The Benedetti Ambassador Programme is a professional development opportunity for emerging musicians/ educators who want to develop their teaching, workshop leading and performance skills.
Ambassadors will receive regular mentorship and talks from leading experts, as well as being offered collaborative learning experiences to:
Develop confidence and knowledge as music educators and performers
Build connections with musicians across the UK, Ireland, and internationally
Explore new approaches to creative music-making
The programme runs from September 2026 to April 2027, combining online learning, mentoring, and in-person opportunities.
The programme is made up of three development strands:
Benedetti Performance Intensive Ambassadors
Closing Date : To apply for the programme, please complete the relevant application form by 5.00pm on Friday 26 June UK time.
Benedetti Ambassadors:
Introduction to String Teaching and Creative Workshop Leading
This opportunity is for students and early career musicians who are interested in string teaching or creative workshop leading. This strand is for those looking to widen their knowledge about the music education sector, what it looks like in 2026/27 and how to start finding their voice and practice within it. This group will be split into String Teaching and Creative Workshop Leading specific groups.
This strand will consist of:
2 x online group mentor sessions a month
2 x online talks a month
2 x in-person Ambassador days: 1 inspiration day with entire Ambassador cohort and 1 practical day
1 (at least) in-person experience with the foundation; either a Benedetti Session or Benedetti Residency. Be aware that these opportunities might occur outside September 2026 - April 2027, depending on the Foundation’s diary. For those not UK and Ireland based, a bespoke online meeting will be organised with mentors.
The strand will be centred around 4 projects: Communication, Lesson Planning, Wider Community Projects, and Career Building Blocks.
Please note that all online sessions will take place on a Monday evening
Benedetti In Practice Ambassadors:
Reflecting on your practice and place in the wider sector
This opportunity is for students and early career musicians who already have a teaching and/or workshop leading practice. This strand is for those looking for a supportive space to discuss, reflect and put into practice new ideas and knowledge with the guidance of a mentor working in the sector. This strand will be split into String Teaching and Creative Workshop Leading specific groups.
This strand is a revamp of the returning Ambassador offering and as well as being for anyone with an existing practice, is open to any previous Benedetti Ambassadors (including Lead and Senior), with a current teaching practice, who wish to continue their journey with us and continue to build their toolkit and knowledge of the education sector.
This strand will consist of:
2 x online group mentor sessions a month
2 x online talks a month
2 x in-person Ambassador days: 1 inspiration day with entire Ambassador cohort and 1 practical day
1 x (at least) in-person experience with the Foundation; either a Benedetti Session or Benedetti Residency. Please be aware that these opportunities might occur outside September 2026 - April 2027, depending on the Foundation’s diary. For those not UK and Ireland based, a bespoke online meeting will be organised with mentors.
The strand will be centred around 4 projects: Communication, Lesson Planning, Wider Community Projects, and Career Building Blocks.
Please note that all online sessions wil take place on a Monday evening
Benedetti Performance Intensive Ambassadors:
Mentorship, performance opportunities, and gaining insight into life as a performer in the UK.
If you are studying the violin, viola, cello, or double bass at conservatoire, college, or university and are looking to deepen your musical development, this auditioned opportunity could be an excellent fit.
This programme offers monthly group mentoring sessions with a professional musician actively working in the industry. These sessions provide a valuable space to ask questions, receive personalised guidance, and gain insight into the realities of a performing career.
Beyond mentorship, the Performance Intensive strand connects you with fellow UK-based musicians who are navigating similar paths. It is designed as a supportive and collaborative environment where you can share experiences, build confidence, and form meaningful friendships.
Participants will also benefit from an inspiring masterclass day led by distinguished musicians, alongside the unique opportunity to perform with Nicola Benedetti during Benedetti Sessions held over the course of the year.
You can be a Benedetti Ambassador/In Practice Ambassador and still apply for the Performance Intensive strand.
This strand will consist of:
2 x Benedetti Session weekends. Please be aware that these dates might occur outside September 2026 - April 2027, depending on the Foundation’s diary.
2 x in-person Ambassador Days: 1 masterclass day with Performance Intensive Ambassadors and 1 inspiration day with the rest of the Ambassador cohort.
Monthly online group mentor sessions
Please note that applicants must be living in UK/Ireland and be available for in-person days and at least two out of the three Benedetti Sessions. All dates are included later in the application pack
