It’s not every day that a world-class audio training event makes its way to the far north of Norway—but this past week, the town of Hammerfest played host to a unique and inspiring edition of the SMAART Bootcamp.
From June 3rd to 6th, a small but highly motivated group of three students gathered at the Arktisk Kultursenter for an intensive course in sound system measurement and optimization. Leading the course was veteran instructor Thomas Züllich, who, true to his word, made the long journey—some 1800 kilometers—all the way from Oslo to the northernmost town of the world, despite the modest class size.
From left to right: Eirik Gustavo Diesen Tovar, Dag Jarle Nilsen, Thomas Züllich & Sondre Forselv
THOMAS ZÜLLICH (Instructor):
“I did this as I truly love Northern Norway. From an economic perspective, it was maybe a little less than ideal, but the incredible hospitality and eagerness of the students made more than up for it. We really had a blast.”
Originally, more local technicians had planned to attend, but many were called away at the last minute to mix live shows—a common challenge during the busy summer season. Still, Züllich remained committed to bringing high-level training to Hammerfest.
SONDRE FORSELV (Sound Engineer, Arktisk Kultursenter):
“We were really happy Thomas made the effort to come to our place. These four days were some of the most informative and educational I’ve ever had. The class superseded my wildest expectations. I’ve used SMAART before, but Thomas introduced a whole new approach—his way of thinking about sound systems is both simple and sophisticated. All in all, very motivating & inspiring.”
The bootcamp blended hands-on measurement techniques, system tuning theory, and practical exercises, tailored to the unique acoustics of the Arktisk Kultursenter. Despite the small turnout, the enthusiasm was sky-high, and participants left the course with fresh insights and renewed energy.
Dag Jarle Nilsen (Sound Engineer, Arktisk Kultursenter):
“Wow, those four days were intense — and a lot of fun. It’s going to take some time to fully process all the information, but I’m really looking forward to taking the certification test. I plan to use SMAART extensively in my work. It´s quite an eye (and ear) opener this one”
Eirik Gustavo Diesen Tovar (Technician, Arktisk Kultursenter):
“As a multi-purpose technician working across lighting, video, and audio, I’m really glad I took the course. It provides a solid foundation for adjusting sound systems based on facts rather than guesswork. Thomas made even the most complex topics easy to understand, and I’m planning to take the certification test soon as well.”
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful learning happens not in crowded halls, but in committed, close-knit groups—especially when guided by a teacher willing to cross the country to share his passion.
For the team in Hammerfest, this was more than just a workshop—it was a landmark moment. And perhaps a signal that with the right dedication, professional development can reach even the northernmost corners of Norway.
In addition to the seminar the AKS invited interested people to a free of charge Sound Pressure workshop.
THOMAS ZÜLLICH (tz audio):
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Arktisk Kultursenter, the entire staff, and the administration—especially Linda Hassfjord—for making it possible for me to take part in this course. I truly appreciate the opportunity and support. It’s been an incredibly valuable experience that I’ll carry with me into my daily work.”
Captured in Hammerfest—the world’s northernmost town—this photo features the MELLab MYc-3 microphone in action. Attached is the high-performance DT228G-P transmitter by GAODIMIC®, delivering reliable audio even in extreme environments.
Sondre & Dag Jarle passed the certification test as well. Congratulations 🙌 – Thomas