Musical role models - a vitamin injection for local music life

In the ”Musical Role Models” project, members of the UTOM think tank return to their home towns to strengthen and inspire the grassroots of musical life around Sweden.  With the support of Signatur, UTOM organises workshops, concerts and educational initiatives that create contact between established musicians and local music players.

ROLE MODELS FOR REGENERATION

The foundation of Swedish musical life is found in the local ecosystem.  Around the country there are music schools (”kulturskolor”), study associations and representatives from civil society and commercial actors who in various ways provide space for music to grow.

At a time when music-making is constantly evolving and being challenged, UTOM sees a growing need for strong musical role models who can inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers.  This rich musical life is a national asset that needs to be nurtured and developed.

BACK TO THE ROOTS

In 2025, UTOM members will undertake a series of ‘return to your roots’ trips to help revitalise local musical life in their home town or another place of great importance to them. The activities vary greatly and can involve, for example, an inspiration day for teachers in a music school, a workshop with a local organising association or conducting a local orchestra.  Through these encounters, the project aims to develop both participants and organisers, and create important role models for future cultural life.

‘Musical role models’ aims to inspire and highlight the grassroots of the music scene by building bridges between established musicians and local music players. The inspiring meetings create new networks and collaborations that provide the conditions for long-term growth in the Swedish music scene.  With this initiative, UTOM wants to nourish the invaluable grassroots throughout music Sweden.

ABOUT UTOM

The think tank Unga tankar om musik (UTOM- ”Young minds about music”) is an independent network that will capitalise on the wealth of ideas, potential and voice of young people working in professional music.  In UTOM, music personalities from all genres will meet, develop, network and work together for the future of inclusive, challenging, tolerant and bold cultural life.  UTOM has its organisational home at the Swedish Royal Academy of Music.

Read more on UTOM’s website: https://www.ungatankarommusik.se/