Jessica Benini, Singer-Songwriter and Music Teacher
Jessica Benini is a Canadian folk singer-songwriter and music teacher based in Victoria, British Columbia. She’s an inspired and passionate music instructor, and has taught voice, guitar, ukulele, harmonica and songwriting for more than 16 years, in person and online to students across Canada. Jessica also served as Artistic Director of the Victoria Ukulele Week Festival. She has released two albums, Express Yourself and No Regrets, and tours across Canada.
Teaching
Jessica has taught privately since 2009 and workshops since 2013, at Rufus Guitar Shop and Tapestry Music in Vancouver, Rosebud School of the Arts in Alberta, Windstars Music Academy, Larsen School of Music, Girls Rock Camp and community centres across Victoria. She teaches students of all ages and levels and works as a music therapist in Island Health's long-term care facilities. Before that, she spent seven years as a music therapist with the Intellectual Disabilities Society in North Vancouver. She has been leading ukulele workshops in Victoria for more than 10 years, and recently taught a two-day workshop at the Mayne Island Ukulele Festival. Her lessons are welcoming to 2SLGBTQI+ and neurodivergent students. Today most of her students learn online, with in-person private lessons and group ukulele, harmonica and guitar classes in Victoria.
Training
She is a graduate of Rosebud School of the Arts in Alberta with a degree in Theatre and Music. Jessica trained in London, Latvia, and New York developing herself as a performing artist and music instructor. In 2005 Jessica was selected among 50 artists around the world to participate in the Canadian National Voice Intensive at UBC in Vancouver. Jessica has trained with vocal coaches, Spencer Welch (Vancouver), Chris York (New York), Lucas Marchand (Toronto), Tim Mallandaine (Edmonton) and Per Bristow’s program (Sweden).
Performing
A nominated folk singer-songwriter, Jessica blends folk, roots, soul and blues, and is known for the harmonica solos in her live shows. With an acoustic guitar, harmonica and playful vocals, her songs reflect on her personal journey, exploring self-discovery, letting go, new beginnings and believing in yourself. She has self-released two albums, Express Yourself and No Regrets, and has toured North America and the UK, most recently across Canada through Toronto and Montreal. She has been featured numerous times at The Broadway Sessions in Times Square and showcased at the songwriter sessions at the Bitter End in NYC. She also plays in two touring rock bands based out of Vancouver, The Broken Islands and Roundelays. Upcoming shows · Videos.
Community
Jessica loves living back in Victoria and continues to teach and inspire her students to play music, in a fun and relaxed positive environment. Jessica is a part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and is inclusive and supportive to everyone. She also loves working with students who are neurodivergent.
Career Highlights
Instructor at the Mayne Island Ukulele Festival - 2026
Music Therapist at Island Health Long Term Care Facilities 2025 - present
Roundelays band member 2024 - present
The Broken Islands band member 2022 - present
Music Therapist at Intellectual Disabilities Society Summit North Vancouver 2018 - 2025
Instructor at Rufus Guitar Shop Vancouver 2019- 2024
Resident Artist at Sasquatch Ski Resort BC 2019
Instructor at Tapestry Music Vancouver 2017-2019
Artistic Director of Victoria Ukulele Festival 2017
Instructor at Larsen School of Music Victoria 2010 - 2016
Instructor at Windstars Music Academy Victoria 2015
Showcased at the Songwriter Sessions at the Bitter End in NYC 2015
Featured at Broadway Sessions in Times Square NYC 2011 - 2015
Nominated "Vocal Performance of the Year" Vancouver Island Music Awards 2014
Nominated "Best Live Act" Vancouver Island Music Awards 2012
Finalist at the Islands Folk Festival songwriting competition 2010