Performance, Folk Music/Art Music from Other Cultures
Our master’s programme is tailored to suit your unique musical style. It offers in-depth studies in folk and art music from around of the world. Whether you are a vocalist or an instrumentalist, you will have the opportunity refine your skills and develop your musical identity.
You will study alongside students from diverse musical traditions worldwide. Our students play a wide range of instruments, creating a space where different musical expressions meet and enrich each another. Together with KMH's experienced and skilled faculty, you will explore and refine your artistry in a creative and dynamic environment.
About the program
- A tailored education designed to match to your unique musical profile.
- Provides an opportunity to explore your creativity, embrace independence, and experiment with new musical expressions through tailor-made courses.
- Prepares you for a self-sufficient career as a freelance musician.
Advanced courses open up new musical possibilities
A significant part of the program consists of advanced courses in your main instrument. Working closely with your primary teacher, the courses are tailored to meet your unique profile and strengthen your artistic identity within your tradition. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to explore new musical possibilities and place your musicianship in different contexts.
The courses enhance your ability to reflect on and communicate your musical creation. You will gain tools to consciously shape your musical expression and build on your past experiences. By fostering creativity and independence, the programme encourages you to push boundaries and evolve as a musician.
Elective courses
You will take several elective courses to broaden and deepen your education.
Research methodology will contextualise your artistic practice
The programme prepares you for further studies at an artistic research level through courses in research methodology. This foundation is invaluable, whether you choose to pursue a research career or work as a professional musician.
These courses designed to deepen your ability to reflect on your music-making and situate it within a broader artistic and societal context. You will gain essential knowledge in music aesthetics, historical perspectives, and music psychology through
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops with guest teachers
Additionally, the programme offers seminars focused on documenting, analysing, and communicating your artistic work.
Your application shapes your studies
As a student, you have significant freedom to design your studies. In your application, you outline your vision for the degree project, a project you will develop and realise during the programme with the support of your artistic supervisor.
The programme culminates with a degree recital or another form of presentation, depending on the nature of your project. You will also submit a written reflective documentation of your artistic work.
Admissions
To be eligible for this programme, you must have:
- General entry requirements for second-cycle studies
- Specific entry requirements in the form of a Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music (180 ECTS credits) or equivalent, as well as a passing result in the entrance tests.
If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of available places, a selection will be made. Places are allocated based on the results of the entrance tests. Applicants are placed in selection groups according to the instrument for which they are applying.
Read more about general entry requirements
Read the test description for the programme for information about the entrance examination content.
Language requirements
For this Master's programme there are no language requirements for admission. Although the language of instruction officially is Swedish, international students can, in most cases, get tuition in English.
Entrance test
When applying to the programme, you are required to complete several entrance tests. The test description contains all the information you need in order to prepare for and complete the tests.
Read the test description for the Master’s Programme in Folk and Art Music from Other Cultures
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, a sound dome for immersive audio, and a fully equipped studio complex. You will have access to practice rooms from 6:00 to 23:00 almost every day.
In addition to our own facilities, Stockholm’s many music and arts venues and festivals are just around the corner. Through selected partner institutions, you will also gain access to other exclusive environments.
Teachers
The Department of Folk Music will be your home base. Here, you will benefit from broad expertise and an extensive network. We will help you tailor your studies to suit your own musical tradition.
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 preparaing 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.