Studying folk music – Student’s point of view: Paula Raitanen

10.1.2024 0 Tykkää 0 kommenttia

My name is Paula Raitanen, I’m a singer, music student and all-round activist from the town of Turku, Finland. I began my studies in the Folk Music Department at Sibelius Academy in 2019.

When I was 12, the folk music group Freija gave a concert at our school. It was an utterly memorable moment of joy in the midst of otherwise difficult times. I don’t think I was aware back then that there was such a thing as folk music, but the music itself immediately felt like coming home. Later, when I took a course of folk music in high school, I learned that it is possible to study folk music at university. My decision what to study after high school was quick and final. On my first attempt to gain admission to the Sibelius Academy I didn’t even reach the second stage. After studying for a couple of years at the Central Ostrobothnian Conservatory, I reapplied and was admitted to Siba.

What I like about folk music is that it’s so close to people and life. I can also feel that in the studying. From the very first day, they reminded us that the other new students are our peers, future friends and colleagues. We were also told that there was no need or expectation at that point for our artistic identity to be complete or even close. I’ve been free to be lost, to search, find and invent new things, both musically and as a human being.

Studying folk music has taught me that I have the right to be an artist and a person in multiple ways. Although I am primarily a singer, I don’t have to limit myself to singing or use my voice in any particular way. Courses in dance and improvisation have been an important part of studies for me. For example, getting to know small kanteles has had a big influence on the kind of music I make nowadays.

I’m now a second year Master’s student and graduation is just around the corner. So far, my studies on the MA level have been a wonderful (and sometimes rough!) time of burrowing, exploring and insight. In addition to preparing my graduation thesis and concert, I’m currently learning other things as well, such as workplace skills and folk music improvisation. My extracurricular activities have recently included collaboration with the electro folk ensemble Junna, and I’ve worked to introduce more singing to jam sessions, public places and everyday life. 

I have no definite plans for the future. I’ve got this dream of doing artistic research on folk music and sexual and gender minorities. Whatever I end up doing, I want play, sensitivity and community to remain part of my work. I hope that my work can help build a world of genuine encounters between people, where as many people as possible are allowed to sing, play, dance and make art.

If you are looking for a straightforward career path and a secure income, you might initially at least consider something else than studies in folk music. Personally, however, I have never regretted choosing my field with my heart rather than cold reason. If folk music wants to carry you away, let it!

Text: Paula Raitanen
Translation: Tomi Snellman
Photo: Jorma Airola