The Benedetti Foundation Ambassador Application Pack 2024

“Being involved with The Benedetti Foundation gives Ambassadors the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most outstanding, dynamic, and exciting musicians working today. But, more importantly, it gives them the skills and training to become those dynamic, outstanding, creative, inspiring musicians in their own right.”

– Ambassador Alumni

UNITE INSPIRE EDUCATE THE BENEDETTI FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME 2024 APPLICATION PACK

The professional possibilities available to you as young professional musicians and educators are forever evolving. The Benedetti Foundation Ambassador Programme is here to provide encouragement and structure to those possibilities. We offer a supportive environment for you to explore and engage with inspiring people and ideas as you take the next steps towards building your career.

By applying for the Benedetti Foundation Ambassador Training Programme, you will be joining an energetic and positive community that is serious about creating a stronger, more inclusive and more diverse future for music and education. We will encourage you to question your surroundings, to think deeply about our collective purpose and to consider what you share as much as what you receive. But we will also look to you for encouragement, for guidance and for inspiration as we collectively strive for this future. We celebrate individuality, welcome creativity and believe in the combining of tradition with innovation.

We believe in the strength of music, in excellence and inclusivity and in the power of mass inspirational moments to connect communities. We are committed to sharing this through teaching, music-making and relationship building. We sincerely hope you will consider joining us on this journey.

In this document you will find out more about: The Benedetti Foundation The Ambassador Programme Application Information Application Requirements Deadlines

The Benedetti Foundation was established in 2019 by violinist and dedicated music education advocate, Nicola Benedetti. We deliver transformative experiences through mass musical events, provide equal access to music participation and appreciation for all and unite those who believe music is integral to life’s education.

In our first 4 years, we have worked with close to 70,000 participants of all ages from 105 countries; instrumentalists, and non-instrumentalists; hundreds of schools; and nearly 400 Ambassadors. With our teams of exceptional musicians and educators, we have produced 1,100+ pre-recorded and live lessons and our video content has over 6.5 million views.

The work of The Benedetti Foundation falls into these main categories: Live Benedetti Sessions – transformative mass music-making experiences - 3-day workshops and 5-day Residencies putting the greatest music educators in front of young people and teachers, as well as 1-day sessions for Adult Learners Virtual Sessions – bringing participants of all ages together from across the world to work towards a common creative goal and a united voice - breaking down musical, social and cultural barriers Ambassador Programme – developing world-leading, innovative musicians and educators Online Content – creating free music education resources ensuring inclusion, access and support for all Watch The Benedetti Foundation in action Find out more about the work of The Benedetti Foundation

About the Ambassador Programme The Benedetti Foundation Ambassador Programme is an annual training scheme for young professionals (age 19-c.35) dedicated to: developing your practical, instrumental teaching and workshop leading skills growing and sharing your love for performance gaining a greater knowledge, understanding and insight into all areas of our music and education communities The programme runs from February-December 2024. Throughout the year you will: take part in regular professional and personal development sessions participate in four focused projects: 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 or online activities to put your learning into practice develop confidence and leadership skills make new contacts within a wide range of sectors of the music and education professions

“Because of my involvement in the Foundation, I have had life-changing opportunities that have directly led to my current position as a Lower Strings Musician at Big Noise Raploch (which has been my dream job since I was a Master’s Student)” – Ambassador Alumni

Mentors Peer learning and support is a crucial part of this programme. All Ambassadors are mentored by an experienced Lead Ambassador and a Benedetti Foundation Tutor.

Meet our Mentors for 2024 here Throughout the programme, you will meet in your mentor group for around 3 hours per month.

During this time, we offer you the opportunity to: practice and prepare teaching activities across all disciplines expand your knowledge and understanding of instruments other than your own explore the use of social media in music education and performance discuss, debate and reflect on questions surrounding music education and your role as advocates form a close, supportive network with your fellow Ambassadors

“I feel very lucky to have been placed in what I really feel is a group of kindred spirits, where we all cheer each other on and offer advice whenever needed, led by our brilliant mentor” – Ambassador, 2023

Time Commitment As well as the monthly mentor groups, Ambassadors come together for two in-person ‘Ambassador Days’ per year (one in London; one in Glasgow, with an online option for international participants). Here, we meet and learn from professional musicians and pioneering leaders to explore the big questions facing our sector.

Professional Development and Project training sessions take place online on average 1-3 hours per month. During these talks you hear from trailblazing voices in our industry and explore a wide range of topics.

As Ambassadors, there are also lots of other optional online sessions you can attend for free throughout the year (e.g our popular Baroque Virtual Sessions, or our Mini Sessions series). The Ambassador programme takes a Summer break between mid-July and early September.

You will receive the outline schedule for the year before you accept your place and further details on time commitment can be found on the FAQs link on the final page.

Application Information “The Ambassador Programme introduced me to a network of like-minded people who were interested in education and music making with young people. At music college, it was surprisingly difficult to find peers who shared these interests with me, so having a forum for conversation with other people my age in my mentor group really consolidated my enthusiasm for what I wanted to do.” - Ambassador 2023

Who can Apply If you are an engaged, dedicated musician and educator, with a strong interest in inspiring and communicating with young musicians of all ages and abilities, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Applicants should be: age 19-35 (applicants must be 19 by 1 January 2024 to apply) a musician and educator a current undergraduate or postgraduate student studying music at conservatoire, university, college (or similar) or a recent graduate, within 2 years of graduating from higher education a secondary music teacher trainee or primary classroom teacher trainee and at least Grade 8+ equivalent standard on an instrument There are opportunities for: all instrumentalists vocalists those interested in developing their skills in creative production, musicianship, Kodaly etc. classroom teachers

Location This is predominantly an online programme and so we welcome applications from those living outside the UK, however, as all in-person activity takes place in the UK, there will be limited opportunities to attend this.

Which Programme to Apply to There are two branches of the Ambassador Training Programme: Instrumental Ambassador and Creative Learning Ambassador.

Instrumental Ambassador: this pathway is focused on developing performance and instrumental teaching skills in 1:1, small group and large group settings, as well as the opportunity to explore workshop leading Creative Learning Ambassador: this pathway focuses on developing skills to equip you to lead school and community work, with the chance to explore instrumental teaching alongside The programmes run concurrently and divide into the specialisms within our mentor groups and for Project 4 where Creative Learning Ambassadors will focus on workshop leadership and Instrumental Ambassadors take part in a collaborative chamber music experience.

There is no requirement to choose which path you would like to take when you apply, but if you would like to offer a preference, you can. The Benedetti Foundation may offer you a place on either pathway.

Application Preparation Session We will be hosting an interactive online session with Lucy Drever, Head of Creative Learning and Laura Gardiner, Foundation Director to support you with applying to the Ambassador Programme.

We will also be joined by current Ambassadors, and we will all be happy to answer any questions you may have before applying.

The session takes place on Thursday 16 November, 7.30-8.30pm UK Time.

Register Here Please check your confirmation email for the Zoom link. The form will close at 9am UK Time on Thursday 16 November. A recording of the session will be sent to everyone registered.

Ambassador Application Requirements Round 1 Please complete this application form. You will need to upload to the form: A YouTube or Dropbox link to a 5-minute (maximum) introduction video. Please include: a little bit about yourself your musical journey to date your musical interests and beliefs why you would like to apply to become and Ambassador anything else you would like to tell us!

A 1-page document (max. 1 A4 page, no smaller than font size 11) detailing your relevant experience and your thoughts on the following topics. Please note that we are looking for your instinctual thoughts and no research is necessary. the current state of music education (please choose the location you are most comfortable with) the relationship between the music performance and the music education worlds why it is important to engage young people with classical/orchestral music A 5-minute (maximum) performance of you playing any solo repertoire that you feel shows you at your best. This can be with piano/another collaborative partner. Please add a YouTube or Dropbox link to your application form (your selection can be an extract of a longer piece) A 5 minute (maximum) teaching video, teaching us a warm-up activity or a technique on your instrument for young musicians – this can either be musicianship based or instrument based. We are looking for creativity and engagement and you are free to choose any topic you are comfortable with

Round 2 So we can get to know you better, all those who reach Round 2 will be invited to attend a 30minute group Zoom meet up led by one of the Foundation’s Tutor Mentors and an experienced Senior Ambassador.

There will be several sessions and a variety of times between Monday 8 and Friday 19 January 2024 and questions for discussion will be shared in advance. If you are unable to attend any of the allocated times, you will be able to send video responses to the questions posed, but a conversation will be required with a member of The Benedetti Foundation Tutor Mentor team before any offer can be made.

Access support and reasonable adjustments will be put in place for anyone who needs this – please let us know of any adaptations you require if you are offered a Round 2 place.

Further information will be sent to those who are successful in Round 1.

Deadlines Round 1 9am UK Time on Thursday 30 November 2023.

Successful applicants in Round 1 will hear by Monday 18 December 2023.

Round 2 Zoom Group Interviews will take place between Monday 8 and Friday 19 January 2024.

Successful applicants will need to register their preference for the Round 2 interview session by Thursday 21 December 2023, and you will be notified of your session on Wednesday 3 January 2024.

Offers for the 2024 Ambassador Programme will be sent by Wednesday 24 January 2024. All Ambassadors who are invited for a Round 2 application will be sent the outline schedule to help enable you to plan ahead for the year, and you will need to accept your place by Wednesday 31 January 2024.

The 2024 Ambassador Programme will begin on the week of Monday 19 February 2024.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Ambassador team and invite everyone who may be interested to apply. We encourage applications from all sections of the community and are dedicated to enabling people from all backgrounds to build careers in arts and education. Every application is considered individually and with great care. If you have additional needs, access requirements, or would like the application information in an adapted format, please don’t hesitate to contact us on info@benedettifoundation.org in confidence.

If you have any questions before applying, please read through the FAQs or contact us on info@benedettifoundation.org if you need further help.

We can’t wait to receive your application. Good luck!

The Benedetti Foundation is a Scottish company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Company number: SC636675 | Charity number: SC049688 Registered Office: c/o Turcan Connell Princes Exchange, 1 Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, EH3 9EE © The Benedetti Foundation 2023