Alf Richard Kraggerud is now recognized as one of the most esteemed violin educators and talent developers in the Nordic countries. Serving as the Head of Young Talents at the Barratt Due Music Institute from 1999 to 2007 and again from 2009 onwards, as well as being the founder of the Valdres Summer Symphony, he holds a position of significant influence in Norway in these domains. Kraggerud's exceptional achievements and forward-thinking visions have made him a highly sought-after lecturer and guest masterclass instructor both at home and abroad. He pursued his education in violin and pedagogy at the Barratt Due Music Institute and studied conducting at the Royal Academy in London.
His success as an educator is a direct result of his diverse and extensive educational background and professional experience. Notably, he began teaching at the young age of 13. After completing his studies in pedagogy and violin at the Barratt Due Music Institute, he pursued conducting in London in 1992, where he attended classes with G. Hurst at the Royal Academy and L. Leonard at Morley College. Following a brief tenure as the first violinist in the Broadcasting Orchestra, he assumed the role of principal at Gjøvik Kulturskole from 1995 to 1999. From 1999 to 2007, he served as the Head of Young Talents at Barratt Due. During this period, the department gained international recognition as a highly respected institution for musical education. In 2007, he became the principal of the already renowned Razumovsky Academy in London. However, in 2009, he returned to Norway as the deputy head of the Barratt Due Music Institute.
Kraggerud is not only a distinguished speaker but also a leader of master classes. He has made appearances at influential and traditional institutions such as the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, Northwestern University in Chicago, USA, and Astona in Switzerland, in addition to numerous major Nordic conservatories and colleges. The Valdres Summer Symphony, founded by Kraggerud in 1994, serves as a testament to his artistic vision. It stands out as one of the largest and, in the European context, one of the most unique and results-oriented initiatives of its kind. The program encompasses all aspects of musical education, including concerts, chamber music, individual instruction, orchestral performance, and conducting methodology, emphasizing a collaborative approach that bridges beginners and renowned international artists, encouraging exchange and cooperation, and fostering a balance between playfulness and ambition. As a result, the Valdres Summer Symphony attracts an ever-growing number of international participants.
In 2017, Alf Richard Lindeman was honored with an award for his exceptional and impactful contributions to talent development and the education of children and youth. The prize, amounting to NOK 150,000, will be dedicated to young talents in the form of a Junior scholarship, to be presented during the summer symphony.