National Youth Jazz Collective

13/10/2026

Have you applied yet for NYJC’s This is the Sound of Leicester? Head over to our website to apply now! https://nationalyouthjazz.co.uk/sound-of-leicester-26/

A programme of 4 inspiring Sundays from December 2026- March 2027 in Leicester, where you’ll improve your improvising, band leading, composing, and playing by ear skills. NYJC are committed to ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier- bursaries are available for this programme and anyone can apply.

Deadline: 15 November 2026

Be inspired! Be empowered! Be Creative!

NYJC's Leicester-based programme, helping young musicians of all abilities develop their improvisation, composition, and band leading skills.

04/10/2026

Come and hear our 2026 Summer School combos!
Sunday 22 November 2026, 3pm–6pm at Guildhall School of Music & Drama's Milton Court Concert Hall.
We can't wait to hear our talented 2026 summer school participants perform as part of the Guildhall Jazz Festival. Join us for a spectacular afternoon of jazz!

This event is free and no tickets are required.
Be inspired! Be empowered! Be creative! And don't forget to

The National Youth Jazz Collective nurtures young improvisers, supporting their creative growth through small‑group jazz training from first steps to emerging professionals.

02/10/2026

FREE TASTER WORKSHOP!
Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am–12pm at Guildhall School of Music & Drama 's Milton Court.
As part of the Guildhall Jazz Festival, NYJC is delighted to be hosting a FREE taster workshop for young musicians aged 8-18 who want to find out more about the way we work and the music we play, and are keen to learn by ear, improvise, compose, and arrange with others.

Sign up below!👇

Be inspired. Be empowered. Be creative!   As part of the 2026 Guildhall Jazz Festival (in association with EFG London Jazz Festival), NYJC will be running a free taster workshop and an afternoon performance by 2026’s 5 Summer School combos.     Free Taster Workshop   Want to find out more abou...

27/09/2026

Apply now for This is the Sound of Leicester!
This programme of 4 Sundays starting in December 2026 and ending in March 2027 is for young musicians aged 8-18. We welcome all instrumentalists and vocalists (from beginner to young professional); you don't need to have experience playing jazz!

Apply by 15 November 2026!

Location: Cosmopolitan Arts , Leicester
Cost: £140 (£35 per day).
NYJC offers bursaries, anyone can apply.

Apply and find out more at: https://nationalyouthjazz.co.uk/sound-of-leicester-26/
Be inspired. Be empowered. Be creative! And don't forget to

12/09/2026

Calling all young musicians in the midlands!
Applications are now open for ’This is the Sound of Leicester 2026-27’
Apply at: https://nationalyouthjazz.co.uk/sound-of-leicester-26/

Our Leicester regional programme is open to young musicians aged 8-18 (from beginner to young professional) who are keen to collectively develop their ability to play by ear and build their confidence as an improviser, composer, and band member.

The programme runs sessions one Sunday a month from December 2026 - March 2027:
Sunday 13th December 2026, 10am-6pm
Sunday 17th January 2027, 10am-6pm
Sunday 21st February 2027, 10am-6pm
Sunday 21st March 2027, 10am-6pm

Location: Cosmopolitan Arts, Parkside House, 72 Friday Street, LE1 3BW
Cost: The participation cost for 4 days is £140 (bursaries are available).

Be inspired! Be empowered! Be creative! And don’t forget to !

This is the Sound of Leicester 2026-27   Be inspired. Be empowered. Be creative!   NYJC invites young improvisers and composers (from beginner to young professional) aged 8-18 to join its new series of inspirational workshops at Cosmopolitan Arts Parkside House, 72 Friday Street, LE1 3BW in Leices...

18/07/2026

Interested in joining our chaperone team? Get in touch by 21st July!

Come and join our 2026 residential Summer School Chaperone Team!

Dates: Sunday 9 August - Saturday 15 August
Location: Benenden School, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4AA
Fee: £103 per day plus travel expenses (accommodation and food are included)

If you’re interested, get in touch at [email protected] by 12pm on Tuesday 21st July with:
- a brief email saying why you are interested in the role,
- confirmed availability for the dates stated,
- your CV,
- and contact details of two referees. Ideally, at least one of the referees should be able to comment on your experience/conduct of working with under 18s.

We are looking for Chaperones who:
• Have experience in working with young people, including safeguarding.
• Have a current enhanced DBS certificate, preferably on the update service. (This can be arranged for you by NYJC if you don’t have an up-to-date DBS).
• Are aged over 21 – the participants range from ages 14-18
• Have great communication skills.
• Are sensitive to the needs of young people in a residential setting, including those with additional needs.
• Can maintain a good rapport with young people.
• Are able to maintain discipline in a residential setting.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
We're keen to hear from everyone, but particularly males for gender balance within the pastoral team

Find out more on our website: https://nationalyouthjazz.co.uk/summer-programme-2026/vacancy-chaperone2026/

15/07/2026

Come and join our 2026 residential Summer School Chaperone Team!

Dates: Sunday 9 August - Saturday 15 August
Location: Benenden School, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4AA
Fee: £103 per day plus travel expenses (accommodation and food are included)

If you’re interested, get in touch at [email protected] by 12pm on Tuesday 21st July with:
- a brief email saying why you are interested in the role,
- confirmed availability for the dates stated,
- your CV,
- and contact details of two referees. Ideally, at least one of the referees should be able to comment on your experience/conduct of working with under 18s.

We are looking for Chaperones who:
• Have experience in working with young people, including safeguarding.
• Have a current enhanced DBS certificate, preferably on the update service. (This can be arranged for you by NYJC if you don’t have an up-to-date DBS).
• Are aged over 21 – the participants range from ages 14-18
• Have great communication skills.
• Are sensitive to the needs of young people in a residential setting, including those with additional needs.
• Can maintain a good rapport with young people.
• Are able to maintain discipline in a residential setting.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
We're keen to hear from everyone, but particularly males for gender balance within the pastoral team

Find out more on our website: https://nationalyouthjazz.co.uk/summer-programme-2026/vacancy-chaperone2026/

01/07/2026

Tickets are now on sale for our 2026 Summer Programme concerts!
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/national-youth-jazz-collective-6265766477

Vocal Jazz Camp Concert – Sunday 9th August 2026 @ 3pm
An inspired programme of vocal repertoire, led by international superstar Pete Churchill working with a cohort of young vocalists. Come hear the magic unfold!

Summer School Concert – Saturday 15th August 2026 @ 5pm
Showcasing a vibrant and eclectic programme of repertoire, performed by 45 of the nation’s most gifted and talented young jazz musicians!

Short Course Concert – Sunday 16th August 2026 @ 4pm
Showcasing 30 of the nation’s most enthusiastic young musicians performing a diverse programme of repertoire.

All concerts take place at Benenden School in Kent.
Be inspired! Be empowered! Be Creative! And don't forget to

Video: Clip from 2025's Summer School concert. Alex Ridout & Jez Franks' combo play Timelessness by Bheki Mseleku.

14/06/2026

Apply by the end of today (14 June 2026) for our Composition Summer School!
Dates: 6 - 11 August 2026
Location: Benenden School, Kent

Find out more: https://nationalyouthjazz.co.uk/composition-summer-school-2026/
Or head straight to the application form: https://form.jotform.com/253292534178361

Be inspired! Be empowered! Be creative! And don’t forget to !

Be inspired. Be empowered. Be creative!   6th August 2026 – 11th August 2026 at Benenden School, Kent   Deadline extended to Sunday 14th June 2026!   A unique and inspirational opportunity for creative young composers and songwriters aged 14-18 to take their music making to the next level!   H...

12/06/2026

Have you applied for our Composition Summer School yet? There’s only two days to go before applications close on 14 June!
Apply at: https://nationalyouthjazz.co.uk/composition-summer-school-2026

This is a unique chance to spend an 6 days at Benenden School, Kent, composing an original piece of music, supported by inspiring tutors and fellow talented young musicians. Your music will be workshopped, performed, and recorded by one of our Summer School nonets (you can use the recording for your GCSE or A-Level portfolio!)

Be inspired! Be empowered! Be creative! And don’t forget to !