RWCMD launches National Youth Jazz Wales partnership 

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.