Møter gjennom folkemusikk; fellesskap og særtrekk: Om Nordtrad og det årlige treffet for folkemusikkutdanninger i Norden og Baltikum

Abstract

The Nordtrad network was established in 1999 and has since 2000 arranged an annual gathering for students and teachers from the higher educations of folk/traditional music in the Nordic and Baltic countries. This article investigates how the participants experience these gatherings. Do they have impact on the repertoires or playing styles among the young traditional players in our countries, or are other aspects more important when it comes to what is achieved? The article draws on interviews with teachers and students, document studies and my own experiences as a participant through many years. It shows how these gatherings have become important places for participants to meet and exchange musical ideas and tunes, and to raise knowledge of how folk music is performed in the different countries. The Nordtrad network also contributes to a collective sense of belonging across geographies and cultures. Folk- and traditional music is in many ways defined by history and tradition. In light of Nordtrad I reflect upon the genre specific aspects and the choices that have been made when building higher educations in folk/traditional music.