Pupils from six schools across Aberdeen got to take part in special music sessions held with tutors from The Benedetti Foundation.
This week hundreds of children participated in workshops delivered by the charitable organisation, The Benedetti Foundation, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council’s music service and generously supported by Creative Scotland
The Foundation delivered 3 days of workshops in primary schools, aimed at introducing pupils to the fundamentals of making music, the basics of pulse, rhythm, pitch and harmony, and encouraging them to share their own views as to what music means to them, and how it relates to the wider world about them.
Alongside the workshops, the foundation provided training for primary school teachers, training for music instructors and Strings Day where young people who play string instruments came together at the Beach Ballroom which included a sharing session for families.
Young people from Big Noise Torry and from Aberdeenshire schools also attended the event at the Beach Ballroom.
Aberdeen City Council Education Convener, Councillor Martin Greig said: “Nicola Benedetti has been extremely generous in establishing this foundation.
“She is creating a wonderful educational legacy that will benefit music for many years to come. We are extremely grateful for this support which will increase opportunities for learning and developing music skills in the city. This really helps our aspirations to make Aberdeen a centre for music.”
Education vice-convener Councillor Jessica Mennie said: “We are delighted that the foundation ran these sessions for pupils across Aberdeen.
“Music is a fantastic medium for learning and inspiring creativity and I’m certain the pupils involved all had a wonderful time.”
David Munn, Tutor, The Benedetti Foundation commented, ‘We had a great time working with the young people in Aberdeen who were really focused, listened intently, and had lots of fun together. I hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.”
The Foundation was established in 2019 by inspirational Scottish violinist and dedicated music education advocate Nicola Benedetti, who was born in Irvine and grew up in West Kilbride.
The Benedetti Foundation delivers transformative experiences through mass music education and aims to ensure equal access to music participation and appreciation for all.
Photo shows: Pupils from across the city at the event along with Aberdeen City music instructor Kerry Alexander (front left) and Joelle Broad (back left) conductor, composer at Nicola at Nicola Benedetti foundation