Jacob Holst

Rønningen as a student
Jakob grew up in the Ten Sing and church environment, both as a participant and leader, and became a Rønningen student on the Ten Sing Norway course after high school.
– There were a lot of good musicians going there, and I knew I would get a lot of training from being on tour. We traveled around Norway for three months.

After his year at folk high school, he initially had ambitions to study performing music, but quickly found out that it wasn't the right path.
– It became too competitive for me. Music is not a competition for me.

Instead, he found another way to use music, through his master's degree in music therapy.
– I have always had a commitment to people in addition to music, so I thought it must be a good combination.

The education is three-part, with therapy, psychology and music.
– Music therapy is about giving people new options for action and meaningful experiences through music.

Jakob has worked with inmates who have held concerts, refugees who have learned languages, and with youth and adults in psychiatry.

The musician and the arranger

Guitar is his main instrument, but Jakob also masters drums, bass and piano. His experience as a musician ranges from festivals such as Tysnesfest and by:Larm to TV productions such as Lindmo . During his studies in Bergen, he sang in the male choir Arme Riddere, and today he is part of the Norwegian Student Choir – referred to as Norway's best amateur male choir.
– The level is sky-high, but it is the community and the social aspect that is most important.

Through studies, work and involvement in his free time, he has gained solid experience in planning and implementing festivals, concerts, revues and cultural events - both as a performer and organizer.

Back on Rønningen

Now Jakob is able to combine these experiences in his position as a teacher at UngProd – a line he believes brings the best from the Ten Sing Norway line he himself was a student on.
– It's a completely unique offer. If you want to direct and be a project manager or be on stage, this line is for you. But you will be part of the whole and influence the entire production from start to finish.

He highlights that the students will be exposed to the expertise of both the folk high school and the owner organization, YWCA-KFUM.
– You should get a little introduction to everything, do some professional shopping, and then delve into what you are most passionate about.