The purpose of the studies in Folk Music is to provide students with a comprehensive, practical mastery of historical as well as contemporary folk music playing and singing, and to introduce them to research in the field. The students explore the traditions of Finnish and world folk music under the guidance of Finnish and international masters in the field. The aim is that the musicians can independently create their own music, based on folk music traditions, in collaboration with other art forms and the modern society.
The Sibelius Academy educates folk music professionals on several levels and degrees, from the Junior Department to Doctoral studies. The activities of the department include concerts, clubs, workshops, festivals, publications, interdisciplinary art productions, field work, research and development projects, innovations, and international collaborations. Glomas (the Nordic Master of Global Music) and NoFo (Nordic Master in Folk Music) are international degree programmes which operate within the Folk Music Department.
The teachers and former students of the Folk Music Department include such renowned artists as Heikki Laitinen, Maria Kalaniemi, Timo Alakotila, Kimmo Pohjonen and Arto Järvelä and members of such groups as Sväng, Värttinä, JPP, and Frigg. In 2008 the Folk Music Department won the WOMEX Award for Professional Excellence in the Service of Word Music.
The Department of Folk Music was established in 1983.
Information on publications: books, sheet music, recordings and educational materials: www.etno.net
Events
- Student matinee in Camerata hall 05/29/2012
- Monesta minuksi 05/30/2012
