Research

In recent years, my research has focused on entrance examinations for higher music education, music literacy pedagogy, the development of innovative teaching and learning methods, as well as the critical integration of digital tools in music education.

Additionally, I have served as the editor for the anthology MusEd – Student-Driven Learning and the Music Academy of Tromsø’s R&D magazine Podium.

Current project

Entrance Exams in Aural Training and Music Theory for Higher Music Education

I am leading the national research and development project Entrance Exams in Ear Training and Music Theory for Higher Music Education—a comprehensive initiative divided into five phases. Funded by FUM (Fagorgan for skapende og utøvende musikkutdanning), the project is carried out by a dedicated team of aural training and music theory educators from a selection of Norwegian music education institutions.

The primary goal of the project is to deepen our understanding of various aspects of entrance examinations and their broader contexts, while also developing new, standardized national entrance exams. Currently in its fourth phase, the project has entered the exciting stage of designing these new exams.

Stay updated on the project’s progress by visiting its website: Opptaksprøven i gehør og musikkteori

Notenett

Notenett is a research and development project aiming to create, collect, and communicate knowledge in the field of music literacy pedagogy. Notenett is a collaborative project between the University of Bergen – Grieg Academy, the University of Agder – Academy of Classical Music, and the University of Tromsø – Academy of Music.

Visit Notenett: Notenett

MaGe

MaGe is an acronym for Mangfold i gehørundervisning, translated into English as Diversity in Aural Skills Teaching. The project brings together twelve Scandinavian aural skills educators who collaborate on developing teaching materials based on music by Scandinavian women composers (Phase 1), composers from around the world (Phase 2), and composers representing other minority groups (Phase 3).

The project is partially funded by the Norwegian Academy of Music and is led by Anne Katrine Bergby (NMH), Hilde Blix (UiT), and Maria Medby Tollefsen (UiT). A website hosting the teaching materials is expected to be launched during the 2026/2027 academic year.

Read more:

NMH | MaGe – Mangfold i gehørfaget

NMH | MaGe – Diversity in Aural Education

On 22–23 October 2026, the Scandinavian Aural Pedagogy Conference will be held at the Music Conservatory in Tromsø. The theme of the conference is Diversity in Aural Skills Instruction, and it is organized by the leadership group of MaGe. The conference is funded by the Norwegian Research Council.