Empowering the next jazz generation in Wales: RWCMD launches National Youth Jazz Wales partnership

National Youth Jazz Wales is an ambitious new partnership between the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, National Youth Arts Wales and Jazz Explorers Cymru, to nurture and inspire the next generation of Welsh jazz musicians.

This new collaboration will offer a Wales-wide talent development programme, ensuring young jazz musicians can access high-quality education, expert mentorship and performance opportunities. Bringing together established jazz musicians from across Wales, it will build a strong, connected network that will inspire, support and nurture the jazz players of the future.

Providing accessible top-level jazz education

The partnership begins with a three-day jazz school in April and is open to instrumentalists and singers aged 14-22, from across Wales for workshops, masterclasses and rehearsals. Based at the Royal Welsh College, they’ll work with renowned jazz educators including RWCMD Head of Jazz Andrew Bain, Paula Gardiner, previously Head of Jazz at RWCMD and Huw Warren as well as specialist tutors. They’ll also be supported by RWCMD jazz students as part of their community and engagement training developing their own skills as mentors and educators

A new era of jazz in Wales

‘We want to build a community where the next generation of Welsh jazz musicians can flourish, working closely with our partners, music services and jazz promoters throughout Wales.
This exciting new partnership creates a long-awaited opportunity to provide accessible top-level jazz education, giving real focus and energy to young Welsh jazz students.’

Andrew Bain, Head of Jazz at RWCMD

The ambition is that this pilot will lead to a programme of support for young jazz musicians, including a summer school followed by a Wales-wide tour, and a new national youth jazz ensemble next year.

‘Working with the country’s most inspirational jazz professionals, the National Youth Jazz Wales partnership will provide a friendly and collaborative platform where young jazz musicians can connect with each other and develop together.

We aim to ensure every young musician from Anglesey to Newport, from Pembrokeshire to Colwyn Bay, can take an exhilarating journey in contemporary improvised music. Welcome to a new era of jazz in Wales!’

Evan Dawson, Chief Executive, National Youth Arts Wales

The pilot programme is supported by Arts Council of Wales and National Music Service Wales reinforcing the shared commitment to developing jazz education across the country.

For enquiries, please contact: nyaw@nyaw.org.uk

Editors notes

Jazz experience isn’t necessary but to make the most of the opportunity, ideally students should be at least Grade 5, or equivalent standard, on their instrument.

Course fees & bursaries: Thanks to support from our partners and the Arts Council of Wales, course fees have been subsidised to ensure accessibility. Costs vary depending on travel and accommodation, and bursaries are available for those from lower-income households.

Bursaries — National Youth Arts Wales
Students must either have been born in Wales, currently living in Wales, or studying full-time in Wales.

NJAW is committed to making this opportunity accessible to all. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

For further information National Youth Jazz Wales — National Youth Arts Wales