This exposition is a case study of the development of a musician’s artistic identity within the context of an intercultural study environment, namely the Global Music Department at Sibelius Academy, UniArts, Helsinki. Data is collected through musical creation processes, musical outcomes and self-reflection from the perspective of a foreign student, as well as interviews with other peer students from Finland. Discoveries are made in terms of the ways in which ones’ cultural background influences the process of finding ways of self-expression, as well as how different cultures perceive the concept of a musician, artist or art forms, and effects of diverse approaches to music education. Moreover, the key to searching for an artistic identity lies in the process of establishing a balanced relationship between the musician and their surrounding environment, whilst being truthful towards the musician’s own inner voice. Musicians have a need to express themselves in personal, genuine ways, which may also be the foundation for creating genuine communication with the audience. The study of music does not necessarily correspond to the development of an artistic identity. Due to the fundamental social function in music, the maturity of an artistic identity is perhaps more related to a musician’s life experience. I argue that an open and supportive educational environment is important for allowing the freedom to explore a musician’s own identity. Furthermore, support within intercultural and genre free music making can create such a friendly learning environment for young artists to advance in self-positioning and career development.

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