About the project
North and South Songwriters (NOSS) is a collaborative educational project between institutions in Finland and South Africa, running from August 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2026. The project explores innovative ways of teaching and collaborating in music education, with a specific focus on songwriting and intercultural dialogue.NOSS is designed to respond to the evolving demands of the global music industry, particularly in the Finnish and South African contexts. It also aims to revitalize the relevance and appeal of higher education in music, especially for students navigating an increasingly complex world. In times of political, economic, and societal fragmentation, the project emphasizes music’s power as a unifying force that can build bridges, foster creativity, and celebrate cultural diversity as a source of strength.
Key components of the project include:
Implementation of virtual lectures
Exchange visits between the partnering institutions
Teacher workshops on music education in both the Finnish and South African systems
Songwriting bootcamps hosted at each institution during exchange visits
These activities aim to create meaningful learning experiences and professional development opportunities for both students and educators.
Project goal
Project ObjectivesDevelop new pedagogical models for music education that reflect contemporary global music trends.
Foster international collaboration between South African and Finnish music educators and students.
Enhance the quality and relevance of music education by integrating real-world industry perspectives.
Strengthen the appeal of higher music education among students by offering engaging and practice-based learning environments.
Promote intercultural understanding and emphasize the role of music in bridging societal divides and encouraging creative expression across cultural boundaries.
Mats Granfors
Senior Lecturer