Norwegian Folk Music I, 1 year programme

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Content:

This programme is aimed at students of all ages who are especially interested in Norwegian folk music. The programme provides a theoretical and practical introduction to Norwegian folk music traditions. It helps develop the student’s understanding of the tradition’s rich variation of form and function. The programme includes instruction in traditional instruments such as Hardanger fiddle, fiddle, pipes and singing. This is a foundation programme in which students may build on their cultural background. We endeavour to fulfil the student’s wishes concerning the choice of main instrument.
Main programme courses:
Main instrument/practice
Cultural History
Folk Music and Society
Ear Training
Norwegian Folk Music Traditions
Folk Music Theory
Opportunity for Performers:
Particularly gifted students will be able to choose their main instrument teacher from the department’s staff or from outside the university college, for instance fiddlers and kvedars (traditional Norwegian folk singers). These students will receive additional hours of instruction on their main instrument. To qualify, the students must demonstrate their ability at an audition early in the autumn semester (August).

Teaching and learning methods:

The programme consists of lectures, group work, independent study and supervised practical project. Students will receive individual supervision in their main instrument and in their project work.

Careers / further study:

Several of the graduates from the Department of Folk Culture at Rauland are now employed in teaching positions in various kinds of schools, and some combine this with careers in the field of the Arts. Depending on which specialisation was chosen as part of their degree, graduates may find careers as mediators in the cultural sector, folk music curators or handicraft consultants etc. The programme gives access to the international network of folk musicians and folk artists and may open for future careers. This programme may be combined with other higher education programmes within the cultural sphere, or form a part of the 4-year

General Teacher Education and a BA degree. The programme qualifies for admission to MA Traditional Norwegian Arts.