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. 

What’s on

October Holiday Project

October Holiday Project

Event date - October 27, 2025

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works

This October half-term, NYJO is teaming up with She's Got Brass for a 2-day musical exploration! Tell me more

October Vocal Workshops

October Vocal Workshops

Event date - October 30, 2025

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works

This October half-term, NYJO Vocalist Daisy Houlder is leading a 2-day deep dive into the music of Carole King! Tell me more

NYJO Under 18s Programme

NYJO Under 18s Programme

Event date - October 11, 2025

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works

The fourth week of Autumn Term in our NYJO Under 18s Saturday Programme. Read more

NYJO Under 18s Programme

NYJO Under 18s Programme

Event date - October 18, 2025

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works

The fifth week of Autumn Term in our NYJO Under 18s Saturday Programme. Read more

Woolwich Works Songbirds

Woolwich Works Songbirds

Event date - October 22, 2025

Locationvenue - Woolwich Works

Our Songbirds Singing Group at Woolwich Works returns for the Autumn Term! 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

Join our team – Development & Communications Coordinator

Join our team – Development & Communications Coordinator

Join NYJO, grow your skills and help shape the future of jazz in the UK! Read more

NYJO Learning: My London Project

NYJO Learning: My London Project

A creative music-making project for young people aged 13 - 18, exploring the musical sounds of London as it is now and envisioning a future for the city through song-writing. Read more

NYJO Learning: Manchester Widening Access

NYJO Learning: Manchester Widening Access

Find out more about our work in Manchester delivered across 2025, helping to build young people's confidence in improvisation and creative music-making. 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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