Reflecting on a Transformative Musical Journey at Royal Greenwich Trust School

January 23, 2025

In Spring 2024, we partnered with Royal Greenwich Trust School for an exciting 8-week project aimed at nurturing creativity, developing musical skills, and laying the groundwork for a thriving music programme. Now, as we reflect on the journey, it’s clear that this collaboration left a lasting impact, not just on the students but on everyone involved.   

 

A Foundation for Growth   

 

Three years ago, classroom music didn’t exist at Royal Greenwich Trust School. Today, the music department—still a one-person team—is making incredible strides. The school’s first Rock Band, formed in October 2023, became the centrepiece of this project. Over the course of eight weeks, these young musicians went from performing covers by Mitski and Arctic Monkeys to creating their own music and exploring improvisation.   

 

Georgia, one of NYJO’s Emerging Professional musicians who led the project, reflected on this transformation:   

‘The highlight was definitely seeing the growth over the weeks. We started from a baseline level, and by the end, the students were creating their own music, playing together, and communicating so much more as a group. It was awesome to see their confidence grow.’  – Georgia, NYJO Emerging Professional drummer

‘I learned that making a mistake isn’t the end of the world’ – Participant Feedback 

 

Empowering Creativity   

 

The project embraced a youth-led approach, giving the students ownership of their learning. After selecting a project plan submitted by two NYJO musicians (Georgia and Amelia), the Rock Band members explored improvisation and songwriting, supported by their mentors’ guidance.   

 

‘The songwriting process was challenging but so rewarding. Some students really came out of their shells, and we found ways to embrace everyone’s abilities to create something truly collaborative. Seeing the quieter students take on leadership roles was incredible.’ – Georgia

‘I enjoyed making melodies, writing lyrics, working with other members of the band.’ – Participant Feedback 

 

 

A Culminating Performance   

 

The project culminated in a performance at a school event, showcasing everything the Rock Band had achieved. From the first tentative notes of improvisation to confidently performing their own original music, the students’ journey was a testament to their hard work and determination.   

 

‘The kids were amazing. By the end, they were all singing, all playing, and really proud of what they’d created. You could feel how much they’d grown—not just as musicians, but as a team.’ – Georgia 

 

Building for the Future   

 

This collaboration wasn’t just about one project; it was about setting the stage for long-term change. The Rock Band’s progress highlighted the potential for music to become a vibrant part of Royal Greenwich Trust School’s culture.   

 

‘It was so rewarding to see the impact on the students. I truly believe they’ll carry on building what we started, and I hope this is just the beginning of something much bigger for the school.’ – Georgia 

 

As NYJO and Royal Greenwich Trust School look ahead to future projects, this partnership stands as a powerful example of how music can transform lives. From fostering creativity to building confidence and community, the Rock Band’s journey is a reminder of the profound impact of music education.   

 

Here’s to continuing the rhythm of success! 

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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