of the course. The final assessment will be given as a mark of “passed”/”failed” for each individual student, which shall be determined on the basis of her or his level demonstrated through the course work.

New assessment

Students failing the course will have to apply to re-follow the course for a new assessment. Students may only re-follow the course if there are available places.

Published: Mar 7, 2024 — Last updated: May 27, 2024