Jessica Benini is an inspired and passionate music instructor with over 16 years of teaching experience. Specializing in ukulele, guitar, harmonica, voice and songwriting, includes all genres and levels. 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).
Jessica worked at Rufus Guitar Shop and Tapestry Music in Vancouver, Larsen School of Music, Windstars Music Academy, Girls Rock Camp in Victoria. Jessica was the Artist Director for the Victoria Ukulele Festival in 2017. Jessica has been leading multiple ukulele workshops in Victoria for over 10 years. Jessica was the Music Therapist at Intellectual Disabilities Society in North Vancouver for 7 years and currently leads music therapy at long term care home facilities for Island Health. She continues to lead workshops, teach private lessons and gig on the Island. Jessica also plays in two touring rock bands, The Broken Islands and Roundelays based out of Vancouver.
Jessica is a nominated indie folk singer songwriter and has self released two albums. With an acoustic guitar, harmonica and playful vocals, Jessica's songs often reflect on her personal journey in life; exploring themes of self discovery, letting go, new beginnings and believing in yourself. Jessica has toured North America and UK, was featured numerous times at The Broadway Sessions in Times Square and showcased for the songwriter sessions at the Bitter End in NYC.
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
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