NYJO exists to empower young jazz musicians and inspire audiences across the UK through engaging participation projects and impactful live performances.

NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a multifaceted organisation that is committed to supporting and developing musicians of all styles and standards.

Whether you want to become the next emerging artist or simply play for fun – we’re here for it.

What’s on

Jazz Day: Canterbury

Jazz Day: Canterbury

Event date - March 20, 2024

Locationvenue - Canterbury College

We're running a Jazz Day at Canterbury College for Kent schools and colleges. Tell me more

NYJO Presents: Art Blakey

NYJO Presents: Art Blakey

Event date - March 22, 2024

Locationvenue - Petersfield Festival Hall

A NYJO sextet celebrates pays homage to Art Blakey and his contributions to jazz and hard bop. Tell me more

Jazz Day: Canterbury

Jazz Day: Canterbury

Event date - March 20, 2024

Locationvenue - Canterbury College

We're running a Jazz Day at Canterbury College for Kent schools and colleges. Read more

NYJO Presents: Art Blakey

NYJO Presents: Art Blakey

Event date - March 22, 2024

Locationvenue - Petersfield Festival Hall

A NYJO sextet celebrates pays homage to Art Blakey and his contributions to jazz and hard bop. Read more

NYJO Presents: Charles Mingus

NYJO Presents: Charles Mingus

Event date - April 14, 2024

Locationvenue - PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

NYJO return to Dean Street for a new concert of the works of bassist and writer Charles Mingus. Read more

NYJO Learning

NYJO Learning nurtures young musicians through high quality workshops, courses and performance opportunities. We value access, inclusivity and progress at all levels and believe in harnessing the power of musical participation as a tool for personal growth.

News

NYJO Learning: Sound Foundations

NYJO Learning: Sound Foundations

We are running a first-access project in partnership with Harris Academy Greenwich and the Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls to give young people an instrument and lessons! Read more

NYJO in Wales: Music for Social Engagement

NYJO in Wales: Music for Social Engagement

The NYJO Learning team is collaborating with three new partners in Wales, looking at how music can be used for social engagement. Read more

NYJO in Leicester: Second Line

NYJO in Leicester: Second Line

Read all about how our New Orleans-style parade project fared at its first outing in Leicester. Read more

Lucy-Anne (EP quote)

“Since joining NYJO, I’m so much more confident as a performer. Especially in terms of being able to entertain and keep the crowd engaged with you. It’s really nice to be able to feel that difference.” 

Lucy-Anne, NYJO Emerging Professional (Vocals)

Georgia (EP quote)

“It’s hard to just learn this music in the practice room but being immersed in the music at NYJO is a great environment to really push my playing. ” 

Georgia Ayew, NYJO Emerging Professional (Drums)

Sam Eastmond (MD quote)

“Giving them space to create whatever they wanted, without setting parameters of idiom or style helped them to conceptualise how they could bring these new concepts into their work without scaring them off, or mystifying the process.”

Sam Eastmond, NYJO Educator

Jazzwise quote

“NYJO has never been conformist, never hewing to one particular line, never known for fawning replications and very deliberately these days a vehicle for new possibilities.”

Jazzwise Magazine

Lydia (EP quote)

“The past year has been an absolutely incredible experience, pushing me way out of my comfort zone into playing with some of the greatest young jazz players of my generation and getting to call them my colleagues and friends has been beyond inspiring, and also an obscene amount of fun!”

Lydia Cochrane, NYJO Emerging Professional (Saxophone)

Anna (Learning national quote)

“[The NYJO residential in Cumbria] helped me to make friends with other young musicians. I enjoy playing a lot more and I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished. I feel more confident now. I have learnt different ways of coming up with solid melodies and also a little bit on harmonies. I think it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Anna, NYJO Learning Widening Access participant

Briony (Learning U18s quote)

“I’ve felt very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing musicians, and I think that the environment at NYJO – which has fostered creativity and improvisation – has allowed my confidence and musical ideas to grow.”

Briony, NYJO Under 18s

Oscar (Learning U18s quote)

“I think I’ve progressed a lot in my piano-playing. NYJO has helped me to flourish and really enjoy it. I’ve really enjoyed being engrossed in a high level of playing and learning things in a hands-on-way. I also like the diversity of perspectives and abilities of all the players and teachers which enables me to try things I might not normally.”

Oscar, NYJO Under 18s

Jennie (Learning U18s quote)

“NYJO has got me listening to more jazz and learning more changes. It has also helped with working as a band. I’ve really enjoyed the free jazz, learning by ear, the people, and the atmosphere.”

Jennie, NYJO Under 18s

Leah-Anais (Learning U18s quote)

“I love the people at NYJO. Everyone here is so encouraging and lovely and it makes the experience worthwhile. Though I have fun I’m still learning on the way which makes me feel productive too.”

Leah-Anais, NYJO Under 18s

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Join our passionate community of Friends, grant-making organisations or corporate sponsors at a level that suits you and share your love of jazz with the next generation.