National Youth Jazz Wales is a new partnership between the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), National Youth Arts Wales and Jazz Explorers Cymru. It will offer a talent development programme for young jazz musicians across Wales, ensuring they have access to high-quality education, expert mentorship, and performance opportunities. Established jazz musicians from across Wales will come together in a strong, connected network that will inspire and nurture the next generation of Welsh jazz players.
The initiative opens on 14–16 April with a three-day jazz school at the RWCMD. Instrumentalists and singers aged 14-22 from across Wales are invited to participate in workshops, masterclasses and rehearsals led by 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 will also be supported by RWCMD jazz students as part of their community and engagement training developing their own skills as mentors and educators.
Bain said: ‘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.’
Future plans include a summer school followed by a Wales-wide tour, and a new national youth jazz ensemble next year.
Evan Dawson, Chief Executive, National Youth Arts Wales, said: ‘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!’
The pilot programme is supported by Arts Council of Wales and National Music Service Wales.
Jazz School
14–16 April, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
For students born in Wales, or currently living in Wales, or studying full-time in Wales
Jazz experience isn’t necessary; students should ideally be at least Grade 5 or equivalent standard on their instrument.
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.
