Welcome to a Music Folk School unlike any other!

Here at Viken, we actively work to create a safe and supportive musical community.  We cheer each other on and celebrate each other’s successes. We even run on a 100% applause guarantee!

Play together, lift each other up, and experience an environment you didn’t think was possible!

Every fall, our school fills up with passionate and musical young people ages 18 to 25. All of them are looking for a unique year filled with joy, music, and good vibes before moving on to work or further studies.  We believe they made a wise choice.

Everyone here is involved in music. But if you’d like to try something completely different alongside your chosen program, you can also join one of our additional courses:  Art, Outdoor Life/Sports, Studio etc.  However, these are chosen after school starts, so you don’t have to decide just yet.

10 great reasons to choose Viken Music Folk High School:

• Everyone shares a passion for music!
• We work hard to build a safe, gossip-free environment.
• It’s not a competition to “be the best” — we lift each other up.
• You can choose an additional program in Art, Outdoor Life/Sports, or Studio — after school starts.
• Our campus features modern buildings at an amazing location right by Mjøsa, Norway’s largest freshwater lake!
• All music teachers are professional musicians.
•  Plenty of time to have fun, be social, and have inspiring conversations.
•  Tours and loads of concerts throughout the year.
•  Join one of our three amazing exchange trips abroad: India, Columbia, or Moldova.
•  You’Il become skilled in relationships and collaboration — social competence that will benefit you in the future.

What we stand for

We are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where everyone thrives — and where everyone contributes to others thriving as well.  We aim to be a gossip free school.  At Viken, we cheer, challenge, listen, lift, and celebrate each other.

Our school provides space for discussion and reflection on life, faith and wonder.  We —the staff—hold certain values, but we have great respect and tolerance for different perspectives.  You don’t need a specific background to join. Everyone is welcome.  We’re ready with a bucket full of love!

Common courses

Common courses make up about 1/3 of your schedule, while your chosen program makes up another 1/3. You can add main instrument, electives, and an additional course in Art, Outdoor Life/Sports, Studio etc.  Mix and match to create 10-20 hours of music and enjoy each week!

Examples include:

• Daily meeting point—information and “word of the day.”
• Viken Choir—the school’s choir, where everyone participates.
• Individual talks—about goals, development, and feedback.
• Student nights—saturday entertainment run by students.
• Travel prep—for exchange trips abroad, with focus on culture and expectations.
• Value discussions—who are you, what do you think, what do you believe?
• All-school meetings
• Go’fot meetings—gatherings with your dorm group.
• Cleaning hour—everyone helps!

Electives

As well as an additional course (Art, Outdoor Life/Sports, Studio), you can also choose from a wide variety of electives.  Past examples include:

Arranging, Dance, Outdoor Life, Guitar, Gospel Choir, Gospel Band, PE, Hunting License, Ceramics, Songwriting, Audition Prep, Piano, Studio, Production, Faith & Doubt, and More.

Exchange trips

Right after the start of the new year, all students travel abroad.  You can choose between India, Columbia, or Moldova. Each trip is unique, offering unforgettable experiences with young people from other cultures, working together with music.

• India (extra cost)— contrasts, culture, Santhal tribe visits, concerts, and shared life with Indian youth.
• Colombia (extra cost)— music, dance, and art in Bogotá and Soacha; creative projects with Colombian youth.
• Moldova (cost included in tuition)— concerts for local communities, visits to orphanages, and meeting Ukrainian refugees.

Student life & facilities

Few schools can boast a private beach and Norway’s largest lake right outside the window!

• Two dorm buildings with eight wings, each with their own common areas and laundry rooms.
• Double rooms with private bathrooms (some singles available at extra cost).
• A modern music building with studios, practice rooms, a dance hall, and an auditorium.
• Gym/training room, beach, volleyball, outdoor training equipment, and more.
• Shared dining hall with stage and lounge areas.
• Industry-standard studio and sound equipment.
• Several performance stages, including our own live stage in downtown Gjøvik.

Location

Viken is located in Gjøvik, Innlandet county, right on the shores of Mjøsa.

Campus is within walking distance of downtown and public transportation, and around two hours by train to Oslo.

Opportunities for swimming, hiking, biking, skating, canoeing, fishing, skiing, or just hanging out in town with its cafés, shops, cinema, and concert venues.

 Year highlights

Life at Viken is packed with events and experiences:

• Start of school in August 25th.
• Intro trip.
• Fall tour.
• Exchange trip abroad (India, Columbia, or Moldova)
• Spring project: tour, recording, or other student-led projects.
• Countless concerts—big and small.

Evening activities

You can be social 24/7 if you want to!

Examples: Open stage, jam sessions, student nights, instrument lessons, faith & doubt groups, movie nights, sports, billiards and ping-pong, “nocturnal” album-listening nights, and much more.

Accessibility

Our campus is partly wheelchair accessible. One dorm is fully modern with four accessible rooms, while an older dorm is not fully adapted.  Music and teaching buildings have elevators and accessible toilets.  The dining hall, gym and offices are also accessible from ground level.

Food

We are proud of our kitchen! Our chefs have years of restaurant experience and love creating tasty and healthy meals. Gluten-free lactose, free and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced notice. (some extra costs may apply).

Admissions

Students must be 18 the year they start (exceptions may be made in special cases).

Ready for a year filled with music, friendship, tours, and unforgettable experiences?