Community music as folkbildning: A study of a Finnish Cultural Association in Sweden

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the relationship between community music, folkbildning and music making in Sweden. This is exemplified by a case study of a Finnish association in contemporary Sweden. The article takes, as its point of departure, the specific question: what meaning do musical activities have for its participants in the context of a Finnish association in Sweden? Informants from the Finnish association consist of members of a senior dance group (65–80 years old) and a music group (50–65 years old). The fieldwork and methodological approach is inspired by the ethnographic tradition, and the methods of data collection involve qualitative semi-structured interviews in groups, as well as field notes. The findings reveal that dancing is the main activity in the association and through dance activities the participants (as adult beginners) started to play instruments within the association’s framework. This process promotes life-long musical learning and strengthened health. The participants’ migration experiences in combination with the musical activities in the association have an impact on their individual and collective identities, and their participation in a musical community develops a sense of purpose, empowerment and autonomy.