Research Rhythm by Annika Myllari

  Welcome to my blog nr. 3 TOPIC: What is othering? Belonging and otherness are much-researched topics in many fields, such as social sciences and education. Othering concerns national identities, borders, politics, diversity, social justice, religions, and identities of many groups. I looked into the sense of belonging and othering for an international workshop for doctoral students (2022). In my first thesis article about a cultural school and method in Norway called the Kaleidoscope (Fargespill), I examine how intercultural practices in music education may support a sense of belonging. All of us have probably experienced othering at some point in our lives. It can be a feeling of not fitting in or being accepted by a group, being excluded from an activity, not being invited, or being different from the main group in some way. These are types of soft othering . Othering can be tied to place, identity, and sense of self and is often present in group dynamics. A group can ...

Welcome to my blog nr. 2 TOPIC: Project ICH North - passing on our musical heritage Working on projects gives me access to inspiring topics and people. The ICH North project explores intangible cultural heritage in the field of music. The project aims to explore how communities are carrying on traditions today. ICH North is an Interreg Aurora-funded project (around €1.2 million) that brings together partners and communities from the northern regions of Finland, Sweden, and Norway for a three-year exploration. You can read more about the project and our activities here at  ICH North  and on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn). Here's a picture from our working meeting in  Tromsø a few weeks ago. Michael Strobelt represents our partner, the Arctic University of Norway, and is a lecturer in pedagogy there. Just look at the view! Photo credit:  Ann-Christin Hellberg-Sågfors As one part of the project, we are looking at the musi cal traditions of diaspora...

  Welcome to my blog nr.1  TOPIC: Sense of Belonging What inspired me to embark on this doctoral journey? Many occurrences, but one moment really lit the spark. Some years ago I was on a business trip to Bergen, Norway. We visited the Academy of Art and Design and were given a presentation by Fargespill, a local cultural school with participants from diverse backgrounds and origins. The leader, Ole Hamre, talked about the learning methods and activities, and we enjoyed a music performance by a teenage vocal ensemble. I noticed how at ease, self-secure, and relaxed this diverse group of young people appeared in music-making. They owned the situation. They belonged. Afterward, I asked Mr. Hamre what kind of positive changes he had observed during the many years of working at Fargespill. One of the comments resonated with me. Many of the Fargespill participants felt that they were no longer only immigrants - they were artists! Doing something inspiring in a group that accept...

Welcome to my corner of the internet, where curiosity meets music education research.  I am here to delve into cases of participatory collaborations, staged music projects, multi-art projects, and other activities that can strengthen our sense of belonging.  What kind of structures for belonging can be created in music education? What could an expanded circle of music education look like?  Whether you're a passionate educator, a curious learner, or simply someone who appreciates collaboration, this blog is the perfect space for you. Let's unlock new perspectives together.  Let's tap into the rhythm of knowledge, sharing our findings, experiences, and passion to empower students, instructors, and advocates. Whether you're a passionate educator, a curious learner, or simply someone who appreciates collaboration, this blog is the perfect space for you. You will find blogs in English, vlogs in Finnish (with subtitles), and maybe a few podcasts.  My research int...