During my studies at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm I have been exploring how I can develop as an improviser and as an ensemble musician. The main focus has been to use more arco playing, but also to sing unison and in harmony with the bass in order to broaden my expression. Another aim has been to compose music for my trio to implement my expanded way of performing.

When I began the master’s program, I wanted to return to my roots as a classical cellist. With the help from classical teachers I was able to improve my bass technique, especially with the bow, and use that as a way to further widen my improvisation and accompany- ment skills. As a bonus, my cello playing got a boost from this work and it eventually became another important part of my artistic voice.

The methods of my project have been to continuously test new ideas in my freelance work outside of KMH. I also interviewed fellow musicians to be able to reflect on whether my newly acquired knowledge and technique have had an effect on the way we make music together.

In the thesis I also reflect on my inspiration from other musicians and artists and my personal philosophy not being bound to certain musical genres. Instead I want to take impressions from many different kinds of music and be open to all the different techniques in playing double bass that comes with a wide range of styles.

An important result of this process is the making of the album “Arrival”, with Adam Forkelid on piano, Calle Rasmusson on drums and the Polish jazz violinist Adam Bałdych as a guest soloist. The record was released in March 2020 by the international jazz label Prophone/Naxos.