The Benedetti Foundation is returning to the Highlands for a special residency from 28 September to 2 October 2026, delivered in partnership with High Life Highland. Hundreds of young people, teachers and music instructors across the region are set to benefit from a week of music-making and professional learning.
A partnership with purpose
The residency is delivered in collaboration with the Benedetti Foundation, the nationally recognised music education charity founded by world-renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti CBE. The Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through music by supporting professional learning, enhancing local music provision and widening access to music-making opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Working together, the programme will bring high-quality music education activities to schools, teachers, music instructors and young people across Highland, helping to inspire the next generation of musicians while strengthening music education provision throughout the region.
What's happening during the week
- Three days of school-based music workshops in Lochaber, Inverness and Easter Ross, giving primary pupils the chance to take part in engaging, high-quality musical experiences led by specialist tutors
- A twilight professional learning session for primary teachers, designed to build confidence and skills in delivering music within the classroom
- A dedicated day of Career Long Professional Learning (CLPL) for High Life Highland Music Tuition staff
- A large-scale Massed Strings Day at Inverness Leisure on Friday 2 October, bringing together young string players from across Highland for a unique collaborative performance experience
The residency is being delivered at no cost to High Life Highland, with all professional learning opportunities provided free of charge — helping to ensure maximum accessibility and value for participating schools, learners and families.
Building on a record-breaking visit
The previous Highland residency set a Benedetti Foundation record for the number of young people engaged, showing just how strong the appetite for music-making opportunities is across the region. This year's programme is expected to reach hundreds more learners, while enhancing teaching practice, developing staff skills and raising the profile of music education throughout the Highlands.
Alexander Davidson, Head of Music at High Life Highland, said: "By partnering with the Benedetti Foundation, we are helping ensure that more young people have access to high-quality musical experiences regardless of where they live.
"This residency represents a fantastic opportunity for our young people, teachers and music instructors to learn from some of the most respected music educators in the country. By removing barriers to participation and providing high-quality, accessible experiences, we hope to inspire more young people to develop a lifelong connection with music."
Judith Archibald of the Benedetti Foundation commented: "We are delighted to be returning to the Highlands for another residency in partnership with High Life Highland.
"The Benedetti Foundation warmly welcomes and encourages all children, young people and teachers to join in for what is set to be an exciting week of music-making and we are thrilled to get the opportunity to work with so many people from across the Highlands.
"We hope that this Residency will inspire participants to develop their confidence, build new connections and create lasting musical memories. We can't wait to see you all soon!"
We hope that this Residency will inspire participants to develop their confidence, build new connections and create lasting musical memories.
Benedetti Foundation
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