2012 Yamaha jazz scholars announced
6 July 2012
Six of the country’s top jazz students have been given scholarships at the annual Yamaha Awards. The scheme, which is jointly sponsored by Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK) in association with Jazzwise, Appjag, PPL and 606 Club, is designed to support young emerging jazz musicians by providing funding and marketing support through performance and recording opportunities.
They winners were given their awards at the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group’s Summer Jazz event at the House of Commons. Prizes went to:
• Jonathan Davies, a drummer studying at Leeds College of Music
• Pianist Matt Robinson, a student at the Royal Academy of Music
• Chris Maddock, who studies alto saxophone at Birmingham Conservatoire
• Huw Williams, a student from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
• Tenor saxophone students Alec Harper from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Ben Mallinder from Trinity Laban Conservatoire
The event, as well as showcasing the talents of the winners, also introduced them to other jazz players, the press, venue operators and record company executives. All six winners, who are about to leave college, received £1,000 to help them with their careers. They will also have the opportunity to feature alongside some of Yamaha’s established jazz artists on The Yamaha New Jazz Sessions 2012 promotional CD.
Yamaha managing director Mike Ketley commented, 'What better way to support the studies and showcase the talent of the UK’s finest upcoming young jazz musicians than through financial assistance, live performance and a recording opportunity that features them alongside major artists in the jazz world.'
