NYOS: LAB 2024 Recap

NYOS: LAB returns to explore creativity and music-making with our young people...

Following on from our first successful session in 2023, NYOS: LAB 2024 brought together a group of young musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds to explore improvisation and collaboration through music, with the help of a team of world-class artists. The cohort worked together on a number of original compositions, drawing inspiration from a range of musical genres and working with both traditional and non-traditional instruments.

Led by double-bassist and composer Emma Smith, over the course of the two days, our team of delivery artists supported the young participants as they explored different techniques and approaches to creating new music. It didn't take long for a number of innovative and exciting new compositions to emerge. The participants then took time to undertand the interplay between their instruments, drawing inspiration from each other and responding to the sounds and music created by each instrument.

The collective expertise of the tutor team - comprised of Annabel Kershaw, Helena Kay, Phil Hague and Seonaid Aitken - helped the young people to delve into the details of the soundscapes they created. Throughout the sessions, the group was asked to consider how each evolving piece made them feel and the images in conjured in their minds.

The participants also took the time to thinkg about what improvisation means to them, prompting a range of thought-provoking responses. They reflected on the music-making experience in an ensemble environment, making it clear that they valued the opportunity to work with other musicians in an open and relaxed space. The weekend was rounded off by a full performance of each composition, altering and fine-tuning participants' creations according to their thoughts and input.

Here's was some of the participants had to say about their experience with NYOS: LAB:

"NYOS is giving us the opportunity to work together and learn from each other, which is something we don't get to do that often."

"Creativity is a big part of being a musician and being creative in a group helps you to take your skills to the next level."

We're looking forward to February, when the LAB participants will be invited back to record their compositions in a professional recording studio! Between now and then, the young musicians will connect with each other through a series of online creative challenges, encouraging them to continue their improvisation work outside of the LAB.