Born (July 1987) in West Kilbride in Ayrshire, United Kingdom, she started to learn the violin at the age of four. By the age of nine, she had already passed the eight grades of musical examinations, and in September 1997 began to study at the Yehudi Menuhin.

In the following year, Nicola performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, amongst others. In 2002, she won Britain's Brilliant Prodigy Competition, broadcast nationwide by Carlton Television. She left the Menuhin School shortly after, and at the age of 15 began studying with Maciej Rakowski, former leader of the English Chamber Orchestra.

You can hear samples of her music at her official website, www.nicolabenedetti.co.uk.