13 days closer to the music profession

The seminar "Gigant" in Alta provides young people with musical ambitions with support on their path. This year, 23 bands participated, the highest number in Gigant's 11-year history.

Young Finnmark residents who want to get into the music industry have an opportunity that many others in the country would envy. The Gigant seminar, which was held from August 4th to 17th, has been an annual event for 11 years, and is aimed at young artists aged 13 to 20. The aim is to give young people with musical ambitions a helping hand on their way. It is organised by Huset (Alta municipality) and Ung Artist (Scene Finnmark).

Educate bands!
– The concept is to educate bands, says Eirik Aune Hansen, music manager at the cultural center "Huset" in Alta, who is also a TONO member himself. – The young people get three days in the studio, a professional promo package with pictures and text, a stage workshop and a TONO course, so that they learn about their rights and what it means to be a songwriter and a TONO member.

Gigant ended with those who wanted to play at Aronnæsrocken, which was held August 14-16 in the center of Alta. Here they got to share the stage with headliners such as Honningbarna, Kari Bremnes, Gabrielle and Ida Marie. Up to 30 bands participated in Gigant this year, and several of them took the chance and performed at the festival.

Satisfied participant
Fred Ivar Heitmann is 19 years old, comes from Alta and has both enjoyed and learned a lot at Gigant:

– I was inspired about how I, as an artist, can help myself to advance in the music industry. It feels like a good kickstart as a musician. Gigant is very good. If you have a budding musician in you, you should definitely join Gigant next year, he says.

Want to read more about Gigant? See here: http://huset-alta.no/dette-er-gigant/
Are you involved in a context where children, young people – or adults (!) – learn to write music? Get in touch if you want a TONO course!