What made you choose this particular folk high school?

I chose this folk high school because they have a music program, which was perfect for me, who loves playing music. The school also looked really nice, both in the pictures and in the descriptions. I also knew someone who already went here, who I had been in the same Russian group with, and that made the choice extra safe.

Elverum felt like the perfect balance – not too far from home, but not too close either. It gave me the opportunity to experience something new, while still feeling safe. The school and the place seemed cozy, and it matched my expectations very well.

Why did you choose your line?

I've always loved music, and a little over a year ago I started playing bass. I thought it was incredibly exciting to play with others. I considered art for a while, but music just felt more right.

Being on stage has always been scary for me, but with music it was different. The first student evening was actually the first time I had been on stage. I was extremely nervous, but the class had agreed to wear sunglasses, which made it easier – because then you can't see the audience. The feeling of mastery afterwards was absolutely enormous, and it made me want to do it again.

Were you nervous before you came here, and how did you experience the start?

I wasn't that nervous until the last few days before school started, but then it started to feel very real. There was a lot to arrange, and I was excited. The nerves disappeared on the first day, because the atmosphere here was so good.

There were many new people and routines, and everyday life became completely different than before – but in a very positive way.

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Everyday life and community

How would you describe the environment at school and in the classroom?

The environment at school and in class is really good. It's easy to talk to people, and it feels safe to make mistakes, try again, and be yourself. People are open and inclusive, and school has become a bit like a second home for me.

What surprised you most when you started here?

What surprised me the most is how quickly time flies. It almost feels strange that it's already Christmas break. There's so much going on all the time, and if you get a little bored, there's always someone to hang out with or something to do.

What “rooms” or activities at school have become “your places”?

The band room is definitely one of my regular places. It's a really nice place to be, with nice couches and all kinds of instruments. I also like the fireplace room and the student lounges, but it's also good to be able to retreat to the room every now and then.

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Dividends and personal development

What have you learned about yourself so far?

I have learned that I am more social than I thought, and that I enjoy being around people very much. I have also learned that I can stand on stage and feel confident, even if everything is not perfect. I dare to make mistakes and still walk off stage with a good feeling.

I have also discovered that I can learn many songs in a short time and feel ready for a concert.

Has the stay given you more self-confidence or security?

Yes, absolutely. I have become much more confident in myself. There is no answer here, and there is room to try, fail and learn without pressure to pass. This has meant that my self-confidence has grown a lot.

What do you feel you get here that you wouldn't get in a regular school year?

Here I get experiences and opportunities that I wouldn't get anywhere else. The teaching is freer, and we get to influence what we do. We are made responsible for our own learning, and I have grown a lot from that.

The concerts are also very personal. We choose the songs ourselves and shape them the way we want. In addition, we get to travel, and folk high school life feels like a big family. The relationship with the teachers is also very different – ​​they are people you can talk to, not just “teachers.”

In electives, we get to try lots of new things, like knifemaking, choir and band, something I would never have been able to do otherwise.

The concerts are also very personal. We choose the songs ourselves and shape them the way we want. In addition, we get to travel, and folk high school life feels like a big family. The relationship with the teachers is also very different – ​​they are people you can talk to, not just “teachers.”

What would you say to someone who is considering applying but is unsure?

Apply. Just do it. This is an opportunity you don't get very often. You make new friends, new experiences and learn a lot about yourself. It can feel scary to move away from home, share a room and meet completely new people, but you grow incredibly from it. Folk high school gives you a lot of room to develop, both as a musician and as a person.

What do you wish you knew before you came here?

Not really that much. I wish I knew that you don't have to stress – things always work out. If you have any needs or adjustments, just let us know and we'll take them seriously.

How do you think this year will affect the path forward for you?

I think this year will teach me a lot about myself and give me a better idea of ​​what I want to do next. I haven't been that keen on studying, so there will probably be a year of work afterwards, maybe in music.

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Music and development

What has changed about your gameplay since you started here?

I play a lot more now, and it has made me more confident on the instrument. I can clearly see progress, and it is very motivating. When it comes to singing, I am still a little unsure on my own, but that is a goal I have for the next six months.

As a bassist, I'm not the frontman, but an important part of the band as a whole, and I really like that.

How has your confidence on stage developed?

My confidence has developed a lot. From never having been on stage, I can now actually enjoy it. Being in a band helps because you support each other. The gig at Glitterheim came early and with little rehearsal time, but that made the stage fright go away a bit. Even when things weren't perfect, we laughed it off and kept going – and it was a really good experience.

I still get a little nervous before concerts, but now it's a good mix of excitement and joy.

What musical projects are you most looking forward to?

I'm most looking forward to touring, even though it's also a little scary. I'm also looking forward to more concerts and open stages, and to working more with singing in a band. We'll also be writing our own songs, which I'm looking forward to exploring with others.

Working with music every day is incredibly fun. Playing together, practicing, and performing gives me a great sense of accomplishment – ​​and when I've been in the band room for several hours and the clock says the sound level has been too high for too long, then I know I've really had a good time.