The Benedetti Foundation’s new free Youth Ambassador Programme for 15 – 18-year-olds across the UK continues in Spring 2025 with its second course. The programme is open to singers and instrumentalists and is aimed at anyone of this age currently in secondary-level education/home education 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’s Spring 2025 course is led The Benedetti Foundation’s Head of Youth Ambassador Programme, Calum Huggan, and takes place from Monday 13 January to Friday 18 April 2024, offering a range of activities to help participants explore a future in music.
Over 3 years the Programme will tour the UK to ensure the opportunity reaches every region. The Spring 2025 course is open to applicants in the following areas:
- Scotland – West Dunbartonshire, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Angus, North Ayrshire, Orkney, East Ayrshire, and Western Isles
- England – London
- Wales – Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Camarthenshire, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan
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.
- Explore teaching 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.
Calum Huggan, Head of Youth Ambassador Programme, The Benedetti Foundation commented:
‘Applications are now open for the second course of the new Ambassador Youth Programme for 15 – 18-year-olds. It is vital for the future of music education that we showcase what a career in music might look like and the numerous pathways available to young people.
“This programme is free and aims to give an insight into music career options over the course of three months. I wish there had been something like this when I was this age and really hope any young person of 15 – 18 who is interested in music might consider signing up.’
Course Outline
- Connect and Grow: each participant will join a mentor group that will meet online three times a month for engaging one-hour sessions. Mentors in the Autumn 2024 term include Calum Huggan, Rachel Cooper, Ankna Arockniam, Katrina Lee and Beth Higham-Edwards.
- Step 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. Guest speakers in the Autumn 2024 term include Linton Stephens, Sam McShane, Lucy Drever, Delia Stevens, Dani Howard and Melissa White.
- Hands-on-Experience: join The Benedetti Foundation activities including delivering workshops in primary schools and participating in mass string-playing days.
- Youth Ambassador Day – whilst most of the course is online, there will be one in-person day midway through the programme offering the chance to engage in discussions with inspirational figures and to connect with peers. Full support of expenses to attend will be covered if necessary.
Schedule
- 3 one-hour online mentoring sessions per month
- 6 one-hour online guest speaker sessions across the three months
- 1 in-person Youth Ambassador Day:
- Scotland: Sunday 16 February 12-5pm
- Wales: Sunday 9 March 12-5pm
- England: Sunday 30 March 12-5pm
- 1 ‘hands-on’ experience day with the Benedetti Foundation Team
How to apply
- Complete 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
- Applications close on Thursday 31 October.
