Philemon Hahn played both drums and violin as a child at the cultural school in Simrishamn. However, his interest in the violin was greater and grew stronger over time. Nowadays, he is a freelance professional musician who, after earning a bachelor's degree at the Ingesund School of Music and a master's degree at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, combines his playing with studies in the one-year Artist Diploma course at Ingesund School of Music.
Philemon Hahn, 25 years old, grew up in Skåne-Tranås, a small town in Österlen.
"I clearly remember the desire to play the violin and drums, I don't really know where it came from, but over time it was clear that the violin was number one for me. Maybe I felt that I could develop my playing in a different way than with the drums. I have played according to the Suzuki method and mostly classical music with some folk music occasionally, but classical is what matters."
When did you decide that you wanted to work with music professionally?
"When it was time to apply for high school, I visited music high schools in Lund, Stockholm, Falun, and Malmö. Former students of my teacher in Simrishamn, whom I looked up to, had attended Falun and were satisfied. I also got a good impression of Falun, and when I got in, I felt that music is what I want to work with professionally. At the conservatory in Falun, I played the violin and piano as a secondary instrument for three years. After graduation, I wanted to continue studying. I applied to several bachelor's programs and was accepted to a few, but I chose the folk high school in Ingesund because friends had recommended extending my studies by taking a course at a folk high school before university studies."
"After attending the folk high school, it felt natural to apply for the bachelor's program because I enjoyed Ingesund very much. Magnus Eriksson, a professor of violin, was also a big reason as he is a great inspiration and a fantastic teacher. Magnus has prepared me for professional life as he has so much experience in what it takes to work as a professional musician."
"I am very satisfied with my bachelor's degree. The education, combined with playing a lot in different contexts and constellations, which is fully possible at Ingesund, is a good foundation for a career as a musician, whether you take a bachelor's degree and then work or continue with more education, such as a master's degree."
What do you think of Arvika as a student city?
"A very nice city, definitely a smaller student city but also calmer, which is a big advantage for those who prefer that. Of course, it is very individual what you prefer, but Arvika is familiar, with many kind people in the surroundings. You get peace and quiet to make music and focus on your education without distraction. The proximity to nature is also a plus with a good chance for recovery."
You completed your bachelor's at Ingesund, then did your master's in Copenhagen, and are now back at Ingesund to study the Artist Diploma course. The course prepares for an artist career with a focus on developing professional skills to work internationally as soloists and chamber musicians. What do you think you will work with when you are finished? Do you want to work abroad or will you continue studying further?
"I can imagine working abroad, but it is not a requirement for me. I now live in Copenhagen and freelance in Denmark and Sweden. Primarily, I want to continue with that, but we will see what opportunities arise. As a freelancer, the Öresund region is good because there are many orchestras and a good range of jobs for freelancers. If there are interesting auditions, I will go for them."
Being able to do what you are passionate about during work hours is a privilege. What does it mean to you to work professionally with music?
"You choose this lifestyle, which is very tied to your instrument; playing is a kind of craft. You always have to keep your playing going and constantly strive to develop. I get to do something I enjoy and that feels meaningful while doing something that can be very meaningful for others. Attending a concert is an experience that contains a lot of emotions and can touch and evoke a kind of wonder in the listener."
If you could wish, what do you think you will be doing in five years?
"Right now, I am very interested in playing in a symphony orchestra, either in a concert hall or at the opera, and preferably with colleagues who are engaged and ambitious. I would like to stay in Scandinavia because I feel that we have good conditions as orchestra musicians here. But I am, of course, also open to other opportunities; it would, for example, be fun to play more chamber music. In the long run, it is not entirely impossible to perhaps create my own ensemble to make that dream come true."
