MY STUDENT MOBILITY IN LJUBLJANA: Jasmina Raković

Jasmina Raković
University of Arts in Belgrade, Faculty of Music

Erasmus+ Mobility for Studies at:

Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Why did I choose Ljubljana?

As a doctorate student at the Faculty of Music Art in Belgrade I was looking for a place where I can improve my knowledge about Historically informed performance practice, which is the main subject of my research. Academy of Music in Ljubljana has a similar study program as we do in Serbia and the mentality and language of Slovenian people is similar to ours. Although there are many similarities, the differences are the ones that were interesting for me. The geographical position of Slovenia, as well as the influences from the western part of Europe in the field of interpretation of classical music were the decisive points for me to choose University of Ljubljana as my preferred institution. For me, it was also important to be in the environment where I could build up my professional and personal network in a short period of time.

• What were my expectations?

My expectations were to be in a peaceful town very much different from Belgrade for one semester, where I could focus my attention to research. Based on the information I had about the University of Ljubljana I expected to receive help with my doctorate thesis, but also to have great possibilities for improvement as a pianist. Doctorate studies have their advantage in a sense that there were not many subjects that were obligatory for me, so I could create my own list of subjects that were interesting and helpful for my future.

• What did I get?

I got exactly what I expected and more! In the moment when I arrived to Ljubljana (October of 2022) the Academy of Music moved to a new building, with new musical instruments available for us. The staff in the University was very helpful and the teachers with whom I was in contact with were more than happy to share their knowledge with me. As a doctorate student I was treated as their colleague. I had a chance to play in a concert together with my main teacher, and to participate in concerts and masterclasses organized by the Academy.

The conditions for studying in Slovenia are amazing – as a student of the Academy of Music I could listen to concerts of the Slovene philharmonic orchestra for free; with the student meal system I could eat in great restaurants in Ljubljana (and Slovenia) for a small amount of money; as a student I had a discount for a car rental agency and I could travel around and get to know this beautiful country.

• Final thoughts

I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ exchange program. The four months I spent in Ljubljana helped me grow as a person and as a musician in ways I wasn’t expecting. I would like to thank all the warm and friendly people I met in Ljubljana and with whom I was in contact with during my stay in Slovenia – especially my teachers Miha Haas and Egon Mihajlović.