Discover the Workshop
What’s the New Sounds Jazz Workshop?
Welcome to the New Sounds Jazz Workshop – a free, independent and immersive jazz experience for young musicians.
Hosted at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and led by some of the UK’s top jazz artists and educators, this workshop is designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and confidence in a supportive setting.
Young musicians aged 11–18 will explore rhythm, jazz harmony, improvisation, and ensemble playing in small groups of up to 8 participants.
Learn from award-winning professional musicians
Dive into improvisation, groove and jazz repertoire
Explore jazz history and modern influences
Take part in masterclasses and live tutor sessions
Perform with others and develop your musical voice
Make it a week long!!
- 2025 participant
Meet the Team
-
Richard Foote
Trombone - Programme Producer
-
Sara Colman
Vocals - Creative Director
-
Steve Banks
Guitar - Creative Director
-
Daniel Casimir
Bass - Lead Tutor
-
Trish Clowes
Saxophone - Lead Tutor
-
Rebecca Nash
Piano - Lead Tutor
-
Jonathan Silk
Drums - Lead Tutor
Key Facts
Venue
The workshop takes place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, located at 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham B4 7XR.
Eligibility
Open to all instrumentalists and vocalists aged between 11 and 18 who live in Birmingham or the surrounding areas.
Level Required
No previous experience with jazz is needed, but to get the most from the workshop, participants should be a minimum of Grade 3 standard or have been playing their instrument for at least one to two years.
Dates
The next New Sounds Jazz Workshop will take place in 2027. Register your interest below!
Cost
100% free – no fees to attend
Attendance
Full participation is required for all 4 days
Places available
Only 32 – limited availability
Register your interest
Would you like to stay in touch?
Sign up now and be the first to know when applications open for the next New Sounds Jazz Workshop!
#Learn.
#Create.
#Collaborate.
#Learn. #Create. #Collaborate.
FAQs
-
The workshop will run from 10am – 4:30pm each day.
-
Decisions will be sent out via email at least one month before the workshop begins. For New Sounds Jazz Workshop 2026 this date will be during the week commencing 23rd February.
-
All you need to attend is your instrument, if appropriate. We do not expect piano players or drummers to carry their instruments with them!
A positive attitude and a willingness to learn in a group environment.
-
Yes! If this applies to you, please let us know if you receive a place on the workshop.
-
No. Participants will need to make their own lunch arrangements. You can bring your own lunch. There is a canteen at the venue and other establishments a short walk away.
-
No! There will be drum kits provided. Drummers will be expected to bring their own sticks.
-
No! All pianos and keyboards will be provided.
-
This is optional. However if you chose to bring your own amplification, it will be the responsibility of the participant.
-
We’re sorry we couldn’t accommodate you this year round. As the workshop is free to access, we rely solely on funding to enable this work and have a limited amount of spaces. Please stay in touch for future opportunities! We will also be able to signpost participants to other music education provision in the city.