Lessons
Whether you're just starting out, rebooting after a break, or digging deeper into the roots of this music, I’m here to support you along the way. You don’t need to play nyckelharpa to learn Swedish folk tunes either. All instruments, ages, and levels are welcome. Bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore the unique styles and rhythms of this music—especially the polska, in all its rich regional variations
My core focus is on tunes from Uppland, Södermanland, and Skåne—regions where the music fits especially well on the nyckelharpa. This tradition is best learned by ear so listen to lots and lots of Swedish musicians.
My core focus is on tunes from Uppland, Södermanland, and Skåne—regions where the music fits especially well on the nyckelharpa. This tradition is best learned by ear so listen to lots and lots of Swedish musicians.
Additional Resources
Folk Music Academy
Folk Music Academy offers excellent video lessons from Swedish masters like Olov Johansson and Josefina Paulson, covering everything from absolute beginner material to more advanced tunes, and good technique.
American Nyckelharpa Association (ANA)
Join the American Nyckelharpa Association. They host outstanding workshops featuring some of Sweden’s finest teachers like Cajsa Ekstav and Torbjorn Nasbom. ANA also offers loaner programs—one for youth and one for adults—making it easier to try the instrument before investing in your own.
Erik Sahlström Institute (Tobo, Sweden)
The Erik Sahlström Institute in Tobo, Sweden, offers a weeklong summer course in nyckelharpa and Swedish folk music. It’s an excellent opportunity to study in the tradition from the best instructors, but it fills up quickly—so plan ahead if you're interested!
UNESCO Recognition
The Nyckelharpa Network has created a beautiful video documenting the nyckelharpa’s inclusion on the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, recognizing it as an important cultural tradition.
Folk Music Academy offers excellent video lessons from Swedish masters like Olov Johansson and Josefina Paulson, covering everything from absolute beginner material to more advanced tunes, and good technique.
American Nyckelharpa Association (ANA)
Join the American Nyckelharpa Association. They host outstanding workshops featuring some of Sweden’s finest teachers like Cajsa Ekstav and Torbjorn Nasbom. ANA also offers loaner programs—one for youth and one for adults—making it easier to try the instrument before investing in your own.
Erik Sahlström Institute (Tobo, Sweden)
The Erik Sahlström Institute in Tobo, Sweden, offers a weeklong summer course in nyckelharpa and Swedish folk music. It’s an excellent opportunity to study in the tradition from the best instructors, but it fills up quickly—so plan ahead if you're interested!
UNESCO Recognition
The Nyckelharpa Network has created a beautiful video documenting the nyckelharpa’s inclusion on the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, recognizing it as an important cultural tradition.