Take Five, our flagship talent development scheme, is marking an incredible 20 years of nurturing emerging jazz and improvisational artists in the UK. Since its launch, Take Five has grown into a cornerstone for UK jazz, providing early- to mid-career musicians with invaluable mentorship, training, and opportunities. The scheme’s focus has remained on cultivating a more inclusive, innovative jazz scene, supporting diverse talent, and fostering community impact.
Take Five’s efforts over the past two decades have empowered composers, band leaders, and performers through comprehensive workshops, online seminars, and residencies. Many of its alumni have risen to prominence, contributing significantly to jazz's evolution in the UK and beyond. Notable artists, such as Nubya Garcia, Seb Rochford and Yazz Ahmed, have credited Take Five as integral to their growth in the jazz community.
In February 2025 we will deliver the 20th edition of Take Five for a cohort of 8 new artists, with a week of industry-focused masterclasses followed by a week-long residency at Cats Abbey in the Cotswolds where artists will come together to make new music and refine performance techniques. In November 2025, Take Five will honour the past two-decades with a landmark anniversary concert during the EFG London Jazz Festival. This celebration will feature some of the scheme’s most celebrated alumni alongside emerging talent, symbolising the unity and resilience that define the jazz world. The event will premiere newly commissioned works, highlighting Take Five’s ongoing dedication to innovation. By combining seasoned artists and fresh faces, the concert will offer audiences a glimpse into the vibrant future of UK jazz. This anniversary will serve as both a celebration and a fundraiser, supporting Take Five's continued work to shape the next generation of jazz talent.
To support the next generation of jazz talent, Take Five will launch a public fundraising campaign during Giving Week (3-10 December 2024). Hosted through The Big Give, this match-funded campaign invites jazz supporters and the wider public to contribute to the scheme’s future. Funds raised will directly support Take Five’s mission, providing comprehensive training and mentorship to emerging jazz artists. This special anniversary initiative enables anyone passionate about jazz to help foster a diverse, inclusive, and thriving jazz community in the UK for years to come.
Find out more about Take Five.
To support the future of the scheme, visit Take Five’s 20th Anniversary Campaign
