Also known as the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, NYJO is an organisation dedicated to making jazz and creative music-making more accessible to early-career musicians, young people, and audiences across the country. Throughout our activity, we seek to create a meeting ground between the established and the experimental – the past, present, and future – to build bespoke programmes which cater to lifelong and new jazz fans.
Our main focus is the professional development of emerging artists and our Learning programme for under 18s. We work in close collaboration with likeminded partners to deliver projects that respond to local community needs and create an inclusive learning environment which centres the voices of young people.
We are proud to be an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and to work towards delivering ACE’s ‘Let’s Create’ strategy to make the arts sector more inclusive and reflective of modern Britain.
Emerging Professionals
We curate exciting performance projects for audiences and emerging professional musicians aged 18-25, underpinned by a programme of Professional Development.
Nikki Yeoh & NYJO: Speechmik X-Ploration
NYJO joins UK Jazz pianist Nikki Yeoh on stage for a special programme where new and reimagined work redefine the boundaries of big band music. See all tour dates here.
NYJO & Tommy Blaize: Ray Charles
A 19-piece NYJO band is joined on tour by Strictly Come Dancing singer Tommy Blaize to perform the unforgettable songs of one of Ray Charles.
NYJO Presents: Dizzy Gillespie
In this programme, NYJO’s Head of Music, Mark Armstrong, leads a NYJO sextet in celebration of the joyous, ever-green music of one of Jazz’s great iconoclasts.
NYJO Learning
We create accessible learning activities for all, providing young people with impactful tools for personal growth through creative music-making.
NYJO Learning: London
Based in Woolwich, NYJO Learning’s work in London includes our Saturday Under 18s programme, Holiday Projects, and Community Outreach.
NYJO Learning: National
Our national programme is based around Widening Access partnerships that respond to our partners’ work and their communities’ needs.
My NYJO Story | Anna Baalbaki
Anna joined NYJO’s Under 18s programme in 2021. We have invited her to write about her experience with the group, what jazz means to her, and her plans for the future. Read all about it here!
Community Outreach
We are passionate about responding to and representing our communities, both locally and nationally, in physical and digital spaces.
Levitation Orchestra half-term project
May half-term 2024, NYJO is teaming up with Levitation Orchestra for an immersive 3-day project at Woolwich Works, exploring performance and composition.
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!
Community Choir: one year on
The Sherard Road Songbirds, our community choir ran in partnership with Age UK Greenwich is a place where adults can connect through music. Read all about the project here.
NYJO Stories
Our work is best described by those who benefit from it. Read the stories of NYJO musicians, students, staff, and educators.
Olivia Cuttill
After first getting involved with NYJO in our programme with guest artist Nikki Yeoh, Olivia and her quintet toured the country to promote their debut album with NYJO’s support. Read about Olivia’s NYJO story.
Jennie Beard
After coming close to giving up music altogether, Jennie joined the NYJO Under 18s programme in 2021, which had a transformative impact in her life. Read about Jennie’s NYJO story.
Olivia Murphy
Having first joined NYJO as an under 18 musician attending our Saturday sessions, Olivia now leads her own Saturday group at Woolwich Works. Read all about her NYJO journey to get there!
Our team
Yvette
Griffith OBE
Chief Executive
Yvette and the NYJO team champion a vibrant and inclusive jazz landscape with a commitment to access, excellence and equity.
Read more
Vikki
Maudave
Head of Programmes
Vikki oversees the design, development and delivery of our national programme.
Read more
Mariana
Curado
Operations & Partnerships Manager
Mariana supports the delivery teams & leads on NYJO partnerships.
Read more
Support us
Support the future of jazz
Can you help us nurture a nation of young jazz musicians?
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.