The idea was turned into reality by Sigbjørn Bernhoft Osa in 1977, First by course in the "slåttespill" for students at the Norges Musikkhøgskole and Bergen Musikkonservatorium.
A fixed two-year course for performers was established by Griegakademiet in 1996, leading to a bachelor's degree in combination with study points from the University of Bergen.
Also, are granted teaching ethnology and music history, and international English language summer courses are held.
They hold the «Osafestivalen» every autumn and manage the fund and fiddle collection after Sigbjørn Bernhoft Osa.
The Academy is funded by Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs, Hordaland County and the municipality of Voss.