Nordic Performance Master in Folk Music, NoFo
Develop your artistic skills and expression while joining a vibrant Nordic network. Explore folk music traditions from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway, and take the opportunity to create your own advanced-level artistic projects.
About the programme
- Study at four leading folk music academies in the Nordic region and build a unique international network.
- Deepen your artistic expression through ensemble playing, improvisation, your own arrangements, and technical development.
- Grow as an artist and gain tools to analyse, reflect on, and interpret music.
KMH offers the joint Nordic Performance Master in Folk Music Programme together with:
- Sibelius Academy (SibA) in Helsinki, Finland,
- Danish National Music Academy of Music (SDMK) in Esbjerg, Denmark,
- Ole Bull Academy in Voss, Norway.
Admission takes place every two years and the language of instruction is English.
Video: Nordic Master in Folk Music
We had the best teachers in all of the schools and met fantastic people everywhere. And the best thing was that I could do both – I could be a solo musician and do my own thing – and create a successful band (Rim) and try out a lot of ideas at the same time!
Sunniva Abelli, alumnus
Tradition, Network, Collaboration and Artistic Practice
Tradition
The programme is rooted in the oral and embodied methods of the Nordic folk music traditions. You will explore various regional styles and expressions, guided by experts who carry these living traditions forward in continual development.
Network
As a NoFo student, you move between four countries – Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway – studying at some of the leading music academies in the Nordic region. You will build a strong network of musicians, teachers, and researchers, while gaining tools to navigate the international music scene as a folk musician.
Collaboration and Artistic Freedom
Ensemble work, arranging, improvisation, and collective music-making lie at the heart of the programme. You will develop your listening skills, your ability for musical dialogue, and your own artistic voice in interaction with other traditions and personalities – always with folk music as the common foundation.
The programme offers considerable freedom to create your own ensemble projects based on the networks you build at each study location. The framework is flexible and encourages artistic exploration, from intimate duo projects to larger ensemble works. This is your opportunity to develop your individual voice as a musician in collaboration with others.
Artistic Practice
NoFo strengthens your ability to create and lead your own artistic projects. Through courses in reflection, project management, and artistic research, you gain tools to shape a personal artistic language. The programme concludes with an independent final project, where you present your own musical expression in both words and performance.
Nordic Network and International Collaboration
The programme takes place across multiple locations in the Nordic region, giving you the opportunity to build a unique network of students, teachers, and professional contacts.
Admissions
To be eligible for this programme, you need to
- meet the general entry requirements for second-cycle courses and study programmes, meaning you must have completed an undergraduate study programme of at least 180 ECTS
- meet the specific entry requirements which are a Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music (180 credits), English 6, as well as passed entrance examination.
If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of places, a selection will take place. Selection is based on results on entrance examination. You as an applicant are placed in a selection group according to the instrument you apply for.
Read more about general entry requirements
Read the test description for the programme for information about the entrance examination content.
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.
After the Programme
One of the strongest drivers behind NoFo is to prepare students for a life as a professional musician in a Nordic folk music scene.
You will gain experience in planning and implementing various performances in terms of artistic content, marketing and finance.
In addition, you will be able to plan a Nordic tour and join an ensemble while deepening your artistic skills – invaluable knowledge for a folk musician seeking an international career.
Previous students are distinguished today on the Nordic folk music scene and work as freelance musicians in different constellations.
NoFo has provided me with invaluable knowledge, contacts and experiences for my professional life, as a musician, performer and music teacher. It really expanded my artistic vision and courage, my pedagogical work and above all my confidence. I get to use my NoFo knowledge every day, whether I am teaching Twinkle Twinkle on the violin to a 5-year-old, or creating a solo performance.
Sven Midgren, alumnus
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.