Sheffield Music Hub’s New Jazz Progression Pathway
We are expanding the Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective, to expand our jazz pathway for young musicians across Sheffield. Starting on 16th September 2026, Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective has grown from one music group into three dedicated groups: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
This exciting development means that young people can now begin their jazz journey with us right from the early stages of their playing journey. and progress right through to high level improvisers is a small jazz group setting, with a string understanding of jazz and how to perform in this ensemble style.
Apply for our jazz groups here
Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective (Beginner)
Launching in September 2026, Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective (Beginner) is designed to introduce young musicians to the exciting world of jazz. Open to students from Year 3 onwards, the group focuses on collaborative music-making, creativity and the fundamentals of improvisation. Players do not need previous jazz experience and should have been learning their instrument for around a year. Any instrument is welcome.
Led by Ben Playford, the group aims to build confidence and encourage young musicians to create music together while taking their first steps into improvising and performing in a jazz group.
Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective (Intermediate)
Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective (Intermediate) provides the next stage of progression for musicians ready to develop their jazz skills further. Directed by Travis Finch, rehearsals explore improvisation, small jazz group performance, learning by ear, and a wide range of jazz styles, helping young musicians to build confidence and deepening their understanding of the genre.
The music group is suitable for players with a few years of learning experience who are looking to develop their musicianship in a supportive and creative environment. Pathways from the Intermediate group lead directly into the Advanced Jazz Collective and Sheffield Youth Big Band.
Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective (Advanced)
For experienced young musicians looking to take their jazz playing to the highest level, Sheffield Youth Jazz Collective (Advanced) offers a challenging and rewarding environment focused on improvisation, collaboration and creative performance. Directed by Chris Burge, the group encourages members to shape arrangements, develop their own musical voice and explore both classic and contemporary jazz repertoire.
The music group provides excellent preparation for ambitious young musicians.
Sheffield Youth Big Band provides an opportunity for talented young musicians to experience large ensemble jazz performance. Directed by Rory Evans the band performs a wide range of repertoire, from classic swing and big band favourites to funk, latin, and contemporary jazz works such as Gordin Goodwin big band charts!
The group is open to advanced brass, woodwind and rhythm section players who are looking to further develop their large group jazz skills, stylistic understanding and confidence as performers. Sheffield Youth Big Band offers a natural progression route for musicians within Sheffield Music Hub's jazz pathway and provides opportunities to perform as part of one of the city's flagship jazz ensembles.
