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“Enjoyable, inspirational and motivating” – Girls and Young Women in Jazz Day 2020

Mon 28 September 2020

Facilitated by world-class educators and artists from Trinity Laban and beyond, this year’s virtual taster day offered young female musicians the chance to connect, gain practical advice and be inspired.

Designed as a safe space for young female musicians to encounter jazz music and build community, the interactive Girls and Young Women in Jazz day gave participants the chance to work with expert tutors and explore the fundamentals of jazz.

Participants unpacked favourite pieces, got a taste of improvisation and received tips on technique and practice.

One young musician commented –

“It was a new experience for me, I know very little about jazz, and I felt like I was in a safe environment for me to get started.”

The day began with a live chat with our expert panel: Trinity Laban tutor Andrea Vicary, celebrated alumni Dee Byrne, Cherise Adams-Burnett and Sheila Maurice-Grey, current student Gabrielle Carberry, renowned trombonist Annie Whitehead and Co-Founder of Tomorrow’s Warriors Janine Irons MBE.

The panel shared insight into how to keep motivated and build skills during lockdown, what it’s like studying jazz in a conservatoire, the different pathways into performing professionally and challenges for female musicians:

On the importance of projects like Girls and Young Women in Jazz day, Janine Irons MBE comments –

“Diversity, of all kinds, is important for bringing new and different voices to jazz, and to the music industry. When everyone is represented, it keeps the music fresh and evolving, ensures the widest possible audience and helps build a stronger, more sustainable jazz economy. As women there is longevity in jazz. You will be valued for your skills as musicians, and those are lifelong.”

Dee Byrne adds –

“It’s important to create a nurturing space for girls and young women to explore jazz and improvisation. This day provides exactly that opportunity and could be the catalyst for a lifelong pursuit of the music and provide further inspiration to continue on that path.”

Find out more about our open days or visit our jazz department pages

Image credit: Tas Kyprianou