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Are you aged 18-25 and living in Greater Manchester? Do you want to take more risks in your music making? Ever tried improvising?

mjf soundcheck is for musicians who want space to try out new things and be supported to grow creatively. The process is simple – you apply with a musical idea that you want to develop and we help you to do that, through 1-1 meetings, pairing you with a brilliant artist mentor, introducing you to inspiring industry professionals, providing you with a tailored recommended playlist and encouraging you to meet other musicians.

Over eight weeks, you’ll identify and transform your musical insecurities, unleash your hidden ambitions and hone your creative style. By the end of the programme you’ll showcase a short new piece of music that reflects your learning – and it might even surprise you!

“Soundcheck has inspired me to make new connections, challenge myself, make music in different ways and to generally believe in myself more as a musician.”

You don’t have to have studied music before, and we’d love it if jazz or improvisation is entirely new to you.

In previous rounds we have worked with a pop/folk singer-songwriter with no background in jazz but had an interest in using jazz harmony in their songs, a punk artist who wanted to try making music all by themselves for the first time, a metal bassist, a producer, and a singer who wanted to try improvising. Previous artists have gone on to perform at mjf events, release full albums, form new collaborations with fellow participants, and meet their artistic heroes!

“I learned to stick to my unique musical values, and not adhere to what other people think is normal/what I should be making.”

QUESTIONS? 

If you have access needs or require materials in alternative formats, just ask! 

Check out our FAQs page to make sure Soundcheck is right for you. It could be that you’re more suited to hothouse – so read both and if you’re still unsure, email talent@manchesterjazz.com