Ethno USA

FAI has partnered with Jeunesses Musicales International (JM International) to bring the renown international youth music program, Ethno, to the United States together with local and national stakeholders. The first Ethno USA took place in October 2021 in Asheville, NC.  

What is Ethno?

Ethno is JM International’s program for folk, world and traditional music with more than a thirty-year history that began in Sweden in 1990. Present today in over thirty countries, Ethno engages young musicians ages 16-30 through a series of international music camps and activities. Ethno’s democratic peer-to-peer learning approach facilitates and promotes intercultural dialogue in the spirit of generosity, respect and openness.

How does Ethno work?

Ethno is based on peer-to-peer workshops where participants from around the world teach each other traditional folk music from their own cultures. Musicians are asked to prepare a song in advance. All teaching and learning is done by ear, and participants are divided into workshop groups in sections (for example, rhythm, melody, wind, vocal, etc.). Ethno artistic mentors are present before and during workshops to guide the groups and prepare for the final performances on large stages and audio-video recordings.

During an Ethno experience, participants attend more than fifteen workshops and learn a diverse range of songs. It all culminates into a series of public concerts, which will be at local schools, universities, and a few opportunities to play on large festival stages. Ethno has their own audio-video crew that takes care of the highest quality professional audio recordings and videos for all of their concerts.

Ethno has full scholarships for Ethno USA available to eligible musicians around the world who are representative of their country’s vast cultural diversity. You can indicate on the application if you’d like to be considered for a mobility scholarship. All are welcome to apply!

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