Awarded for innovative distance learning in music

Robert Svensson has been awarded the Göran Lagervall Music Scholarship by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music for his significant contributions to musical education.
“The coronavirus pandemic was of course terrible in many ways, but it also inspired new educational solutions,” says Robert Svensson.

Even before the pandemic, Robert Svensson and his colleagues at the School of Music in Piteå, Luleå University of Technology, had begun to develop distance education in music production and digital notation.

“I have always been interested in technology, such as audio equipment and cameras. Therefore, I already had a good set of tools for online teaching when the pandemic hit.”

Creating distance learning courses in music production is easier than adapting courses for musical instruments, says Robert Svensson, who teaches piano.

One of the biggest problems with online instrument courses is the latency (sound delay) which makes it difficult to play together in different locations.

“There are now tools that minimise the latency, but they often have very complicated interfaces,” he explains.

Tailor-made material

Another challenge is to show technical details, such as fingering and posture, in the same way as you can do when teaching in the same room. At the same time, digital teaching also has advantages, such as the possibility to watch course videos multiple times. The School of Music's distance learning courses combine pre-recorded videos with real-time teaching via Zoom.

“There are many good videos on Youtube for learning to play the piano, but our strength is that we can produce material in Swedish that is tailored to our courses. In addition, we provide feedback, both written and filmed.”

Distance learning can sometimes feel lonely, but Robert and his colleagues actively work to create a strong classroom atmosphere through online discussion groups. These discussions are an important part of the pedagogy and help students deepen their understanding by sharing ideas with each other.

Other kinds of students

Robert also appreciates the opportunity to meet the wider range of students who applies for distance learning courses. When the School of Music launched distance learning courses in piano, the number of applicants increased from 5–10 per year to around 300.

“Our distance learners range from retired people who haven't played for decades to young people taking a gap year to pursue music.”

The scholarship, which consists of a diploma and SEK 30 000, was awarded at a ceremony in Stockholm on November 25.

The motivationwas:
“The Göran Lagervall Music Scholarship 2024 is awarded to Robert Svensson for his curious and solution-oriented approach to higher music education, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. His innovative methods for developing distance learning have been of great benefit and inspiration to both students and colleagues, making him a role model in pedagogical work.”

“It feels great to receive this scholarship, but I want to emphasise that I have not done this work alone. A big thank you to all my talented colleagues!” says Robert Svensson.

Applications are now open for our music programs and the acting program given on site in Piteå/Luleå

• Apply by January 15! External link.

• See also our distance learning courses in music External link.