A five-day seminar in English for Nordtrad folk music students, focusing on community and inspiration.
23–27 September 2026
Viljandi Culture Academy, Main Building
Address: Posti 1, 71004 Viljandi, Estonia
We invite master's students, master's alumni, doctoral candidates and researchers to share and present ongoing or completed artistic research and project-based work in the field of folk music and traditional music (including non-Western art music), within Nordic and Baltic higher music education.
The seminar offers a platform for artistic research, reflection on practice and exchange of methods in an international environment with supervisors and researchers.
Presentation formats
Participants are asked to apply with one main presentation format:
1. Presentation (20 minutes)
A presentation that may combine spoken reflection and musical performance.
Recommended for current master’s students.
2. Poster + Pitch (2–5 minutes)
A visual presentation accompanied by a short oral pitch during the poster session.
This format is particularly suited for teachers, master’s alumni and interested graduates.
3. Workshop / Lab (45–60 minutes)
A session focused on sharing and exploring artistic processes, working methods or research approaches.The format may include practical demonstration, guided experimentation, or collective music-making as part of a practice-based or artistic research approach. This is a chance for teachers, researchers and students to experiment, share and try their current work and methods in a practical format with all the other participants.
Additional formats (optional)
Participants may also indicate interest in the following:
Concert participation
Participants may take part in a shared concert (up to 5 minutes).
Playing for dance
Participants have the chance to play at the public Dance House in Viljandi. Possibility to either play common partner dances or teach set dances. (approx. 15 minutes)
Panel / Thematic Discussion (45–60 minutes)
A session bringing together multiple perspectives on a shared artistic or research-related topic.
Panel proposals should be clearly structured and moderated, and connected to artistic research, practice or pedagogy.
Submission guidelines
To apply, please submit:
- An abstract (200–300 words)
- Preferred presentation format
- Short bio (max 100 words)
- If applying with a panel proposal, please include the proposed topic, participants and format
Deadline: 4 June 2026
Submissions: https://forms.gle/TiyRtmYaotVwgjT37
Selection
We will select performances and presentations based on the submitted abstracts and look forward to welcoming participants from different schools in the Nordtrad network. We aim to provide the opportunity for as many students as possible to participate and will prioritize current ongoing master's student projects.
Schedule
An exact schedule will be sent to you closer to the event. Here is the current overview to help you plan your travels:
| 23/09 WEDNESDAY | Arrive by 14:00 the latest! Registration, information, welcome meeting and first keynote |
| 24/09 THURSDAY | Sessions 1-3 + Dance house in the evening |
| 25/09 FRIDAY | Sessions 4-6. Poster presentations. Sauna evening. |
| 26/09 SATURDAY | Sessions 7-8. An acoustic concert by participants. |
| 27/09 SUNDAY | Feedback morning. Depart from midday, 12:00! |
Travel
Please note that the event takes place in Viljandi. Participants are advised to plan their travel accordingly, including local transport from Tallinn to Viljandi and back.
Bus connections between Tallinn and Viljandi
Ticket information and schedules can be found here.
Train connections between Tallinn and Viljandi
Ticket information and schedules can be found here.
Viljandi Culture Academy is located in the town centre at Posti 1, within walking distance of most accommodation options.
Accommodation
Participants arrange their own accommodation.
Information about accommodation options in Viljandi can be found here.
Costs and funding
Participation is free of charge.
Travel, meals and accommodation are at the participants' own expense.
For those applying for Erasmus+ or Nordtrad scholarships, participation in the full five-day seminar is expected.
We look forward to welcoming you to Viljandi in September 2026!
For questions regarding the Nordtrad Master Seminar, please contact:
Event coordinator
Hanna-Reet Ruul
[email protected]
Contact person at Viljandi Culture Academy
Cätlin Mägi
[email protected]
