Kristensen studied at Oslo University (music, theatre, history, pedagogy) and had additional studies in musical composition, private and at Norges Musikkhøgskole.
He works as a freelance composer, instrumentalist, film critic, film archivist, and in broadcasting until August 1994 when I got a job as assistant professor of music at Hedmark University College, Hamar, Norway.
Bjørn Kristensen is currently associate professor at the same institution, teaching MIDI technology, composition, global music, Norwegian folk music, and film- and computer game composition.
He plays the military drum, specializing in Norwegian trommeslåtter, in addition to tuned percussion, the Hardanger fiddle, viola d’amore, bagpipes, sallow flute, jaw’s harp, and instruments of the guitar family.
Until January 2016, Kristensen played fiddle and viola in the Hamar based folk music ensemble LEIK. He now plays Arabian percussion for Sunrise Belly Dance group situated in Brumunddal and sings bass in Hamar Cathedral Choir (Hamar Domkor).
