NYJO offers professional development, performance, and networking opportunities to emerging professionals aged 18-25 looking to further their career playing jazz and adjacent genres. In everything we do, we aim to be inclusive and representative of our beneficiaries and the jazz community at large.
We have evolved from a single jazz orchestra into a multifaceted organisation, working on creatively diverse programmes with ensembles of all sizes. All the musicians in our books are added to a talent pool, to which opportunities are offered, rather than being given a “chair” for a set amount of time. We always welcome musicians’ ideas, input, and feedback, and we endeavour to personalise your NYJO experience to your goals and needs. Whether you want to play big band jazz, or original arrangements with your trio – we’re here for it!
Throughout your time with us, you will get:
- Continuous professional development
- The opportunity to play a wide range of styles in different sized ensembles
- The chance to work with guest MDs and artists from the UK and beyond
- National and international touring opportunities
- Opportunities to train as a NYJO educator
- Masterclasses and mentoring (in musical and non-musical skills like finance, marketing, and fundraising)
- Arranging and composing opportunities
- Support with your own projects
- The chance to meet and collaborate with peers and established musicians
Find out more below about our latest projects, NYJO stories, and how you can get involved, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with NYJO’s Ensembles Manager, George Gatehouse at [email protected] for more info.
In our Emerging Professionals’ own words:
Getting to hear from such experienced professionals in all parts of the industry has really guided me in my approach to playing, networking and interaction with fellow professionals.
NYJO has set me up from there with a close network of musicians and friends whom I now regularly work with outside of the band.
I have just finished working on the Ray Charles tour with Tommy Blaize, which has been one of the best gigs I think I’ll ever do.
Latest Projects
Nikki Yeoh & NYJO present: 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 present: Ray Charles
A 19-piece NYJO band is joined on-stage by BBC Strictly Come Dancing singer Tommy Blaize to perform the unforgettable songs of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century: Ray Charles.
NYJO & Mark Armstrong present: Dizzy Gillespie
In this programme, NYJO Artistic Director, Mark Armstrong, leads a NYJO sextet in celebration of the joyous, ever-green music of one of Jazz’s great iconoclasts: Dizzy Gillespie.
NYJO & Tim Garland present: Chick Corea
Tim Garland, whose work with Chick Corea won him an EMMY in 2009, leads a NYJO 18-piece ensemble in commemoration of one of the best improvisational jazz musicians of all time.
NYJO & Tony Kofi present: Monk at Town Hall
The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall is Monk’s seminal large ensemble recording, released in 1959. Under the direction of award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi, a NYJO dectet pays tribute to this ground-breaking work.
NYJO presents: Blue Note
NYJO presents an 18-strong Jazz Orchestra to perform a mixture of new and existing arrangements to celebrate the iconic Blue Note Records and its incomparable contribution to jazz music.
NYJO Stories
NYJO Stories: 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. Read more
NYJO Stories: 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! Read more
NYJO Stories: Jess Bull Anderson
Now one of NYJO’s most dedicated and talented trombonists, Jess faced multiple barriers in her jazz journey, from sexism in school jazz bands to battles with her physical health. Read more
Get involved
If you’re interested in joining NYJO, get in touch and let us know about yourself and the kind of opportunities you’re looking for. We’re keen to hear something of your playing or to read about the performing you’ve done so far, but also to learn about you, so a combination of show and tell create an ideal introduction. We can’t wait to hear from you!
For more information about our current and upcoming opportunities, how you can take part, or if you’d like to have a chat before applying, please get in touch with NYJO’s Ensembles Manager, George Gatehouse, at [email protected].
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