The Benedetti Foundation is launching a new free Youth Ambassador Programme for 15 – 18-year-olds across the UK. The programme is open to singers and instrumentalists and is aimed at anyone of this age who is passionate about music and sharing it with the world. It will offer an insight into what a career in music could look like.

The Youth Ambassador Programme will run every autumn and spring term, and the first course takes place from Monday 9 September to Friday 13 December 2024, offering a range of activities to help participants explore a future in music.

The programme will offer the opportunity for participants to:

• Explore different careers in the Arts and see what it’s like to work in the music industry from various angles.

• Learn to teach and start developing your own teaching style.

• Get creative and discover new ways to express yourself through performance.

• Focus on wellbeing and understanding how to balance mental and physical health with musical workload.

• Meet other young, passionate musicians, join mentor sessions, attend inspiring talks with leading professionals and participate in online and in-person activities.

• Gain hands-on experience and make connections.

Course Outline

• Mentoring: each participant will join a mentor group that will meet online three times a month for engaging one-hour sessions.

• Get in to teaching: listen to talks from trailblazing educators and discover a range of teaching practices. Explore how creativity flourishes in different educational settings, like primary and secondary schools, special education and healthcare environments.

• Performance Skills: hear from leading musicians and reflect on your own performance. Develop confidence and explore a variety of creative practices that enhance your artistry.

• Wellbeing: learn from specialists about handling performance anxiety and nerves. Gain insights on how to take care of your mental and physical health as a musician.

• Careers within the wider music industry: meet professionals from different areas of the arts world. From performers to Artistic Directors, Orchestral Managers, Producers, and more — discover the many musical paths available.

• Hands-on-Experience: join The Benedetti Foundation activities including delivering workshops in primary schools and participating in mass string-playing days.

Schedule

• 3 one-hour online mentoring sessions per month

• 6 one-hour online training sessions across the three months

• 1 in-person Youth Ambassador Day:

• Scotland: Sunday 13 October 12-5pm

• England: Sunday 27 October 12-5pm

• Northern Ireland: Saturday 16 November 12-5pm

• 1 ‘hands-on’ experience day with the Benedetti Foundation Team

How to apply

• Comple the application form here.

• Introduction video

• Introduce yourself

• Share your favourite things about music

• Mention a musician who inspires you and why

• Explain what you hope to gain from the Youth Ambassador Programme

• Keep it 2-3 minutes long

• Playing video

• Perform a piece you really enjoy (2-3 minutes)

• It can be an excerpt, accompanied or unaccompanied

• Introduce the piece and explain why you chose it

• If you play more than one instrument, please choose the instrument you feel most comfortable with

• You don't have to be any particular grade or standard! We are simply looking to learn more about you and your personality

• Applications close on Sunday 29 July.

The Benedetti Foundation Youth Ambassador Programme is generously sponsored by the Signatur Programme and the Linder Foundation.