The Sámi Music Academy project
Sámi musihkkaakademiija builds a network that preserves, strengthens and develops traditional and modern Sámi music as a source of income. Operators in the network include the Sámi Region Education Centre (Finland), Sámi University of Applied Sciences (Norway) and Municipality of Utsjoki (Finland). The project is funded by Interreg Nord Sápmi, the Regional Council of Lapland, Sámi University of Applied Sciences and the Municipality of Utsjoki.
The Sámi Music Academy project
Beneficiaries: Municipality of Utsjoki, Sámi region education centre, Sámi University of Applied Sciences
Project period: 2018–2020
Project budget: €839,390
What do we aim at?
The goal of the project is that Sámi Music Academy will become a permanent provider of instruction in Sámi music. The traditional and new knowledge related to Sámi music will be extensively passed on within the Sámi region, thereby strengthening the Sámi culture and identity. This education has a strong emphasis on cultural entrepreneurship and modern Sámi music, so that the students should be able to find employment in the musical field in the future. The main focus of the syllabus is on instruction in traditional and other Sámi music, particularly involving the revitalisation of traditional Sámi vocal music genres. The education is agile and arranged flexibly according to needs.
Sámi University of Applied Sciences
The project develops pedagogical solutions in co-operation with the Sámi University of Applied Sciences for how traditional Sámi music can be taught to all age groups. A music education package is being prepared for the pedagogy students at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences, arranged as contact teaching. A seminar on traditional Sámi vocal music genres will be developed and arranged in collaboration with the Sámi University of Applied Sciences, aiming to provide a debate discussion forum for Sámi music stakeholders. In this context, a digital network for discussion will be created for Sámi musicians. Sámi Music Academy provides an increasing number of Sámi music courses at Utsjoki Sámi Upper Secondary School. A long-term vision is to start a publicly funded Sámi music group.