The Will Michael Jazz Education Awards will be held tonight at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) to recognise those committed to promoting outstanding jazz education. The Education Awards, in association with Yamaha Music Europe/UK were created in 2006 as part of the National Music Council and the Music Education Council Local Authority Awards scheme, which has been running for 40 years. They specifically focus on rewarding those people helping to spread the word on jazz education to classroom music teachers and instrumental tutors.

The evening will also see Stephen Lyttelton, son of the legendary trumpeter, bandleader and broadcaster, presenting the Humph Trust Award to a Royal Academy Student. The Humph Trust, which was launched on 25 April 2010 works in collaboration with RAM to support young jazz musicians. Following the presentation of the awards there will also be a performance from the Royal Academy Big Band, directed by Nick Smart and featuring trumpeter Henry Lowther, of music celebrating RAM’s recent acquisition of the Kenny Wheeler archive.

For more info go to www.jazzservices.org.uk

– Esther Hayden