Stian Vestby

Stian Vestby is an Associate Professor and Head of Music Studies at the Department of Arts and Cultural Studies, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. He holds a PhD in Music (2017) and a Master's in Cultural Studies (2009). His research focuses on country music studies, musical gentrification, festival studies, and music education. He is currently leading a project exploring feminine identities in Nordic country music and previously contributed to research on musical gentrification supported by Norway's Research Council.

Education: PhD in Music from Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (2017), Master's in Cultural Studies from Telemark University College (2009).

Research Interests:

• Country music history and cultural identity
• Impact of musical gentrification on cultural democratization
• Pandemic effects on global music education
• Festival studies and community formation
• Popular music discourse analysis

Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including influential works on country music's cultural dynamics and pandemic-era music pedagogy. His 2023 publication examining Norway's 70-year country music evolution highlights shifts in genre identity.

Awards: No scientific awards explicitly stated in provided texts.

Teaching and Leadership: Teaches cultural theory, aesthetics, and music communication. Leads teacher education programs in music and music communication at Hamar campus.

Labs/Teams: Active member of research groups 'Culturally Oriented Music Education' and 'Nordic Literature (NORLITT)'. Performs with band 'De Skyldige', blending artistic practice with academic research.