Guitar performance program at Folkuniversitetet
Welcome to Gitarrakademin ( the Guitar Academy) – Europe’s most focused electric guitar program. This is a full-time, high-level education for passionate guitarists who want to take their sound and skills to a professional level – and into the music industry.
About the programme
At Gitarrakademin, you’ll be coached by active, high-profile musicians who work in today’s music scene – on stage, in the studio, and behind the scenes. They’re not just teachers – they’re part of the flow.
You’ll play, rehearse, record and grow in real-life settings: a professional studio, a fully equipped stage classroom, and rehearsal spaces built for real training.
The program is open to international students and taught in both Swedish and English. You don’t need high school grades to apply. You can apply from the age of 16 – what matters is your talent, dedication, and your vision for the future.
Highlights
At Gitarrakademin, you’ll develop as a guitarist, artist and future professional.
Here are some of the core elements of the program:
- Daily electric guitar training – individual lessons and group instruction to develop your tone, technique, and musical identity
- Band and ensemble work – learn to play, listen, and lead in real musical contexts
- Recording & production – gain hands-on experience in a professional studio
- Theory & ear training – deepen your musical understanding and expression
- Music business & career – build the knowledge and tools you need to navigate today’s industry
- Workshops & masterclasses – meet and learn from renowned guest artists
- Creative environments – work in Stagebox, rehearsal rooms and orchestral halls designed for serious musical work
The entire program is designed to support your artistic development, professional readiness, and personal growth.
Who Teaches & How we teach
At Gitarrakademin, your teachers are active, high-level musicians – deeply connected to today’s music industry and what’s happening right now. They bring real-world experience straight into the classroom, studio and stage.
Our pedagogical approach is designed around four core phases:
- Discovery – identify strengths, patterns, and goals
- Development – intensive work with technique, expression, and repertoire
- Refinement – polish, deepen and prepare for stage and studio
- Artistry – create, collaborate, and perform as a musician in your own right
On the right you see some of our teachers in the Guitar performance program for the 2024-25 academic year, Pelle Holmberg, Peter Friestedt, Bengan Andersson and Paulo Mendonça.
In addition, our team also includes acclaimed musicians such as Kee Marcello, Jonas Ekdahl, David Henriksson, IA Eklundh, Janne Schaffer and Rasmus Ehrnborn and more.
You’ll work in a variety of environments
You’ll work in a variety of environments
- StageBox – our own stage with lights, sound, and professional conditions
- Recording studios – where you learn to produce and perform
- Instrument rooms – for personal coaching and focused guitar work
- Orchestra hall – used for ensemble work and full-scale rehearsals
Teaching is offered in both Swedish and English. You don’t have to be fluent in both – we meet you where you are.
Location & Student life
Gitarrakademin is located in Trollhättan – a vibrant student city with a strong university presence and an active cultural life. You’ll find music venues, cinemas, cafes, student bars, and a creative atmosphere that supports both studies and community.
The city is also surrounded by beautiful nature – with forests, rivers, mountains and swimming areas just minutes away. Whether you enjoy hiking, sports, or quiet reflection, nature is always close by.
Trollhättan is easy to reach, with excellent train, bus, and air connections. It’s a hub for both national and international travel.
The city is also known for its film industry – many directors and film stars come here to work – and for its innovative tech and entrepreneurship scene, including Space Work and other future-oriented companies.
There are good housing options available, and for those who don’t want to rent an apartment or house on their own, student housing is also available.
Accreditation & Financial Support
Gitarrakademin is a state-supervised program recognized by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education. The program is eligible for Swedish student aid (CSN) for Swedish citizens and others who meet CSN’s requirements.
This official recognition ensures that the program meets high national standards in terms of content, structure, and educational quality – and offers the financial support many students need to fully focus on their development.
How to apply
Applying to Gitarrakademin is designed to be simple, creative, and personal. We’re not focused on grades – we’re focused on your musical potential.
To apply, you need to submit the following:
- A short personal letter – a few lines about yourself, your background, and your musical dreams (max one A4 page).
- A video of you playing electric guitar – show us your style, technique, and musical expression. You decide what to play.
- Optional: If you already have school transcripts or course documents, you may include them.
Your application will be reviewed by professional musicians. The assessment focuses on your technique, timing, tone, and musicality. You will be scored on a scale from 1 to 20 based on your performance.
The program is open to applicants from the age of 16 and up. What matters most is your playing, your passion, and your readiness to grow.
Do you need more info?
Some final words!
Do you have questions, thoughts or ideas? Don’t hesitate. We’re here.
If you’re curious about the Guitar Performance Program – or wondering if this might be the right place for you – I’d be happy to talk.
My name is Johanna Hallqvist, and I’m the program director for Gitarrakademin. I follow every part of the school and know what it takes to grow here. You can easily fill out the form above – just your name, how you’d like to be contacted, and a short message. It’s not a test. It’s a first hello.
Or, if you prefer, you’re very welcome to email me directly at:
gitarrakademin@folkuniversitetet.se
We see every student as a unique musician in the making. If you dream of becoming a guitarist – and mean it – then we mean it with you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards, Johanna Hallqvist
Program director – Gitarrakademin