Applications open for The Benedetti Foundation’s Ambassador cohort for 2025 

The Foundation’s annual Ambassador Programme continues to advance students and graduates by developing practical and instrumental teaching, workshop leading skills and growing a love for performance.

The Benedetti Foundation was established in 2019 by inspirational Scottish violinist and dedicated music education advocate Nicola Benedetti. The Foundation delivers transformative experiences through mass music events and unites those who believe music is integral to life’s education.

The Ambassador Programme runs annually from February - December and is a training scheme for young professionals (c.19-35) dedicated to developing their practical, instrumental teaching and workshop leading skills, as well as growing their love for performance. The programme is open to instrumentalists, singers, and workshop leaders.

There are two branches of the Ambassador Training Programme: the Instrumental Ambassador pathway which focuses on developing performance and instrumental teaching skills in 1:1, small group and large group settings, and the Creative Learning Ambassadors pathway which focuses on workshop leadership and developing the skills needed to lead school and community work.

By taking part in the programme, all Ambassadors have the opportunity to:

• Take part in regular personal and professional development sessions

• Participate in four focused projects encompassing topics including:

  • lesson planning

  • online content creation

  • exploring the role of music in the community

  • practical in-person sessions on creative workshop leadership or collaborative chamber music making

• Attend inspirational presentations from leaders across the sector

• Rehearse, prepare and perform alongside like-minded players and prominent musicians

• Prepare workshops under the guidance of trailblazing creative leaders

• Observe and gain vital paid work experience attending the Foundation’s in-person and online activities to put learning into practice

• Develop confidence and leadership skills

• Make new contacts with a wide range of sectors of the music and education professions

All Ambassadors join a small mentor group led by one of the Benedetti Foundation’s Tutor team. Within the mentoring sessions, Ambassadors prepare and practice teaching activities, expand their knowledge and understanding of instruments other than their own, explore the use of social media in music education and performance, discuss, debate and reflect on questions surrounding music education and their role as advocates, and form a close, supportive network with their fellow Ambassadors.

The aim of this programme is to create a legacy of world leading and innovative musicians and educators. The time the Ambassadors spend with the Foundation is transformational in shaping their careers and in turn the experiences of the next generation of learners.

Approximately 100 students and graduates are offered places on the Ambassador Programme each year, with the programme open to participants both in the UK and studying abroad. Applications are now open and close on Friday 29 November 2024.