Performance – Folk Music/Art Music from Other Cultures
Embark on a uniquely tailored bachelor’s programme that immerses you in the rich traditions of folk or art music from around the world. Whether you’re a vocalist or an instrumentalist, this programme is designed to help you refine and develop your musical identity. You will learn from leading instructors and musicians who will bring deep expertise and a vast network, providing you with invaluable opportunities for growth and collaboration.
You will study alongside students from musical traditions worldwide, with a wide range of instruments. At KMH, we foster a diverse and creative atmosphere where different musical expressions can meet and enrich each other. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and deepen your skills under the guidance of KMH’s experienced and highly skilled faculty.
Language of instruction: Swedish
About the program
- A tailored education designed to help you develop your musical style under the guidance of experienced instructors.
- A wide range of customised courses.
- An inspiring environment with students from diverse backgrounds and a variety of instruments.
The teachers are open-minded and deeply committed to each student’s individual development.
Emmanouil Georgoudis, alumnus.
KMH has been educating folk musicians for over 40 years. Our programme prepares you for a career in music, both in Sweden and internationally. The education is designed to meet your specific needs, helping you explore and deepen your musical skills and knowledge.
The bachelor’s programme includes courses in
- main instrument
- music theory
- arranging
- composition
- ensemble
- dance
- voice
- improvisation
- music history
- entrepreneurship
- concert practice.
You will also take several elective courses for further specialisation. These include courses specially designed for folk musicians, such as music theory and ensemble.
A place where musicians from around the globe come together
Our program welcomes musicians from musical traditions around the world. Examples of instruments represented include saz, percussion, mandola, voice, violin, djembe, and qanun. The rich variety of instruments and musical experiences of our students create a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.
Courses designed to expand and deepen your expertise
Your musical style will evolve through courses in your main instrument, arranging, and ensemble playing. All students are part of the large ensemble KMH Folk. The program also includes courses in digital tools, music history and entrepreneurship. While some courses are shared with students from other programs, others are specific to your specialisation.
You’ll expand your skill set with courses in folk singing, folk dance, and the folk music forum. Additionally, you’ll gain expertise in music production and explore the cultural and societal significance of folk music.
Teaching methods
The program consists of
- individual instrument lessons
- group lessons
- artistic seminars
- master classes and workshops.
The academic year is divided into regular weeks and special weeks, with the latter often dedicated to larger ensemble projects. Examinations are conducted through a combination of music performances, written assignments, and oral discussions.
The program concludes with an independent project worth 15 credits, where you will demonstrate your knowledge and skills through a personal artistic project.
KMH Folk
Admissions
To be eligible for the programme, you need to meet:
- the general entry requirements for undergraduate/first-cycle studies
- the specific entry requirements in the form of a passing result in the entrance examination test.
The tuition language is Swedish. Please note that strong proficiency in the Swedish language is a general entry requirement. For detailed information on how the test is conducted and what you need to prepare, read the test description in Swedish. Further information about admissions to this programme can be found in the syllabus and the Swedish test description, available on the Swedish page.
Read more about general entry requirements External link.
If you do not meet the general entry requirements through formal qualifications you can apply for validation of prior learning.
Read more about validation of prior learning
If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of available places, a selection will be made. Selection is based on the results of the entrance examinations. Applicants are placed in selection groups according to the instrument they apply with.
Application dates and deadlines
Please see our Step-by-step guide on how to apply.
1 December 2025
Application opens at universityadmissions.se External link, opens in new window..
15 January 2026
Application deadline and last day to rank your programmes and courses.
All applicants who have submitted an application will be given the opportunity to do the first stage of the entrance examinations.
16–19 January 2026
An email is sent to the email address you entered on universityadmissions.se with instructions on how to submit your test to KMH including the link for uploading Test 1. See the test description for information on what to submit.
26 January 2026
- Last day to upload Test 1 to KMH.
- Supporting documentation deadline. Last day to submit documentation to universityadmissions.se External link, opens in new window. and document that you meet the entry requirements.
- Deadline to document fee-exempt status or pay the application fee to universityadmissions.se.
Read more about fees, scholarships, residence permits (universityadmissions.se) External link, opens in new window.
9–18 February 2026
Results for Test 1 are sent via email. Passing applicants will receive an invitation and information about the next test.
7–15 March 2026
Entrance examinations during week 11 (and adjacent weekends).
15 April 2026
First notification of selection result. You must reply to keep your place or remain on the waiting list.
28 April 2026
Last day to reply to your offer and keep your place (applies to both admitted and applicants on waiting list). You do this on My pages on universityadmissions.se External link, opens in new window..
7 May 2026
Second notification of selection result.
24 August 2026
Introduction week and registration.
31 August 2026
Semester starts.
Facilities
KMH offers concert halls, practice rooms, an immersive sound dome, and a well-equipped studio complex. Practice rooms are available from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm almost every day.
In addition to our own facilities, Stockholm’s many music and art venues, as well as its renowned festivals, are just steps away. Through selected partnerships, you’ll also gain access to other exclusive environments.
Teachers
The Department of Folk Music will be your home base, offering extensive expertise and a broad network for you to connect with. The department will support you in tailoring an education that aligns with your musical tradition.
All faculty members at the Department of Folk External link.
International Exchanges and Collaborations
Become an exchange student
Through Erasmus, an exchange programme between higher education institutions in Europe, you can apply to study for a semester or an academic year at another university or conservatoire.
The Department of Folk Music at KMH is the initiator of the Nordic higher education network Nordtrad and also collaborates with other international institutions in the field of folk music.
International collaborations
The Department of Folk Music has an extensive outward-facing programme. We work continuously with folk and world music organisers, educational centres, amateur organisations, and various research institutions, both nationally and internationally.
After Graduation
The programme equips you with the tools to further develop your artistic profile at the highest level while preparing you for an independent career as a freelance musician. The number of professional musicians specialising in folk and art music from other cultures continues to grow in Sweden.
Several of Sweden’s most established and innovative folk music ensembles, such as Golbang and The Forbidden Orchestra, were formed during studies at KMH.
Additionally, alumni of KMH's folk and art music from other cultures programme are frequently represented among nominees and award winners in various contexts.
For those interested in academic research, the program also serves as a strong foundation for further studies at the artistic research level.
How to apply
When a programme or course is open for application, it is presented on universityadmissions.se. After submitting your application you will, in most cases, be called to an entrance examination.
New student?
Welcome to KMH! On this page you will find a summary of what you need to know as a new student.