“It’s such a strong connection to the industry all the time. BEMU works closely with successful songwriters and producers. It’s a real luxury.” — Linn Grins, BEMU 2022–2024
About BEMU
Songwriting, Music Production and Entrepreneurship
The two-year Music Creation program at BEMU comprises 120 ECTS credits and provides advanced knowledge in songwriting, music production, and professional entrepreneurship within the music industry. The program is intended for those who want to immerse themselves in music creation for two years and develop their personal musical expression. Sheet music and music theory are useful skills, but you do not need to know them before starting at BEMU. During the program, you will learn what you need in order to work with other musicians, producers, and songwriters.
The school is located in the Old Fire Station in Borlänge — a historic building that has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art House of Music — shared by the folk high school Brunnsvik Creative Music and BEMU. The creative atmosphere is central: students spend a great deal of time together, collaborating and inspiring one another. The old garages where the fire trucks once stood have been converted into studios, and the former library has become a concert hall.
The Music Creation program is built on your passion, originality, ambition, and drive. Here, you can develop your songwriting through both contemporary and classical perspectives, together with teachers who are active professionals in the industry. The school has a clear focus on the contemporary music industry, and the faculty consists of working musicians and producers.
Examples of Highlights
Regular lectures and workshops
The school regularly invites established songwriters, artists, and producers as guest lecturers for lectures and workshops. Among them are names such as Amanda Bergman, Ebbot Lundberg, Eric Gadd, Jennie Abrahamson, Marit Bergman, Peter Kvint, Glen Scott, and Jez Ashurst. (See the “Guest Lecturers” page.)
Multiple opportunities to perform live
At BEMU, you will have several opportunities to perform live, both in the school’s own concert venue and on stages throughout the music city of Borlänge. Here, you can grow as a live performer and learn how to truly connect with your audience.
Learn everything about music production
We have state-of-the-art studios and production rooms that are available to students every day, all year round. Combined with the music production courses, you will learn how to take control of your productions and make your recordings sound exactly the way you hear them in your head.
Build invaluable connections
A central part of BEMU is helping students build networks with other professionals in the music industry — something that becomes invaluable once you complete the program.
Trip to London
The annual study trip to London is designed to give first-year students insight into the international music industry through visits to world-leading music studios, songwriters, and producers, including Tileyard London and Abbey Road Studios. Students also meet industry professionals such as Jimmy Hogarth and Paul Whalley.
Full-day session at Durango Recording
All second-year students spend a full day at Durango Recording with Andreas Dahlbäck as producer/musician, together with a hired multi-instrumentalist.
The String Arrangement Project
Hans Hjortek, one of Sweden’s leading arrangers, teaches an annual course in string arranging for second-year students. Students are then tasked with writing their own string arrangements for their songs. The course also includes two recording days at Valley Sound Studio, where the arrangements are recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is BEMU?
BEMU stands for Brunnsvik Independent College of Music and is a music college located in Borlänge. Here, students can study a two-year higher education program in Music Creation (120 ECTS credits) that combines creative songwriting, modern music production, and business development for the music industry.
How is BEMU different from a traditional music college?
Everyone is welcome at BEMU, as long as your music creation comes from the heart, soul, and passion. The teaching is based on practical music-making, and no prior knowledge of music theory is required. Our teachers are all active songwriters, producers, and artists, and through the program students get truly close to the music industry (the London trip, Durango Recording, workshops, the string project, clinics, and much more).
Do I need to know music theory?
It is useful to know, but it is not a requirement for admission to the program.
Can we apply as a band?
Yes, absolutely. Apply as a band and give yourselves two years to develop your sound, your identity, and your artistic direction.
Who teaches at BEMU?
The faculty consists of professional working musicians, and our guest lecturers include some of the best artists, songwriters, and producers in the industry.
What can I do after graduation?
After BEMU, you can work as an artist, songwriter, music producer, or within other areas of the music industry — both in Sweden and internationally.
Do I need to have released my own music before applying?
No, that is not required. The important thing is that you have experience creating music and can provide work samples.
What does a typical day at BEMU look like?
Days vary between independent creative work, classes, collaborations, and projects. You will have time both to develop your own music and to work together with others.
History
August 15, 2022
Brunnsviks Enskilda Musikhögskola (BEMU) was officially inaugurated on August 15, 2022, with the then Swedish Minister for Education, Anna Ekström, attending the ceremony. The program began later that same year.
2023
In October 2023, BEMU awarded the legendary songwriter Graham Gouldman the title of Honorary Fellow in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of music and his significant influence on generations of musicians and songwriters.
2025
In September 2025, Brunnsvik Folk High School (the parent organization of BEMU) became part of Sweden’s Cultural Canon — a recognition of the school’s long tradition of culture, education, and social engagement.
2026
In March 2026, BEMU and Brunnsvik Folk High School received the Study Associations’ Award at the Dalecarlia Music Awards, recognizing the school’s long-standing role as a strong force for public education through music.
