20/02/2025
To any young musicians who are starting to experiment with jazz and improvising! Some details below about the course and a link to the forthcoming junior academy jazz auditions.
Working under the direction of Junior Jazz course leader Gareth Lockrane and combo tutor Matt Anderson, you will receive a weekly small-ensemble session and, over the course of the year, take part in masterclasses and workshops with renowned jazz performers and educators. In recent years, students have had the opportunity to work with our course patron Dave Holland, as well as icons such as Jerry Bergonzi, Dick Oatts, Chris Cheek, Dave Liebman, David Binney, Eddie Henderson, Mike Clark, Clarence Penn, Dave Douglas, Jean Toussaint, Jason Palmer, Jason Rebello, Jon Irabagon, Bokani Dyer, Phil Robson, Jim Mullen, Julian Arguelles, Iain Ballamy, Pete King and Gwilym Simcock amongst many others.
Previous students include Joe Armon-Jones, Jacob Collier, Kit Downes, Tom Walsh, Freddie Gavita, Tom Barford, Rosie Frater Taylor, IDE Ogunjobi, James Copus, Ella Hohnen-Ford, Nubya Garcia, Michael Kiwanuka, Femi Koleoso and Alexandra Ridout.
You will also enjoy numerous performance opportunities, including a summer term concert at Soho Pizza Express, the 606 Club or Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.
Work is largely practical, with most learning and performing happening in small ensembles. You will focus on improvisation, the study of harmonic and rhythmic elements, and playing in a variety of styles.
The course also includes the arrangement of standard jazz tunes for ensembles, and the importance of the ear/instrument relationship in jazz performance is strongly emphasised. You will be encouraged to listen to a wide range of genres and will learn about some of the musicians of the past who helped to shape the development of jazz.
One of our key aims is to prepare students thoroughly for further specialist study, and graduates of the Junior Jazz Programme have had an almost 100% success rate of gaining entry to one of the UK conservatoire jazz courses.
We have close links with the senior Jazz Department, led by Nick Smart, and junior and senior students regularly work together.
"RAM junior jazz was exactly what I needed at that time - it allowed me to meet like minded musicians, all at the same point in their development as me, and to play through lots of different types of jazz with expert guidance. It was the perfect preparation both musically and socially for going on to music college and I can't recommend the course highly enough." Pianist/organist Kit Downes, ECM recording artist
‘Junior Academy was the most amazing time, I learnt absolutely loads in the time I was there and it was really inspiring for me to meet lots of great young musicians and to be taught by one of the greatest musicians and educators Gareth Lockrane! It is really unique and of such a high level.’
Trumpeter Alex Ridout, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year 2016
‘The RAM Junior Jazz Course was far beyond a learning experience for me - it was truly formative. To be around young harmony- and rhythm-loving fiends like myself at that age was a game-changer to begin with, and on top of that to be guided though such a versatile programme of repertoire by the legend himself - the impeccably tasty, all-around superhero that is G-Lock - was nothing short of phenomenal. I still think about, and regularly use, lessons I learn on Saturday afternoons. I feel so privileged to have been a part of it. it opened my ears to no end. Long may it continue!’
Multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, international touring artist and multi Grammy winner
‘The RAM Junior Jazz Course was an absolutely invaluable career-defining experience for me personally, and for countless other peers of mine. The world class level of teaching enables talented young jazz musicians to learn critical theory skills (up to and often beyond college level and standard), whilst in tandem providing them with opportunities to perform alongside international jazz luminaries and established UK-based jazz artists. Every aspect, era and style of jazz music is explored with enthusiasm by the teachers and guests within the course. Without the tools this wonderful department gave me, I have no doubt that my life as a professional musician would not be the same, and I consider my three years in the programme some of the most formative and fun I ever had, musically.’
Tom Walsh, now one of Europe’s most in-demand lead trumpeters on the jazz and pop scenes, with the WDR, Quincy Jones, Vince Mendoza, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and many more.
It is reassuring and a real relief to know that the future of Jazz and improvised music is in good hands! The students in the junior jazz course at London’s Royal Academy are a keen and inspired bunch. It’s no wonder that their creative impulses flourish and are brought into focus as they have, in Gareth Lockrane, one of London’s hardest working and most prolific musicians as their director and mentor. A spirit of imagination, open-mindedness and a willingness to work together to create harmony and balance is surely one of the most valuable contributions one can make to humanity. Combine this with an entertaining and joyful enthusiasm and you have an idea of the dynamic and unique environment that the junior jazz academy shares with the community and world of music at large!
Chris Cheek, US saxophonist/composer
I’ve visited the Junior Academy several times over the last 20 years. Each time I’ve been blown away by the standard , having to remind myself just how young these kids are. For them to have Gareth leading the way, along with an amazing team of musicians who can truly demonstrate all that they teach , in their own highly praised professions, is to sew the most potent of seeds. The confidence these young artists are nurtured with, is vital in todays world and I believe the Academy to be the pinnacle for this, in our country.
Tim Garland, saxophonist/composer
I do many master classes around the world but every time I get the opportunity to do one at the Royal Academy I am really impressed with the level and commitment of the students and faculty. It is an amazing institution for learning.
Jerry Bergonzi - trailblazing US saxophonist, composer and educator
It was such a pleasure as well as a great experience to be included in the junior jazz course at the Royal Academy of Music. It was creative, informative and geared to inspire the creative search in life. The student’s response was a highlight of our 7 day tour. It was extremely well organized and great to see and hear the musical growth accomplished in such a short time. The class could have been extended another couple of hours due to the questions and feedback from students.
Dick Oatts - lauded US saxophonist/composer (Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Jerry Bergonzi, Red Rodney amongst many others)
It's so amazing that there is such a brilliant opportunity for young people to explore the rich world of jazz and improvisation. It was a joy to experience being part of such an excellent course with such skilled guidance. Congratulations Junior Academy and may you grow from strength to strength!
Jason Rebello - UK jazz piano legend (Sting/Jeff Beck)
The Junior Jazz live auditions will take place at the Academy on Sunday 6 April 2025. Ages from 14-18. All instruments and singers welcome.
The deadline for applications is Saturday 1 March 2025.
Here's a link to the Acceptd application form -
All Junior and Primary Academy applicants must apply via the Acceptd application portal.
