In October, we were delighted to welcome pianist, bandleader, composer and educator Nikki Iles.
She ran a series of workshops and masterclasses with musicians from St Helens and our partnership schools. Nikki gave a short performance in YPH along with a talk on her career path to date, and students were treated to a question-and-answer session afterwards.
Nikki Iles is a central figure in British jazz and an internationally acclaimed artist who was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to music. Undoubtedly one of the leading female British Jazz musicians, Nikki has been described as ‘The Heroine of British Jazz’ and, as an inspirational teacher, she has also been made an honorary fellow at The Royal Academy of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire.
Saidee (L6) shares her thoughts:
The Nikki Iles partnership day was a great opportunity to learn from the leading female jazz musician, and composer, in the UK, and to have the chance to hear her perform after school. We were able to learn about the basics of jazz composing, including the use of modes, and interesting chord progressions. My favourite part of the day was the Big Band coaching session when we had an amazing opportunity to get first-hand advice from Nikki Iles about our jazz repertoire.
In the afternoon, Nikki Iles led an improvisation workshop, with students from Abingdon Senior School and Larkmead also joining us. Everyone had the opportunity to have a go, and it was a great way to learn from a jazz inspiration. The day came to a close, with a performance by Nikki Iles, and some students had a chance to ask some questions about her career, and even play with her. Overall, this was an amazing experience, and everyone had such a great time!
