GISA Ambassadors

You will be assisted in gaining access to Classeek’s professional network, in collaboration with our partner Classeek, and besides being offered one set of strings, 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.

No. You are not obliged to commit a set number of hours or actions. The role is flexible and based on goodwill. If you support the values and standards of GISA and believe it could benefit students, your endorsement alone already makes a difference.

Yes! We’ll provide a starter kit (with text, visuals, and examples), and you’ll be in touch with a coordinator who can help you adapt your actions to your conservatory. You’ll also be part of a network of Ambassadors where you can share ideas and experiences — and support each other.

You’ll have access to clear guidelines, digital materials (flyers, images, suggested posts), and a contact person to help you adapt your actions to your context. You’ll also be part of a network of Ambassadors to exchange ideas and stay informed.

It’s entirely up to you. Being a GISA Ambassador is a flexible, voluntary commitment — it can range from sharing a few posts and flyers to organizing a short info session or helping a fellow student with their application. Even a few hours spread over several months can make a meaningful impact. You define your own involvement.

Not at all. This is not a sales job, and there are no quotas.
Being an Ambassador means sharing your experience and raising awareness, not pressuring your peers. If your actions inspire one student to apply — or even just to learn more — that’s already a success.

Absolutely. If you had a positive experience and want to help others discover the Academy, your involvement is valuable — regardless of whether you plan to apply again this year or not. Ambassadors are not limited to current applicants.

That’s a valid concern, but here’s the reality:
The Geneva International String Academy seeks excellence, not a quota. Promoting GISA doesn’t reduce your chances — it elevates the overall level, creates a sense of community, and shows leadership.
Also, admissions are based on merit, not on how many apply. Being an Ambassador shows maturity, initiative, and commitment — qualities that work in your favor, not against you.

That’s certainly one option, and experienced alumni are of course very welcome as Ambassadors. However, motivation and energy matter just as much. Even if you’ve only attended once or twice, your voice is still powerful.
The program is designed to be flexible: some Ambassadors will be active for one season, others for longer. Everyone brings value, whether they’re new alumni or long-standing members of the GISA family.

That’s completely fine. There are many ways to be an Ambassador — some prefer organizing things behind the scenes, sharing content online, or simply talking one-on-one with fellow students. Public speaking is optional. We encourage each Ambassador to contribute in a way that suits their strengths.

No formal approval is required. However, we recommend being transparent if you think it’s appropriate — especially if you’d like to present during a class or post materials inside your institution. If you're ever unsure, you can always check with your conservatory or ask us for advice.

We’re aware that some conservatories have tightened their rules regarding promotional displays. That’s completely fine.
Ambassadors are encouraged to work within the rules of their institution — digital outreach, word of mouth, or organizing a simple Q&A session with interested students are all great alternatives. Nothing needs to be forced. Flexibility is part of the approach.

This is a very important question — and we appreciate the awareness.
We encourage all Ambassadors to be respectful of their professor’s affiliations. There is no expectation to push GISA in situations where it would create tension. Instead, you can focus on sharing your own personal experience with fellow students, outside of formal classes, or in informal peer conversations.
We trust Ambassadors to navigate these relationships with tact, and we remain available to support you if a sensitive situation arises.

Even though Ambassadors are based in different countries and conservatories, we form one close-knit community.

You’ll be invited to join a private communication group (such as WhatsApp or an email circle) where you can exchange ideas, ask questions, share updates, and stay in touch.

We highlight inspiring actions taken by fellow Ambassadors, so that good ideas can travel from one conservatory to another. You’re never alone — this is a space for collaboration and encouragement.

GISA also checks in with the group regularly through a coordinator, and we may host short online meetups from time to time to share experiences or gather feedback.
You’re free to participate as much as you like — and even small contributions help the community thrive.

Whether you're launching a flyer campaign, talking to your professor, or simply posting on social media, your actions matter. Together, we build something bigger.

Ambassadors are eligible to receive a set of strings. The strings are provided through our partner, the luthier Atelier Pierre Barthel. You’ll simply be invited to discuss your choices with the luthier, and the strings will be either shipped to you or made available for pickup, depending on your location. We’ll reach out to coordinate everything directly.

Classeek is a professional platform that supports young classical musicians by providing career tools, performance opportunities, and artist visibility. As a partner of GISA, Classeek offers selected Ambassadors the chance to join its network. GISA Ambassadors may receive personalized guidance to access Classeek's resources and connect with a broader professional community.

No formal proof is required. We trust our Ambassadors and value every contribution, big or small. That said, if you share a social media post, organize a meeting, or distribute flyers, feel free to let us know — it helps us see what works.

Congratulations — and welcome! Start simple: choose one or two actions that feel natural to you.
You could share a post about GISA on social media, talk about the Academy with a fellow student or professor, or let your conservatory know about the opportunity.
The Ambassador Guide includes a list of suggested actions, but there’s no fixed path — you don’t need to do everything, just what feels right to you.
And of course, if you’d like support or ideas, we’re here to help. You're already making a difference.

A professor Ambassador acts as a bridge between the Academy and their institution. Their role is to inform students about the opportunity, encourage talented candidates to apply, and, where possible, help raise the visibility of the Academy within their conservatory or university.

You can:

• Share the call for applications with your students.
• Recommend the Academy to particularly promising young musicians.
• Display posters or forward newsletters within your department.
• Allow short presentations during your chamber music or instrumental classes.
• Serve as a contact person within your institution if students have questions.
• All of this is voluntary, and tailored to your availability and comfort level.

Yes — and your recommendation carries weight. If you know a student who would benefit from the GISA environment, we encourage you to let them know and, if appropriate, support their application with a letter or a note to the GISA team.

That’s entirely understandable. We encourage professor Ambassadors to adapt their involvement to their institution’s policies. In some cases, this may mean discreet word-of-mouth communication, digital forwarding of information, or private discussions with students — rather than public postings.

Not at all. GISA welcomes collaboration with educators from diverse backgrounds. The Ambassador role doesn’t imply exclusivity. We understand that many professors run or support other summer programs — the aim here is simply to inform students and help them find the experience that suits them best.

GISA offers a high-level, tuition-free program in Geneva, with world-class faculty, a strong focus on chamber music, and an immersive international experience. It supports young musicians artistically and financially, aiming for excellence. Supporting GISA means supporting access to opportunity for deserving young string players.

While this is not a remunerated position, GISA acknowledges the support of its professor Ambassadors on its website and official communications. Additionally, Ambassador professors strengthen their pedagogical network.