About

Tomorrow’s Warriors is a leading talent development organisation, creative producer, learning and training provider, consultancy and charity specialising in jazz. Founded in 1991, we help aspiring young artists discover their magic, nurture nascent talent, achieve creative ambitions, and build engaged, diverse audiences.

We champion diversity, inclusion and equality. Whilst inclusive, our pioneering Young Artist Development Programme primarily supports the early careers of young musicians, with a focus on Black musicians, female musicians and those whose financial or other circumstances might lock them out of opportunities to pursue a career in the music industry.

Over more than three decades, Tomorrow’s Warriors has proved a crucial development platform for many of the artists now tearing up the international jazz scene – Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Cassie Kinoshi and Nérija, Femi Koleoso and Ezra Collective, Binker Golding, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons Of Kemet, Cherise Adams-Burnett, Eska, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch, Camilla George, Zara McFarlane, Sultan Stevenson, and so many more…

Tomorrow’s Warriors is acclaimed for having established a robust, essential pipeline for outstanding, diverse young talent and for being pivotal in changing the face of jazz in the UK.

OUR APPROACH

“Tomorrow’s Warriors is right at the heart of everything British Jazz is doing right. It offers fantastic young musicians a chance to learn, play and dream. I’m so proud to be a supporter.” Nick Hornby | Novelist & Screenwriter

Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in all its forms, actively seeking out and empowering young musicians from underrepresented backgrounds. Our programs are designed to foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Access for All: Tomorrow’s Warriors firmly believes that talent knows no boundaries. We offer free music education and training to young people from all walks of life. Our inclusive approach ensures that no one is left behind due to financial constraints.

Mentorship and Support: With our ethos of ‘Each One, Teach One’ at the heart of our Learning and Development programme, our experienced Music Leaders and mentors provide guidance and support to help young musicians navigate their musical journeys. We offer a safe and nurturing space for them to grow as artists.

Professional Development: Tomorrow’s Warriors not only equips young musicians with musical skills but also provides them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the music industry. We empower them to turn their passion into a viable career and, as a crucial part of the industry pipeline, provide a range of training, performance and developmental progression routes to help kickstart successful sustainable careers for our musicians.

“Can’t overstate the impact Tomorrow’s Warriors has had on the current music scene in London.” Gilles Peterson, BBC Radio 6 Music 

“If you want to know who passed through their doors, it might just be easier to ask who didn’t: the list is long and comprehensive.” Emma Warren, Red Bull Academy

“This a cultural giant, a music making dream team, with generosity at their heart.”Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 6 Music

“No single organisation has exerted a more profound or beneficial influence on jazz in Britain than Tomorrow’s Warriors.” Richard Williams, The Blue Moment.

Led by our award-winning co-founders, Artistic Director Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Chief Executive Janine Irons OBE, we create and produce an incredibly varied annual programme ranging from workshops and showcases for young musicians to concerts and tours for emerging and established professional bands/orchestras in partnership with an extensive network of local, national and international arts organisations, commercial producers, venues, promoters and festivals.

We are resident at Southbank Centre, London delivering a unique programme comprising learning and participation, artist development and professional performances. In addition to our core programmes we offer a range of bespoke music education programmes in schools, arts venues and community centres across the UK and internationally. Tomorrow’s Warriors is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner.

Our development programmes focus on the ongoing development of individuals in the following groups: