Last year, One Education Music was proud to collaborate with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on a project to broaden children’s musical opportunities and open doors to the world of jazz. We both share a commitment to nurturing emerging musical talent and to creating accessible, high-quality progression routes for young people, regardless of their background, abilities, or location.
In particular, the project sought to develop young people’s improvisation skills. Improvisation sits at the heart of jazz music, allowing musicians to experiment, take risks, and discover their unique sound and style. For young people, this serves as both an outlet for creative expression as well as an opportunity to connect with others.
Over the course of the project, we were delighted to see the students develop a genuine passion and enthusiasm for jazz. As the sessions unfolded, it became clear they wanted more – not just one-off events, but regular, informal spaces where they could continue to explore, experiment, and make music alongside their peers.
In response, NYJO established a regular Jazz Jam: an open session for young people aged 13-18 who are curious about jazz, eager to experiment with improvisation, and ready to experience the joy of live music.
The first session in January was a resounding success. The room buzzed with energy as young musicians came together, sharing ideas and collaborating to create new sounds. This strong turnout was an encouraging sign of the Jazz Jams’ potential, with many more sessions planned to come!
Across the sessions, students will delve deeper into the art of improvisation, trying out different strategies to unlock their creative potential. We will also learn more about jazz theory, including scales, modes, chord progressions, and the skills to recognise key signatures and harmonic changes. Ultimately, young people will learn to build mastery over their instrument, allowing them to perform with confidence and truly connect with an audience.
Watching the Jazz Jam series take shape has been incredibly rewarding. From its beginnings as a collaborative project between One Education Music and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, it has grown into a space where young people are able to build their own musical community. We’re thrilled with the progress our students have already made, and can’t wait to see how their skills, confidence and talent continues to grow!
We look forward to how youth jazz continues to evolve. For dates and further information, please visit this link. Whether you’re just starting out or already developing your sound, there’s a place for everyone!
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