GISA Ambassadors
Follow the links to reach out our GISA Ambassadors for any questions or guidance.
Ambassador
Cheng Io Lo
Studies:
Columbia University, Julliard School, Colburn School
Learn more
Ambassador
Eva Kobor
Studies:
Sivom Cap D’Ail School of Music, Académie Rainier III of Monaco, Liszt Ferenc Academy
Learn more
Ambassador
Alessandra Yang
Studies:
Julliard pre-college, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien
Learn more
Ambassador
Barbora Butvydaitė
Studies:
Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg
Learn more
GISA Ambassadors Program
This is your guide to becoming an Ambassador for the Geneva International String Academy (GISA).
It outlines your role as an Ambassador, answers frequently asked questions, and includes resources to help you get started and make an impact.
Why GISA Ambassadors?
- Promote the Academy to professors and conservatories
- Attract students' applications
What is the motivation of being an Ambassador?
- Being a GISA Ambassador is an opportunity to develop leadership, communication skills, and a sense of initiative. You become part of a team, gain experience that can enrich your CV.
- Each student Ambassador will be assisted in gaining access to ClasseekLink professional network, in collaboration with our partner Classeek.
- An Ambassador is eligible to receive one set of strings.
Who can be an Ambassador: Alumni and Professors.
GISA Calendar
- GISA Web Site ready: when Guest of honour is identified
- Flyers and Posters: December
- Applications start: December 15th
- Applications end: March, on first Monday at 23:59.
- Summer Academy: 9 days starting first week of July
What is the role of a GISA Ambassador?
Below is a list of suggested actions that a GISA Ambassador may take. These are flexible and meant to inspire, not prescribe. Be sure to read the Q&A section that follows to better understand the freedom you have in shaping your involvement according to your context and strengths.
Click to expand and read the answers
Introducing the Academy to Professors and Students
Contact violin, viola, and cello teachers
Identify the most influential teachers and send them an email explaining the benefits of GISA for their students.
Request a short meeting to present the Academy at the beginning or end of a class.
Provide promotional materials (brochures, website links, testimonials from former students).
Encourage teachers to personally recommend the Academy to their students.
Present GISA during chamber music classes
Ask to give a 10-minute presentation during chamber music sessions.
Show a slideshow with videos and testimonials from former participants.
Leave flyers for interested students.
Distribute flyers and posters in the conservatory and practice rooms
Place posters in strategic locations: entrance hall, cafeteria, classrooms, library.
Leave flyers at the conservatory's front desk.
Spreading the Word on Social Media
Share posts, videos, and stories on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp
Publish a content following a calendar (e.g., one post per month, one story per week during application period).
Use relevant hashtags (#GISA #GenevaStringAcademy).
Encourage students to share posts to increase visibility.
Publish testimonials from past participants and masterclass excerpts
Publish existing testimonial videos as contained in videos summarizing a day during the Academy.
Share GISA résumé clips and explain their educational value.
Post a “Did you know?” series about the professors and program.
Post original content: musician interviews, behind-the-scenes footage
Conduct interactive Instagram polls (e.g., "Do you know these pieces performed at GISA? Do you know participation costs are paid by GISA? …").
Organizing Presentations and Mini-Events
Information session
Book a room at the conservatory and invite students to a 20-minute presentation prepared by GISA.
Show a short GISA video about the Academy and answer questions.
Plan a Q&A session with past participants.
Live demonstration
Invite a former participant and have him/her share their experience.
Record and share this event on social media.
Introductory masterclass
Ask a violin, viola, or cello professor from GISA to host a masterclass.
Invite students to attend for free.
GISA Ambassador Q&A
Click to expand and read the answers
You will be assisted in gaining access to Classeek’s professional network, in collaboration with our partner Classeek, and besides being offered two free sets of strings per year, being a GISA Ambassador is an opportunity to develop leadership, communication skills, and a sense of initiative. You become part of the team, gain experience that can enrich your CV, and in the case of strong involvement, may be invited to perform during the Winter Season at the Franz Liszt hall of the Conservatoire de Genève.
Starter kit
The starter kit contains files you can download, including a powerpoint file. You will need to fill the form for getting the authorization.
References
- The Strad, "A deep mutual respect between generations – Q&A with the Geneva International String Academy directors", June 2025 - https://www.thestrad.com/playing-hub/a-deep-mutual-respect-between-generations-qanda-with-the-geneva-international-string-academy-directors/19867.article
- Presentation done in Estonia for the ECMTA, European Chamber Music Teachers’ Association, May 2025
Powerpoint presentation available in the starter kit. - 8 minutes Documentary on the Academy, September 2024
https://youtu.be/dHVD-9vZRd4 - GISA Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcKseqAjpf8ruZiHs2tuzQA
- Press articles: https://genevastringacademy.com/en/media-teaser-press
- List of all GISA academicians, select left menu of the page: https://genevastringacademy.com/en/musicians-biographies-2025
