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: Jazz in the Crypt with Ecliptica

Event date - May 14, 2026

Locationvenue - The Crypt, Sinfonia Smith Square, London

NYJO returns to the stunning location of Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster for an evening of Jazz in the Crypt Read more

A Tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim at Norwich Jazz Festival

Event date - May 19, 2026

Locationvenue - EPIC Studios, Norwich

A big band tribute to the iconic South African pianist Read more

Sunshine the Afrooist X NYJO

Event date - May 30, 2026

Locationvenue - Arts Club Cambridge

An evening of Cosmic Energy with long-time NYJO collaborator and vocalist Sunshine the Afrooist. Read more

A Tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim

Event date - June 20, 2026

Locationvenue - B:Music Town Hall and Symphony Hall

NYJO pays tribute to this incredible music of celebration and protest with a performance the iconic Birmingham venue 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: October 2025 Holiday Project

Find out more about our October 2025 Holiday Project, where young people aged 14 - 18 had the chance to work with the incredible She's Got Brass. Read more

NYJO on Township Jazz, Reflections by Eve Abiodun

Read about the history of South African Township Jazz genre and the way this has informed our our wonderful performance and outreach work. Words by Emerging Professional violinist Eve Abiodun. Read more

Alumni Conversations: Lisa Grahame, Saxophonist

A third instalment in our series of insightful chats with our NYJO alumni; this week Sofi chats to saxophonist and composer Lisa Grahame about early NYJO memories and career highlights. 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.”