"I really like the fact that the programme is focused on performance"

Please introduce yourself 

My name is Petra Ďuríková, I am 20 years-old and I am from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. I am currently in my first year of the Bachelor’s programme in Music Performance – Western Classical Music, flute performance.  

My main hobby is playing the flute. I decided to pursue this instrument when I was about two years old even though my parents played the piano. I also like going on walks in nature, reading books and drinking coffee. Norway really has good coffee! Coffee culture in Slovakia has been updated these years, and I’m really enjoying here because Norway is known for good coffee.

Why did you choose Norway?

It is very common for music students to follow talented professors in the instruments we play. It doesn’t really matter for us which country you live in but which lecturer you get.  In my case, my high school flute teacher recommended me Jørn Eivind Schau, Professor in flute at UiA. I applied for universities in Austria and Slovakia too, but Jørn seemed the best choice for me. I have a private one-hour lesson with him every week. I am very satisfied with this way of teaching. He evaluates the issues and focuses on my individual skills, which means I get tailormade lessons every time. I also found it appealing that Norway has tuition free education. 

When looking at universities, what stood out about UiA?

The study seemed well structured and interesting, and the university seemed to have good facilities for playing music. I really liked the fact that the programme is focused on performance, and that students have many opportunities to perform in front of an audience.

What were your first impressions upon arrival?

I expected Kristiansand to be a much smaller city when I checked and compared with other cities in my home country. But Kristiansand has an airport and shopping malls, and it is very pretty. Summers in Slovakia can be quite warm, with temperatures up to 40 degrees, but here it was only 19 degrees on the day I arrived. I had a great time just taking a walk by the coast and strolling around the city during the first week.

What do you think about your course?

I really enjoy the subjects in my course, and I feel they provide very good and important knowledge which I can use as a musician in the future. In Musical Communication, for example, we learn how to organise concerts and work in a music environment towards different audiences. Music Technology teaches us how to work in studios with basic music technology.  

What do you like about Kristiansand and why?

I like the size of the city because it is big enough to have everything you need, but not too big for one to get lost. I did lose myself very often the first few weeks, though! I also like the Scandinavian architecture. Geographically speaking, Slovakia is located in the middle of the continent, so I enjoy seaside life here.  

What was one thing you discovered about Norway that was unexpected?

People are polite and nice but are a little bit cold at the first contact, and it looks like Norwegians have different humor from mine. I have some Norwegian classmates in my course and they are very nice! I think people in music have their own culture worldwide, so I guess it is different from stereotypical Norwegian culture. 

What would you like to share about UiA to your home country?

This study programme is difficult but also very motivating. I like that the professors at UiA have high expectations for students, which makes one work really hard. I didn’t expect to get so much work every week but makes me feel very motivated. 

Do you think UiA has given you any unique opportunities?

Definitely! I get many opportunities to play the flute to an audience and get insightful feedback when I do. For example, at the classical lunch concerts, where we play with instruments for the public, and at a weekly seminar in which each student plays their instrument in front of classmates and teachers. It is a great opportunity to improve myself.