This campaign has now closed
For 60 years, NYJO has been transforming young lives through jazz. In that time, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra into a vibrant, varied organisation delivering engaging participation projects and powerful live performances for everyone. Now, we empower thousands of young people annually to build confidence, skills, and connections – helping them thrive, inspire others, and create a stronger, more inclusive future.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Young people making music has never been more important, in a world where resilience, confidence, and social connection are increasingly vital. Music is a tool for young people to grow, thrive, and build fulfilling futures: 84% say music makes their world better (Youth Music 2024). But young people also face significant barriers such as financial hardship, cultural exclusion, and a lack of relatable role models, which prevent them from reaching their potential – challenges disproportionately affecting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and those from Global Majority communities.
Solution
NYJO offers a broad and busy programme of Learning, Performance, and Outreach activities for young people aged 12-25 across England and Wales to build skills, confidence, and connections through jazz. We provide inclusive music education, tailored workshops, mentorship, and training. We especially support (and pay) 18-25-year-olds to teach and inspire younger musicians, creating a cyclical culture of playing, teaching, and growing. Beneath it all lies a belief that there is something unique and special in jazz music: we are informed by its past, belong to its present, and exist to ensure its long-term future.
