NMPAT shortlisted for national jazz education award at the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards
We are delighted to share that we have been shortlisted for the Musicians’ Union Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Jazz Education Award at the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.
The award is brand new this year, and it recognises the work that Music Hubs and Schools Music Services do to develop young jazz musicians. We’re one of four organisations on the shortlist, and we’re in great company alongside Devon Music Education Hub, Hampshire Music Education Hub and Lewisham Music. The winners will be announced at the ceremony on Tuesday 13th October 2026 at World Heart Beat, Nine Elms, London, and we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed!
What the nomination celebrates
Our nomination recognises our Jazz Matters programme and our tiered Big Bands, which give young people technical development, performance experience and clear routes into further study, professional training and careers in music. Jazz makes up 10% of our auditioned County Ensembles, which also include orchestras, symphonic wind bands, brass bands, choirs, string ensembles, world music groups, guitar groups and more.
We’re so proud of what our young jazz musicians achieve. Our County Ensembles take part in the National Concert Band Festival every year, and our jazz groups have consistently won Platinum awards while competing alongside school, higher education and adult ensembles. Every July, our Big Band heads to Birmingham to perform as part of Music for Youth, a national festival where NMPAT Jazz 2 has also appeared in the past. Closer to home, our Jazz Matters ensembles regularly perform at local events, including for the High Sheriff and Lieutenancy.
We’re also lucky to have wonderful partners. We work closely with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, whose staff and students visit and collaborate with our young musicians. We have a developing relationship with East Midlands Jazz and a longstanding one with NYJO, which has included commissioning work from our own alumni, something that makes us especially proud.
A word from our Chief Executive
Charlotte Buxton, Chief Executive of NMPAT, said:
“Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust are delighted to be shortlisted for the Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Award at the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.
We are passionate about enabling young people to make music, develop their creativity and progress through high-quality jazz pathways. Our bespoke Jazz Matters programme and tiered Big Bands provide expert technical development, performance experience and clear routes towards further study, professional training and careers in the music industry.
This recognition celebrates the talent and commitment of our young musicians and the dedication of the colleagues who support them.”
About the awards
The Parliamentary Jazz Awards have been running since 2005 and celebrate the vibrancy, diversity and talent of the UK jazz scene. They are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group, and the Musicians’ Union is sponsoring the new Music Hubs and Schools Music Services award.
Find out more about the awards: https://appjag.org/
