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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Miles Davis 100 at 606 Club

Event date - July 9, 2026

Locationvenue - 606 Club

Join us at 606 Club in London this July for a celebration of the music of Miles Davis. Read more

August Coventry Holiday Project

Event date - August 18, 2026

Locationvenue - Warwick Arts Centre

This August, NYJO Resident MD Winston Clifford will be leading a 2-day summer course in Coventry for young musicians aged 13-18. Read more

NYJO’s Big Band Summer School

Event date - August 27, 2026

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works

This August, NYJO is teaming up with Sam Eastmond to explore ensemble playing and improvisation! Read more

‘In Harmony’: NYJO’s Summer Vocal Project

Event date - August 29, 2026

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works

Come and join us this August to explore the music of Carole King through vocal harmony arrangements. Read more

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at Windsor Festival

Event date - September 19, 2026

Locationvenue - Windsor Parish Church, High Street

Our new ensemble makes it debut with a bold programme celebrating Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington Read more

Timeless Icons: The Music of Miles Davis & Nina Simone

Event date - September 19, 2026

Locationvenue - Cadogan Hall

An incredible night of iconic big band jazz, celebrating two of the all-time greats as part of this year's Chelsea Arts Festival. Read more

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra

A new, forward-looking big band programme for NYJO Emerging Professional musicians.

Find out more about getting involved, upcoming gigs and how you can support.

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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My NYJO Story | Iasmina

Iasmina is a saxophonist in our Sound Foundations programme. During a recent work experience stint with us, we asked Iasmina what NYJO means to them. Read more

My NYJO Story | Beau

Beau is a drummer in our NYJO Under 18s Band. During a recent work experience stint with us, we asked Beau what NYJO means to him. Read more

My NYJO Story | Juliette

Juliette is a vocalist in our NYJO First Collective. During a recent work experience stint with us, we asked Juliette what NYJO means to her. 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.”