Sophie Redfern has joined Benslow Music as the new Head of Music & Learning following Laura Thompson's departure earlier this year.

She will lead the development and growth of Benslow Music's programme of around 150 short residential, day and online music courses and concert series. 

Sophie is a specialist in higher education and the arts, having held roles with the universities of Edinburgh, Nottingham and Sheffield, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and most recently as Lecturer in Music at King's College London.

She is a specialist in 20th-century music and is a regular speaker and programme note contributor, including to the BBC and Wigmore Hall.

She said: "I'm excited to be joining Benslow Music and feel tremendously lucky I get to be part of an organisation that is so special to so many people.

"As someone passionate about music education, being able to create opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities to come together to learn and make music is thrilling.

"With Benslow Music's centenary celebrations on the horizon in 2029, I look forward to welcoming ever more music lovers to be part of its rich and storied history."

Benslow Music's autumn/winter programme continues with residential, day and online short courses ranging from solo instrumental and classical chamber music, to jazz improvisation and folk music.

Courses for January-June 2025 are now available to book online with the July-December 2025 programme being announced in late November.

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