Iceland - tiny as to number of inhabitants (400.000) but large in area (103.000 km2) - is an independent island nation situated high up in the North Atlantic Ocean, touching on the very Arctic Circle. Belonging to the European Economic Area, it is the most sparsely populated country in the whole of Europe. In contrast to its remoteness and often harsh environment, the living standards in Iceland rate among the highest in the world. Our education system is modelled on our fellow Nordic countries, much official financial resources being channelled into this important aspect of life. For example, nearly every town in the country has its own music school, funded by the local community. Today, the number of these is 84, and they are very well attended. Culturally, although we usually compare ourselves to our above-mentioned Nordic neighbors in the East and Continental Europe, we are also strongly influenced by our neighbors in the West: America. It has been postulated that Icelandic music has its own sound, stemming from this blend of cultural influences. Björk and Sigur Rós are often mentioned in that context; other international superstars include the pop group Of Monsters and Men, the classical pianist Víkingur Heidar Ólafsson, and the contemporary classical composers Anna Thorvaldsdóttir and Bára Gísladóttir. The most recent addition to this palette is Laufey, the young retro soft-jazz singer and songwriter who has taken the global scene by storm in a very short time. Needless to say, these amazing musicians have sparked unusually wide-spread interest in music amongst young people across the country. As opposed to the high number of music schools, there is only one institution in Iceland offering Higher Education programs in music: the Iceland University of the Arts (IUA). We, the authors of this paper - both accomplished performers of classical music with international careers - hold leading positions there which can help shape the future of music in Iceland. Our responsibility is therefore great. This paper describes our restructuring of the IUA´s somewhat antiquated music department, an institution which no longer met the needs of today´s modern and vibrant Icelandic music scene. Focus is set on a new study program called TNT, where experiential learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration are encouraged, where conventions are challenged, and where forward thinking and flexibility are the main driving forces.