Music veteran Nicola Benedetti announces her intention to engage in discussions with Keir Starmer concerning the future of music education.
Nicola Benedetti, a leading violin soloist of the current times, has been advocating for the importance of daily music practice and preserving a positive relationship with music.
Benedetti, who is in her second year of directing the Edinburgh International Festival, established the Benedetti Foundation, a music education charity, in 2019. The foundation has since worked with 75,000 people aged two to 92.
Benedetti's commitment to playing the violin was so strong that she never questioned it, even when her mother suggested she might stop. Her mother made it clear that playing a musical instrument was a privilege, and if lessons were to be paid for, she would need to practise every day, even just for five minutes.
The violinist learned the importance of a disciplined commitment to playing music from a very early age. Her early practice sessions sometimes involved tears, but not the kind one might expect. Benedetti was moved to tears while learning Elgar's "Salut d'amour" at a young age and has since recorded the piece.
For over a decade, music has been disappearing from schools in many parts of the country. Benedetti emphasises the importance of protecting a positive relationship to music more than the instrument itself. She advises parents to encourage their children to play their instrument every day and to preserve their pure love for music.
A new Labour government presents an opportunity to make a difference in music education for the next generation. Benedetti has spoken to our website's Ritula Shah about her own musical upbringing, love for the violin, and her hopes for the future of music education under a new government.
It's still a good thing to do it every day, even if not for hours, and to build in good habits, Benedetti suggests if a young person enjoys playing a musical instrument. She believes that the benefits of music education extend far beyond the instrument itself and can have a profound impact on a child's development.
The Edinburgh International Festival is an extension of Benedetti's commitment to bringing quality music to the masses. The festival, which showcases some of the world's finest musicians, is a testament to Benedetti's passion for making music accessible to all.
Despite her success, Benedetti remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform, teach, and advocate for music education, ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of playing a musical instrument. There are no specific search results providing information about a government policy that Nicola Benedetti will have far-reaching influence on regarding music education in the future, but her work with the Benedetti Foundation and the Edinburgh International Festival is a clear indication of her commitment to the cause.
