Our latest news

Introducing our brand new Resident MDs…

Introducing our brand new Resident MDs…

Read all about the four new Resident Music Directors joining the NYJO team. Read more

NYJO Learning: Sound Foundations

NYJO Learning: Sound Foundations

Read about the first year of our first-access project with two local secondary schools. giving young people an instrument and lessons. Read more

Dancing about… Maritime Museum | Kenyah Johnson

Dancing about… Maritime Museum | Kenyah Johnson

Read the second in NYJO's Programmes Coordinator Kenyah Johnson's series, featuring interviews with musicians about their original shows. Read more

Celebrating the ‘Words in Space’ Project in Margate

Celebrating the ‘Words in Space’ Project in Margate

Find out more about this summer's partnership project in Margate, inspired by themes of space & identity. Read more

Introducing our new CEO, Yvette Griffith

Introducing our new CEO, Yvette Griffith

Renowned Leader in Jazz Community to Take Helm for a New Era of NYJO Read more

Dancing about… CLF Arts Lounge | Kenyah Johnson

Dancing about… CLF Arts Lounge | Kenyah Johnson

The read the first in a new series by NYJO's Programmes Coordinator Kenyah Johnson, featuring interviews with musicians about their original shows. Read more

NYJO in Lancashire: First Time Jazz 2024

NYJO in Lancashire: First Time Jazz 2024

Read about our upcoming tour of secondary schools in Lancashire, led by singer/songwriter Wolfie. Read more

NYJO Learning: King’s Cross schools tour

NYJO Learning: King’s Cross schools tour

In July, the first stage of our summer 2024 project in King's Cross gets started with a tour of local schools. Read more

Your Voice Matters: NYJO at The Talking Shop | Beth Ismay

Your Voice Matters: NYJO at The Talking Shop | Beth Ismay

Read our Learning Programme Manager's thoughts on jazz and political engagement in our new Welsh partnerships. Read more

NYJO Summer

NYJO Summer

It's shaping up to be a busy and exciting Summer for the NYJO team! Read all about the four main projects we'll be delivering in the coming months. Read more

NYJO Learning: Levitation Orchestra half-term project

NYJO Learning: Levitation Orchestra half-term project

This May half-term, NYJO is teaming up with Levitation Orchestra for an immersive 3-day project at Woolwich Works, exploring performance and composition. Read more

Susie York Skinner leaves NYJO as Chief Executive

Susie York Skinner leaves NYJO as Chief Executive

We are sad to announce that NYJO's Chief Executive, Susie York Skinner will be leaving the organisation later this year. Read about her time with NYJO and her new role. Read more

My NYJO Story | Anna Baalbaki

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! Read more

NYJO Learning: half-term project with Steam Down

NYJO Learning: half-term project with Steam Down

Read all about our brilliant project with Steam Down in February this year, and listen to the amazing original works created by the young musicians during the 3-day workshop. Read more

Community Choir: One year on

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. Read more

NYJO Learning: Sound Foundations

NYJO Learning: 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! Read more

NYJO in Wales: Music for Social Engagement

NYJO in Wales: Music for Social Engagement

The NYJO Learning team is collaborating with three new partners in Wales, looking at how music can be used for social engagement. Read more

NYJO in Leicester: Second Line

NYJO in Leicester: Second Line

Read all about how our New Orleans-style parade project fared at its first outing in Leicester. Read more

NYJO Learning: We Out Here 2023

NYJO Learning: We Out Here 2023

Read all about our tuba workshops in memory of the great Pharaoh Sanders at We Out Here last year and what made them so special. Read more

NYJO Learning: Steam Down half-term project

NYJO Learning: Steam Down half-term project

This February half-term, NYJO is delighted to be teaming up with Steam Down for a very exciting 3-day project happening at Woolwich Works! Read more

Nikki Yeoh & NYJO Present: Speechmik X-Ploration

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. Read more

NYJO Wintery Picks 2023

NYJO Wintery Picks 2023

We asked NYJO staff, board, and musicians for their favourite seasonal music   In what is now a long-standing tradition, we have created a playlist with the favourite seasonal music of the extended NYJO ... Read more

NYJO Learning: First Time Jazz

NYJO Learning: First Time Jazz

Read all about our first-access Learning project, touring secondary schools in North Lincolnshire and Thurrock. Read more

Andy Grappy joins the NYJO Board

Andy Grappy joins the NYJO Board

Tuba player and inspirational jazz educator Andy Grappy has joined the NYJO Board. Read more about Andy's experience and what he brings to NYJO. Read more

Black Women in Jazz: Samara Joy

Black Women in Jazz: Samara Joy

Read the second of our blog series celebrating Black Women in Jazz, for this year's Black History Month. Words by guest contributor Yewande Adeniran. Read more

Black Women in Jazz: Nina Simone

Black Women in Jazz: Nina Simone

Read the first of our blog series celebrating Black Women in Jazz, for this year's Black History Month. Words by guest contributor Yewande Adeniran. Read more

NYJO in Lancashire: Jazz Futures

NYJO in Lancashire: Jazz Futures

Read about our Jazz Futures project, developed in partnership with Lancashire Music Service, to inspire young people in the county to start their musical journey. Read more

NYJO in Cardiff: Creative Improvisation

NYJO in Cardiff: Creative Improvisation

Read all about NYJO's Creative Improvisation project in Cardiff, delivered in partnership with the Cardiff & Vale Music Service as part of our Widening Access programme. Read more

Vocal Workshops (June half-term)

Vocal Workshops (June half-term)

Read about our vocal workshops in June, led by Scarlet Halton and Ranjana Ghatak at our home in Woolwich Works. Read more

A NYJO July | Liam Gesoff

A NYJO July | Liam Gesoff

New team member Liam Gesoff follows NYJO around the country to find out what we’re all about. Read his thoughts and reflections as he gets to know our work. Read more

Making Music w/ NYJO & Greenwich Carers

Making Music w/ NYJO & Greenwich Carers

Join our music making workshops and release your inner-creativity! These sessions are open to all, but anyone with caring responsibilities living locally is especially encouraged to register. Read more

NYJO in Durham: Creative Composition

NYJO in Durham: Creative Composition

Read all about NYJO’s creative composition project, delivered in partnership with Durham Music Service and led by Olivia Murphy, aimed at young musicians from Durham to Darlington. Read more

NYJO in Cumbria: Jazz Residential

NYJO in Cumbria: Jazz Residential

Watch what happened when NYJO partnered with Cumbria Music Hub to host a Jazz weekend residential combining music-making and outdoors activity to overcome rural isolation. Read more

June Half Term Vocal Workshops

June Half Term Vocal Workshops

This June, NYJO are running two days of vocal workshops on jazz improvisation and Indian Vocal technique, for young people of all levels of experience aged 12-18. Read more

NYJO’s (unofficial) Learning Manifesto

NYJO’s (unofficial) Learning Manifesto

For International Jazz day, we sat down with Winston, Jennie, and Nancy to talk about their experience in the NYJO Under 18s programme. Read more

NYJO in Lancashire: Widening Access

NYJO in Lancashire: Widening Access

In 2022-23, NYJO is delighted to be partnering with Lancashire Music Hub on their Jazz Futures project, led by young people and for young people! Read more

NYJO in East Kent: Widening Access

NYJO in East Kent: Widening Access

NYJO is partnering with Deal Music & Arts to provide new opportunities for young jazz musicians in East Kent. Read more

NYJO in Hull: Creative Composition

NYJO in Hull: Creative Composition

In 2022, we were delighted to partner with Hull Music Service on a new creative composition project. Read more

Sherard Road Songbirds

Sherard Road Songbirds

In January 2023, we announced a new partnership with Age UK Greenwich on a community singing group. Read more

NYJO Learning Holiday Projects

NYJO Learning Holiday Projects

In 2021-22, NYJO ran three holiday projects with featured educators including Jas Kayser, Blue Lab Beats, Byron Wallen, and FLOetic Lara. Read more

Nigel Tully MBE retires as NYJO Chair

Nigel Tully MBE retires as NYJO Chair

We are sad to announce the retirement of Nigel Tully MBE as Chair of Trustees. Read more

NYJO in Cumbria: Easter Jazz Weekend

NYJO in Cumbria: Easter Jazz Weekend

NYJO is partnering with Cumbria Music Service for a jazz weekend residential led by NYJO alumna Olivia Murphy. Read more

February Half Term Vocal Workshops

February Half Term Vocal Workshops

Join us for three days of vocal workshops across February Half Term! Read more

She Said: Buy, Stream, Download

She Said: Buy, Stream, Download

You can now order your CD or download our latest album, She Said. Read more

NYJO Christmas Picks 2022

NYJO Christmas Picks 2022

As has become tradition in the NYJO family, we created a playlist with our favourite Christmas music, chosen by NYJO staff and musicians. Read more

NYJO in Durham: Creative Composition

NYJO in Durham: Creative Composition

NYJO Learning is partnering with Durham Music Service for a creative music writing project led by NYJO alumna Olivia Murphy. Read more

Trustees’ Week: meet NYJO’s new Trustees

Trustees’ Week: meet NYJO’s new Trustees

This Trustees’ week, we would like to introduce you to the NYJO Board most recent additions. Find out why Trustees are so important, in their own words. Read more

NYJO Arts Council NPO Announcement

NYJO Arts Council NPO Announcement

Arts Council England has announced the 990 arts organisations that will make up their National Portfolio for 2023-26, and NYJO is one of them. Read more

Black History Month: Monk & Charles

Black History Month: Monk & Charles

This Black History Month, we celebrate the crucial legacy of two of the most important musicians of the 20th century: Thelonious Monk and Ray Charles. Read more

Tommy Blaize & NYJO Present: Ray Charles

Tommy Blaize & NYJO Present: Ray Charles

A 19-piece NYJO band is joined on-stage by national treasure Tommy Blaize to perform the unforgettable songs of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, Ray Charles. Read more

NYJO x The Bloom Collective

NYJO x The Bloom Collective

Join NYJO and The Bloom Collective for discussion and music-making, celebrating young women in jazz! Read more

We’re Hiring! NYJO Creative Producer

We’re Hiring! NYJO Creative Producer

NYJO is looking to recruit an ambitious and dynamic Creative Producer. Find out more and apply now! Read more

She Said: pre-order now!

She Said: pre-order now!

You can now pre-order your copy of She Said! Read more

She Said – out soon!

She Said – out soon!

NYJO's latest studio album is on its way! She Said celebrates women's contribution to jazz - past, present, and future. Read more

Monk at Town Hall: the Story

Monk at Town Hall: the Story

What was it that made The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall the stuff of jazz lore? We delve into the story behind the legendary recording. Read more

Meeting Points | Beth Ismay

Meeting Points | Beth Ismay

Learning Programmes Manager, Beth Ismay, talks about our work to bring young people together through learning and development opportunities. Read more

NYJO Learning: Summer Lab 2022

NYJO Learning: Summer Lab 2022

This Summer, NYJO Learning is teaming up with Blue Lab Beats for a very special Summer Lab focused on Jazz & Electronics. Read more

NYJX @ We Out Here

NYJX @ We Out Here

The NYJX joins the legendary Pharoah Sanders, Kokoroko, and The Comet is Coming at the 2022 edition of the We Out Here Festival. Read more

Amy Winehouse: A Final Celebration

Amy Winehouse: A Final Celebration

NYJO's Amy Winehouse celebratory tour reaches its end with a final performance in Birmingham on 30 July. Young creative leads Olivia Murphy and Lucy-Anne Daniels talk about the project. Read more

Basie & Beyond!

Basie & Beyond!

Blistering solos at break-neck speeds, join Artistic Director, Mark Armstrong, as he leads a NYJO 18-piece through bespoke arrangements of classic American Songbook melodies. Read more

Monk at Town Hall

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 Tony Kofi, NYJO celebrates this ground-breaking work. Read more

A Case for Collective Creativity | Paul Lewis

A Case for Collective Creativity | Paul Lewis

NYJO's Creative Producer, Paul Lewis, talks of the importance of developing a national jazz community to nurture and support the next generation of UK jazz musicians. Read more

NYJO Learning @ We Out Here

NYJO Learning @ We Out Here

In Summer 2022, we were absolutely delighted to receive a donation of tubas and euphoniums from Trevor James which featured in our work at We Out Here Festival that year. Read more

Our Saturday Story

Our Saturday Story

On Saturdays at NYJO Learning, we run a programme of weekly ensembles designed to support young people under the age of 18 to progress musically and make new friends. Read more

Working in Partnership

Working in Partnership

Partner working is at the heart of much of NYJO Learning’s activities. Read more about how we are currently working in partnership with SoundSkool and Cardboard Citizens. Read more

Cardiff & Rhondda Songwriting Project

Cardiff & Rhondda Songwriting Project

In Spring 2022, we were delighted to work with Cardiff and Vale Music Services and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on a songwriting project. Read more

NYJO Jazz Messengers 2022

NYJO Jazz Messengers 2022

In July 2022, NYJO Learning embarked on a Greenwich Jazz Messengers Schools’ Tour aimed at inspiring young people to take up an instrument and get involved in extra-curricular music-making. 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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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."

Leah-Anais, NYJO Under 18s

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