Thursday March 12th 2026
Primary pupils taking part in the workshop
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Almost 1,700 primary school pupils across the Borders were recently given access to an inspiring musical education.
Scottish Borders Council’s Instrumental Music Service proudly welcomed the Benedetti Foundation back to the region for a week‑long residency last month, which delivered an inspiring programme of musical engagement for young people and staff in the region.
Across the week, primary pupils from nine schools took part in dynamic music workshops, led by celebrated musicians Calum Huggan and Laura Curran.
Pupils explored the fundamentals of music, developing their understanding of pulse, rhythm, pitch, and harmony in a fun and interactive way.
The Benedetti Foundation was established in 2019 by violinist and dedicated advocate Nicola Benedetti CBE.
It delivers transformative experiences through mass music events and provide equal access to music participation and appreciation for all.
One of the programmes run by the foundation are Residency Sessions.
These are run in partnership with music services across the UK and provide a motivational opportunity for young people to engage with music where both instrumentalists and non-instrumentalists can take part.
In addition to pupil sessions, SBC’s instrumental music instructors participated in professional learning and development opportunities delivered by the Benedetti team, strengthening music‑teaching practice across the service.
The residency culminated in a mass strings celebration, where 60 primary string players from 11 schools came together for a full‑day event hosted by Galashiels Academy.
Councillor Julie Pirone, SBC’s executive member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning said: “I would like to thank the Benedetti Foundation for their return visit to our schools.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for our young people to come together to play their musical instrument and learn.
“In the Scottish Borders, we strive to provide young people with as many varied learning opportunities as we can to boost aspiration and attainment.”
SBC’s Instrumental Music Service Manager, Finlay Hetherington added: “It has been a real honour to host the Benedetti Foundation team once again in the Borders.
“They have left our young people inspired and motivated, with a huge sense of self‑belief and confidence. Their indomitable commitment to providing world‑class music education is both admirable and exceptional.”
Judith Archibald, Head of Programme for the Benedetti Foundation, added: “It was an absolute pleasure for the Benedetti Foundation team to be back in the Scottish Borders.
“Our team were so impressed with the energy and level of engagement from all the young people they worked with across the week. A heartfelt thanks to the music service for all their help in facilitating a fantastic week and we hope that we will be back again soon.”
Later this month, SBC’s Instrumental Music Service is launching Borders Youth Orchestra – Junior Strings, a weekly ensemble opportunity on Friday afternoons at Galashiels Academy for pupils in P5-S2 who play violin, viola, cello or double bass.
SBC’s new coaching team will be a collaboration of our new partners from Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Borders Chamber Orchestra and directed by Mary Ward, violinist and violist from Scottish Opera and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
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