NYJO Under 18s First Collective

January 9, 2025

This group is run by a team of NYJO Emerging Professional (18-25 year old) musicians. We know that every musician’s journey is unique, so we’ve tailored our offerings to support a range of skill levels and goals. For those just stepping into the world of jazz, our ‘First Collective’ provides the perfect entry point.

First Collective is specifically designed for instrumentalists aged 11 – 16. This group is there to give young people the chance to explore improvisation and creative music-making within a safe and nurturing environment right from the start of their instrumental learning. First Collective focusses on ensemble experiences that emphasise growth, confidence-building, and, most importantly, fun.  

The group rehearses every Saturday during term-time from 12:00 – 13:30.

 

 

“The need for this group within our programme has been really clear throughout our recent work with schools. Many existing groups for more beginner players are targeted towards primary school-age children, meaning that young people who start learning an instrument as a teenager often feel that they have nowhere to go where they can play with others and build their skills within an environment that’s appropriately catered towards their age and interests. I really hope that this group can change that for many young people over the next few years!”

– Beth Ismay, Learning Programmes Lead

 

 

If you are interested in joining our NYJO Under 18s programme, please get in touch today by emailing [email protected].

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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