Nicola Benedetti's music lessons online

Here's a wonderful way to keep the young musicians in your family engaged with music-making. The best fun in music is to be had when you are singing and playing with others, and that doesn't have to stop if you are housebound, thanks to the vivacious and generous violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Daily at noon her Benedetti Foundation streams a music lesson (and mums and dads can definitely join in). Don't worry if there is a diary clash – all the lessons will stay online.

Benedetti herself is at the heart of the venture, with her fellow artists leading the midday sessions. The Benedetti Foundation tutors are drawn from across the UK’s conservatoires, orchestras and educational institutions.

In addition, three afternoons a week, she will host a show of her own. Every Tuesday, she will pick a new topic on her YouTube channel, which is in any case worth a visit. Every Thursday, Technique with Nicky will look at a topic that has been suggested by viewers. And every Sunday, Dinner with Nicky will be hosted live on Instagram and feature an interview with a special guest sharing dinner and drinks, thoughts about daily life now, music-making now and more.


Nicola Benedetti is one of the most-loved concert artists and a great ambassador for young music-making

Guest artists include (8 April) jazz expert Richard Michael who presents a guide to improvising, for string players. All you need is to be able to play a scale of G major, plus the will to have a go! Richard’s motto is 'mistakes are cool'. And even if you haven't got to G major yet (it's the one with F sharp), it doesn’t matter – you can still join in.

Violinist Rachel Cooper will be sharing games and activities for beginner string players (Thurs 9 April). This lesson is ideal for teachers, parents and children, so get your instruments ready to play along and join in.

Kodaly expert Lucinda Geoghegan leads a singing session to end the week (Fri 10 April). For teachers and children, she’ll be demonstrating how to sing using solfege system. It's important to hear the dots on the page, she explains... Be ready for a good old sing-song.

Lessons already available online include a session with Elena Urioste,a violinist and yogini, who talks about breath and music-making through yoga and meditation. She discusses wellbeing with Patrick King, head of percussion at the Royal Welsh Academy of Music & Drama, and principal timpanist at Welsh National Opera. He leads a live samba session suitable for all ages and abilities.

Benedetti herself is one of the world’s leading advocates for quality music education, the role of arts and culture in the wider community and the transformational effect it has on all young people. She has been committed to education projects since the age of 15 and in the past 12 months, Nicola has worked with over 4,000 students and 700 teachers.

Nicola Benedetti is a fantastic ambassador for the joy that comes from music-making, and any household is sure to welcome her infectious enthusiasm.