NYJO | The future of jazz

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

NYJO exists to empower and inspire young people across the UK through jazz.

NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a vibrant, varied organisation delivering engaging participation projects and impactful live performances for everyone.

We are 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.

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What’s on

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NYJO Presents: Blue Note Reimagined

Event date - March 5, 2026

Locationvenue - Warwick Arts Centre

An unforgettable evening of jazz paying tribute to the iconic record label. Read more

NYJO @ Levels: Sunshine the Afrooist

Event date - March 6, 2026

Locationvenue - Peckham Levels

Our monthly residency featuring guest artists from the UK jazz scene. This March, NYJO present: Sunshine the Afrooist! Read more

NYJO & Sam Eastmond Present: John Zorn’s MASADA

Event date - March 7, 2026

Locationvenue - B:Music Town Hall and Symphony Hall

MASADA tours to Birmingham's B:Music Symphony Hall. Read more

NYJO & Sam Eastmond Present: John Zorn’s MASADA

Event date - March 16, 2026

Locationvenue - Ronnie Scott's

MASADA tours to the legendary Soho jazz club. Read more

Theon Cross X NYJO, Newcastle

Event date - March 20, 2026

Locationvenue - Cobalt Studios, Newcastle

NYJO teams up with Visionary Tuba player and composer Theon Cross in Newcastle for an evening of collaboration, innovation and young talent. Read more

Network Hub Launch Event

Event date - March 21, 2026

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works, London

We are delighted to announce that on Saturday 21 March we will be launching our brand-new NYJO Network Digital Hub! 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

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NYJO Learning: Rhondda Cynon Taf 2026 Schools Tour

We are thrilled to announce that our programme of schools tours is back on the road and, this time, we are in the Welsh valleys! Read more

NYJO Learning: Leicestershire 2026 Workshops

Find out more about our 2026 work delivered in partnership with Leicestershire Music Hub for local secondary schools. Read more

Applications Open: NYJO Blueprint Orchestra

NYJO is now inviting applications for the first cohort of NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, a curated big band for emerging professional musicians, aged 18 –25, launching in 2026. Led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint ... 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)

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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)

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.”