National Centre for Music bolsters founding team with new Director of Partnerships

The National Centre for Music has made its first senior management appointment, with Ben Schogler joining the organisation as Director of Partnerships. Ben will help shape the frameworks and relationships that will form the foundations of the new musical hub in Edinburgh.

Ben, who holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology, began his musical journey in Edinburgh’s hip hop, jazz and club scenes. As part of a NESTA research team focused on making music more inclusive, he went on to co-found Skoogmusic Ltd with Dr David Skulina. The Skoog brand successfully commercialised this cutting-edge research, bringing accessible music technology to artists, teachers and young people across the globe. His commercial journey has since seen him collaborate with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including Apple, Merlin Entertainment and even Sesame Workshop.

Throughout his career, Ben has worked closely with charities, councils, performance organisations, community groups and artists, using play as a powerful tool for connection, learning and inclusion. From collaborating with the Special Olympics to working with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, he has consistently helped push boundaries to make music playful, accessible and meaningful for people of all ages.

An Edinburgh local, Ben is delighted to be part of breathing new life into the iconic Old Royal High School. Ben’s appointment at this early stage of the National Centre for Music’s journey will be crucial in forging strong relationships with the vast and varied musical community across Scotland and beyond.

He said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the National Centre for Music at this pivotal time. The vision for the venue is exactly the kind of place I’ve always wanted to help build — open, joyful and full of possibility. Scotland’s music scene deserves a home that’s permanent, welcoming and alive, and I can’t wait to dive in and help create the partnerships that will bring this to life.

“I’ll continue as a non-executive director at Playable Technology — staying connected to the music-technology world — and I’m excited to bring that spirit of innovation into my role at NCM.”

Jenny Jamison, Chief Executive and Creative Director for the National Centre for Music said: "I am thrilled to be welcoming Ben to the National Centre for Music's team. We had a huge response when we advertised this role, and Ben stood out as bringing a really inspiring combination of deep passion for the power of music, a flair for entrepreneurial thinking, strong commercial acumen and significant experience in increasing access and inclusion.

“I am sure that with Ben on our team, we will continue to expand our networks across the whole breadth of Scotland's musical communities, keep thinking innovatively, and develop some new and transformative partnerships and programmes that attract a really wide variety of artists, participants and audiences. There is lots to do, and it's such a positive moment to be expanding the team who will make it all happen! The Board and I look forward to welcoming him.”