R&D sessions are put in place to make the projects NYJO delivers, more musically and creatively fulfilling for you. They allow a more collaborative process between you, the MD and your NYJO peers, enriching these exciting opportunities, overall, making being part of a NYJO project a more valuable experience. These sessions also allow for us to identify skills, music and mentors that you would like to build on and work with, further tailoring the opportunities we offer to your needs, goals and ambitions. Whilst these initial sessions are unpaid, the more invested and involved in this process you are, the more potential and push for output there will be, which will result in more paid work.

All dates for rehearsals and other NYJO professional development sessions will be shared in the Emerging Professionals WhatsApp group and via email. If you are booked for a performance project (e.g. James Baldwin), you will receive a project brief, which will include all relevant dates and times for the relating sessions, plus you will be added to a project, or gig, group chat. You can also check the NYJO EP monthly newsletters, which are linked on the member’s page. Reminders will go out, however you are responsible for making sure you have the correct dates and times in your diary.

In order for NYJO rehearsals and gigs to be the best they can be, we strongly advise that NYJO EPs attend all rehearsals and relating sessions as this allows for you and your peers to get the most out of the project. We understand that sometimes other work must take priority for artistic or financial reasons, and that illness is another factor that may impact your attendance. In the events of these, please talk to George Gatehouse (Ensembles Manager) as soon as possible. We will review these on a case-by-case basis and will be as understanding and supportive as possible, hopefully finding a solution that works for all involved. Often, we will ask for you to find your own dep, and it is your responsibly to make sure you have fully briefed them on the project and rehearsal or session details.

You will receive a project brief which will include a link to the project charts. All charts will be printed for you ready for the rehearsal period throughout which, the MD will select the set list. They will confirm the set list with you, before the first gig.

NYJO will make payment within 30 days of the activity date. Please do not chase payment unless this period is exceeded. If you need emergency payment, you can approach George Gatehouse or Kenyah Johnson who will speak to the designated finance team member.

The NYJO team always welcome feedback, good or bad, to help improve our project delivery and the experience of our valued musicians. You are always welcome to talk to any member of NYJO staff, all emails are available on our website. George is responsible for the EP Programme, with Kenyah also offering pastoral support and Vikki is NYJO’s safeguarding lead. If you wish to make your feedback anonymous you can send feedback here. Let’s continue to work together to make NYJO a thriving, creative and welcoming community! We also hold project debrief sessions to discuss how projects can be improved, and to celebrate what went well.