NYJO offers professional development, performance, and educator training 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 we want to see.
We have evolved from a single jazz orchestra into a vibrant, varied 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. We always welcome musicians’ ideas, input, and feedback, and we will 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!
In our Emerging Professionals’ own words:
I’ve expanded my knowledge of workshop leading through working with other young musicians. I feel like our agency as creatives and educators has adapted our skills to their skills.
I think when you come to NYJO, it’s very highlighted and emphasised that everyone is going at their own rate. Just because you might be a similar age, it doesn’t mean that you have to be at a specific level. You’ve got time, everyone is going on their own journeys.
Longer intensive sessions mean you get the chance to forge a band sound and get a band feeling…We can get an amazing blend with the instruments, with the dynamics and expression and giving everybody space to have a moment where they could be in the spotlight.
Throughout their time with us, a NYJO Emerging Professional musician can experience:
- 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 and work as a NYJO educator
- Masterclasses and mentoring (in musical and non-musical skills like personal 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 about our Latest Projects and NYJO Stories below.
Latest Projects
NYJO @ Levels Residency
The commencement of an exciting new residency at Levels in South London has seen collaborations with Levitation Orchestra, Jasmine Myra and Theon Cross to name a few!
Tribute to James Baldwin
NYJOs musical tribute to James Baldwin. Our programme The Fire Next Time led by the visionary bandleader Peter Edwards performed a sell-out show at Southbank Centre.
Fodder on my Wings
When EFG London Jazz Festival coincided with the 60th anniversary of NYJO our musicians celebrated by creating a stunning tribute to Nina Simone’s 1982 album Fodder on My Wings. This project was led by Trumpeter Olivia Cuttill.
NYJO Stories
NYJO Stories: Olivia Cuttill
After first getting involved with NYJO as an Emerging Professional 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. Read more
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
Get Involved
The team at NYJO is taking an exciting moment to shape the next chapter of our programmes and opportunities. We’d still love to hear from you, we’re especially keen to connect with musicians from underrepresented communities as we continue building a NYJO that champions your voice, creativity and development.
While some opportunities may take shape at different times across the year, we’re always looking to grow our wider community of musicians and stay connected with emerging talent across the country.
You’ll still find us performing at festivals, venues and events around the UK, so if you see us out and about, please do come and say hello. We always enjoy meeting musicians, audiences and future collaborators in person.
Thank you for your interest in NYJO and for being part of the journey. We’re looking forward to sharing more as new opportunities develop, and we hope you’ll be part of what comes next.