Jan Sverre Knudsen is Professor of music at the Institute of Early Childhood Education, Oslo Metropolitan University. Before his academic career he worked as a music therapist in special education and as a social worker in youth psychiatry. His research interests are related to various sub-disciplines of current musicology: music therapy, ethnomusicology, music education and the sociology of music. Underlying all his work is an interest in understanding the many ways in which the practice of music is made meaningful and powerful – as an emblem of identity, as a tool for building group solidarity, or as communication between young children. Knudsen’s research and publications focus on issues related to multicultural music education, the improvised vocal practices of children, and musical culture in immigrant communities.
How did you get involved with the FUTURED project?
I was invited to participate by project manager Catharina Christophersen together with other OsloMet researchers. I strongly feel that our institution and my own scholarly perspectives can provide useful input to the project.
How would you describe what you are doing in the FUTURED project?
I am connected to WP1, conducting a study of local curricula in music teacher education. We are especially concerned with investigating ideologies as they are manifested in local teaching plans and job advertisements. We are using software for document analysis (NVIVO) as well as more traditional text analysis.
What do you find interesting about the work in your study?
I have found it intriguing and challenging to investigate concepts concerning values. It is interesting to look for how values are embedded in documents, both through the wordings of the texts themselves and through what is left unmentioned and taken for granted. It is interesting to relate questions concerning values to the wider discourses of culture, inclusion and identity.
What is your favourite aspect of your FUTURED work?
My favourite aspect has been to discuss key issues with Norwegian and international researchers in our regular reading group sessions and other meetings. It is a great privilege to be able to engage with scholars who have been key actors in the shaping of music education and music education scholarship over many years.
This interview is taking place nearly halfway through the project. Where are you heading for in the future?
I am confident that our research results and the coming publications from FUTURED will inspire and challenge music teacher education in Norway and beyond. My own work will continue to be influenced by the ideas, experiences and ambitions of FUTURED.