The Jazz TrainWorking alongside Orphy Robinson MBE, I’ve led the creation and development of a primary school-based music residency.
WJJ Jazz Train team with guest tutor Camilla George.
Lead tutor, Orphy Robinson.
WJJ Jazz Train team with guest tutor Georgina Jackson.
Children's artistic feedback in response to the Jazz Train, which crosses several subject areas and leads to all sorts of new responses and ideas throughout school life.
Jazz Train class at the end of their final performance.
Working with the children on their own improvisations, using instruments within the school.
I managed to help donate a mini-grand to one primary school in need of a piano and to keep the legacy of music-making alive.
My work
I co-lead The WJJ Jazz Train with international jazz musician and educator Orphy Robinson MBE as a music education programme rooted in participation, listening and creative confidence.
As both organiser and a lead tutor, my role spans fundraising, school partnerships, programme development and workshop delivery itself — bringing professional musicians directly into primary school classrooms through rhythm, improvisation, storytelling and live music-making.
Alongside Orphy, participant musicians and collaborators have included Camilla George, Georgina Jackson, Emily Masser, Mara Ashton, Will Davis and Ilario Ferrari. Together, we aim to create spaces where children can experience music as something collective, expressive and open to everyone regardless of background or prior experience.
I have led the programme’s fundraising and strategic development, securing support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation, SNG, Kindness UK and Watford Council’s Cultural Kickstart Grants to help expand creative opportunities for young people across Watford and Hertfordshire.
We have now worked with 6 different schools, teaching 360 children, delivering 6 end of residency in-school performances for parents & pupils. We have also presented 2 public performances within the Watford Jazz Junction Festival featuring a blended choir from across the schools we work with.