Benedetti Foundation residency sessions
A week of music, made for children and their teachers
From 23-27 November 2026, WEMA will host a full week of Residency Sessions from The Benedetti Foundation, a music education charity founded by violinist Nicola Benedetti CBE.
The residency brings professional musicians into primary schools, gathering young string players together for a full day of ensemble music-making, as well as offering CPD to their instrumental and classroom teachers.
For many of the children involved, this will be their first experience of music activities led by professional musicians. For teachers, it’s a rare chance to build confidence and skills that stay in the classroom long after the week ends.
CPD for Primary Classroom Teachers (non-specialists)
Twilight session, 25 November, 4pm to 6pm
A free, practical two-hour session for classroom teachers and support staff who aren’t music specialists, designed to build confidence in bringing music into everyday teaching. Open to any primary school across the region; PGDE/BEd students are welcome too.
Venue: TBC
Cost: FREE
Final day for booking is Tuesday 20th October 2026
CPD for String Teachers (upper and lower)
26 November, 9am to 3pm
A day of professional development for string teachers, with sessions tailored to enhance teaching and enrich music provision. Open to WEMA staff, private teachers, and string teachers from neighbouring Music Hub services.
Work with Benedetti’s Lead tutor and Head of String Teacher Development, Rachel Cooper, whose impact in the field of music education has earned widespread recognition. In 2023, she was honoured with the Emerging Artist Award by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra during their Women in Classical Music Symposium, following a nomination by Nicola Benedetti. She is currently authoring a book on violin pedagogy, aimed at supporting educators working with young string players.
Collaborate with colleagues, discover new repertoire and strategies, and leave inspired to enrich your music provision. Includes: Creative Teaching Workshop, Sound Production and Intermediate String Teaching.
Venue: Lower Hall, St. Michael’s Centre, North Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PD
Cost: £40 (free for WEMA string teachers)
Final day for booking is Tuesday 20th October 2026
Mass Strings Day
27 November, 9.30am to 3pm
An inclusive string orchestra experience for beginner and early-intermediate string players aged 8-13 (roughly open strings to Grade 3). Violins, violas, cellos and double basses welcome.
Over the course of the day you’ll rehearse two pieces especially composed pieces, written to bring every player together making sure everyone plays their part creating a huge sound. No auditions, just the buzz of playing alongside dozens of other young musicians. The day finishes with a sharing performance from 2.30pm, so bring your family along to hear what a room full of strings can do.
Open to string players from any school across the region (packed lunch and a drink is needed).
Venue: St. Michael’s Centre, North Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PD
Cost: £30 per child (free for Pupil Premium)
Final day for booking is Tuesday 20th October 2026
Primary School Workshops
23 to 25 November, school hours
Three schools a day will welcome professional musicians for high-energy workshops, reaching around 1,200 primary-aged children across the week.
Schools will be selected to prioritise those with little or no existing access to music education, including a SEND/ASN setting. Places are already allocated to invited schools. If your school has been selected, look out for a separate email with full details.
For question about the residencies, email us using the button below:
Find out more about The Benedetti Foundation’s work nationally at benedettifoundation.org.