NYJOS Access

NYJOS Access is a training ground for the next generation of top jazz musicians, giving up to 25 students aged 12-18 from across the whole of Scotland the opportunity to refine their improvisation and key solo and ensemble skills, as a step along the pathway to participation in the flagship NYJOS ensemble. Recent NYJOS Access performances have taken place at venues across Scotland, including the Edinburgh Jazz Bar, Paisley Grammar, Birnam Arts Institute, Eden Court and the National Museum of Scotland.

Aspiring students are identified by the NYJOS Artistic Directors through the annual auditions, and are then invited to take part in 2 residential courses; a long weekend in March and the Summer School in July. These courses provide an opportunity for students to build upon their learning throughout the year, offering opportunities to work in small and large groups and both involve preparation for public performances. Repertoire includes traditional big band standards through to challenging modern repertoire; through this the students also learn key jazz history.

Back in March, NYJOS Access enjoyed an intensive period of workshops and rehearsals, honing their improvisation and ensemble skills in preparation for a performance of repertoire based around Miles Davis' studio album Kind of Blue, played to a packed Jazz Bar in Edinburgh.

We are delighted that NYJOS Access has been invited to take part in the 2013 Aberdeen Jazz Festival (from 15-17 March 2013).

Please click play on the video below to watch NYJOS Access rehearse and perform and listen to the students describe the experience in their own words.