TestImonials
from students who attended the ensembles Jazz Project and Jambassadors
"My time participating in Jazz project/Jambassadors holds my most valuable and treasured memories of my entire musical career and life. This enrichment provided me with the qualities that I look for in every musician I work with today, the ability to connect and trust another individual. Young musicians letting go and experiencing a deep connection with the musicians around them is such an important awakening to have at such an early stage of musical development. If I didn’t attend such an enrichment, I would still be afraid to make any noise.” Electric Bass – Jazz at Leeds College of Music
“Roz’s dynamic approach has given me the experience and confidence to collaborate with other musicians and secure a network of like minded composers and performers.” Piano / Composer – Film Music at London College of Music
“Roz is an amazing Musical Director, and brings forward strong ideas from everyone in the group. It’s rare to find a group that produces coherent and strong pieces whilst including all members of the band, yet that is exactly what Roz achieves.” Saxophone - Jazz at Trinity Laban
“Jazz Project played a large role in my musical development. I went on to study jazz guitar at Birmingham Conservatoire and the lessons in music creation that I learnt from Roz stay with me to this day.” Electric Guitar - Jazz at Birmingham Conservatoire
"I started my life as a 'rock guitarist' who was interested in jazz & improvisation but found it very difficult to access. Jazz Project was one of the main things that enabled me in my journey toward and through a jazz degree. Jazz Project expands a student's future musical opportunities and cultivates solidarity between musicians from different backgrounds." Electric Guitar – Jazz at Leeds College of Music
“Jazz project/Jambassadors provided me with my first experiences with ensemble interaction through improvisation, and meant that when coming to work on contemporary improv at the Conservatiore I had a head start that was surprising to many of the lecturers! It offered me a fundamental grounding in key improvisatory skills; teaching me the importance of listening, interaction and experimenting with different sounds. The sessions sparked in me a real love of free improvisation and this has stayed with me throughout my Jazz degree and now into my masters degree. I strongly believe that every music department needs a Roz Harding Jazz Project.” Vocals – Jazz at Leeds College of Music
“I am going on to do a BA jazz next year and without Jazz Project and Jambassadors I would not have had the confidence to consider music as a career. They have developed my musical performance skills and given me the ability to improvise creatively.” Electric Guitar - Jazz at Leeds College of Music
“Jazz project was my music escape. The skills that I learnt and practised were transferred into other bands I was involved with and everyone said they could see the difference that Jazz project made.” Saxophone – Maths at Sheffield University
“Jazz project had a huge impact on my musicianship and my attitude towards music. Being a member greatly improved my confidence. The knowledge and experiences I gained continue to help me through my music degree. In my experience, allowing for freedom and experimentation in music is something which I feel can be overlooked, yet it has opened up so many possibilities for me and brought about a confidence I didn't realise I had. I am a classical pianist, and before joining jazz project the idea of improvisation was completely alien to me - I would never have even considered it an option. But Roz creates an environment where musicians from all different backgrounds can feel comfortable expressing themselves through music. It helped me start thinking about improvisation in a different way, and I began to realise how allowing myself an element of freedom could enhance other aspects of my musicianship. I now benefit from studying improvisation at university, and feel confident performing in a range of genres outside classical. Thanks to Roz, partaking in jazz project is a rare opportunity and a privilege.” Piano and Violin – Bmus piano performance at Trinity Laban
“The work Roz does with young musicians is nothing short of extraordinary. The premise is built upon the mantra of self-expression, and playing what is already inside you, with full conviction and belief in what you are contributing to the music. It is truly a revelation in Jazz education. Those same ‘wrong’ notes, which before put us off improvising, become the most exciting thing you have ever played. This process is so empowering for young musicians, especially those who didn’t click with the traditional approach of playing pre-determined ‘right’ notes. It can be so freeing and inspiring for musicians who may have never improvised before, and the way it is delivered is truly unique. I have spent hundreds of hours studying with some incredible teachers. Very few of them can come close to the raw energy, drive and enthusiasm Roz brings to the education of young musicians. For me, these hours I got to spend in her sessions with Jazz Project and Jambassadors were some of the most important hours I spent in College. Besides the many musical lessons learned there, I also learned so much about myself and the direction of music I wished to pursue, about everyone else who I was creating music with, and the amount of humility that was present every time we gathered is something I have yet to experience again. Many of these musicians have never improvised before, but by the end of two years in Jazz Project they become some of the most unique and exciting improvising musicians you could dream of.” Trombone – European Jazz Laboratory and Bmus (Jazz) – Birmingham Conservatoire
“Jambassadors brought music back to life for me. On a whim I attended Jambassadors and the big band and the affect they had on my ability as a musician and on my mental health was outstanding. The amount I learnt was incredible, I joined Jambassadors having never worked with other musicians in a band setting and kept very quiet having little input the first few sessions. Slowly Roz helped me to grow my confidence and showed me new ways of thinking about and experiencing music, which brought my lost creativity back to life. The lessons I learnt here are lessons I have taken forwards with me as a musician but also as an adult.” Vocals – Professional Musician
“Without the amazing encouragement I got from Roz and my other band mates I wouldn't have had the confidence to study a Jazz combined degree at Leeds College of Music. I play the violin and hadn't found another jazz ensemble that supported my instrument. Jazz project allowed me to express my creativity in a way I hadn't explored before and helped me to discover a genre of music that will influence my musical career throughout my life.” Violin – BA (Hons) Classical and Jazz at Leeds College of Music
“Jazz Project included everyone; it was diverse and celebrated all musicians, regardless of instrument, genre or ability. I have never been a confident musician but with the help of Roz, Jazz Project and Jammies, I definitely found my feet as a saxophonist. I am now doing a degree in Film, Photography and Media at the University of Leeds. Although my choice of degree may not seem directly influenced by Jazz Project or Jambassadors, it very much was! Without them I don’t think I would have made the decision to continue onto higher education.” Saxophone – Film Photography and Media at University of Leeds
“As I look back on the practice sessions, I am frankly amazed how the whole experience is a front for educating students without them knowing! Every Wednesday afternoon brought something new, and there wasn’t a single time I walked home afterwards without an idiotic grin on my face, tripping over my own feet trying to walk to the beat of the songs we practiced. In retrospect, I realise that I had been pushed to my limits every session in my practical improvisational skills, but at the time I didn’t even notice. The whole time it just felt like fun and games! I can personally testify that it has paid off. I am now a confident performing in front of hundreds, whereas I clearly recall at the end of year one being scared stiff to play in front of 3 classmates. The benefits, opportunities and real industry advantages this brings to students are enormous and undeniable.” Synth/Keytar - Music Technology
“Jambassadors has been in short, incredible. Not only has it been huge fun but it has injected new inspiration into my improvisation allowing me to develop musically as well as my confidence. Due to jambassadors and Roz's amazing guidance I feel that I've thoroughly developed as a musician.” Violin and Clarinet - A Level Music
“Jazz Project was one of the most valuable things I did whilst at Exeter College. I learnt so much from being challenged to play drums in different styles. For the last three years I have been at SOAS, University of London, and I have had a bit of a hiatus from music, but in August I will be going to Boston to do philosophy/Buddhist studies at Harvard, and I am going to look for a jazz band to join! If I find something even half as rewarding as the Jazz Project I will be happy!!” Drums – Philosophy/Buddhist studies at Harvard
“For students wishing to pursue more modern interpretations of jazz there really is no alternative, the music covered in Jazz project is vastly different from any big band repertoire that I played whilst I was a student. Jazz Project served as a gateway to both playing music and arranging music as everyone’s contributions are taken into account and as a result much of the music played at gigs would’ve been written by students involved either as a collective or individually. For me this meant that I could have confidence in having a voice and in turn my performance personality became much more open and meant that I could develop quickly with jazz and improvisation.” Trumpet – Music at the University of Vienna
“Being a bassist in both Jazz Project and Jambassadors, I was able to play in a wonderfully safe and creative environment. There was a sense of belonging in these projects and no one was left out or judged for their own unique ideas. Personally, these projects were a highlight and opened my eyes to a side of music that I hadn’t seen much of before. It was an absolutely fantastic experience.” Electric Bass/Viola – Classical music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
“Jazz Project broadened my listening scope. Improvisation was introduced to me as a concept, which as a classical musician at the time was never even considered a possibility. I am most definitely a better musician for it. Jazz Project was a place I was able to non-verbally express myself. I will never be able to express enough gratitude for how it helped me through such a difficult time in my life. I have since spent five years at university studying Jazz and Popular Music at the University of Hull, finishing with a 2:1 with honours, and would not have studied the subject had it not been for Jazz Project.” Flute and Vocals – Popular Music at the University of Hull
“Jazz proj opened me to so much music that I would never have listened to otherwise. I had so much fun playing around within freedom of jazz and it taught me how to be restrained on my instrument.” Drums – Music and Drama
“I haven’t been to Uni or a Conservatoire, but Jazz Proj had such a great impact on me!! It gave me so much more confidence. Roz was so encouraging and made me feel like there was no right and wrong in music and it was ok to try things! I loved that Jazz Proj was a safe place to go with no judgement from anyone.” Vocals
“I see Jazz Project as an ensemble that brings all abilities, styles and personalities together. It is a great opportunity to find your voice and own personality. It is VITAL because it develops and blossoms new and upcoming musicians into great ones.” Saxophone and Vocals – Music HND
“I have learnt so much from Jazz Project, not only musically, but soft skills as well. Jazz Project has taught me how to listen to people on a very important level and importantly when to pull back - to remove myself when I am not working well in that particular situation. A skill, I feel, is not widely taught and very rarely learnt. I feel that I am now able to apply these skills to all circumstances within my life, academic or not, to make my contributions and ideas the most worthwhile, effective and improve on my ability to work in a team. Jazz Project is important as it allows absolute creativity. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a space that encourages such personal artistic expression which is so heart warming and joyful. I also believe it has beneficial for my mental health. Jazz Project is genuinely one of the things that is highest on my list for things to look forward to next year. I have never had more fun or felt prouder than when performing with Jazz Project.” Saxophone– Chemistry, Biology and Maths
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with Jazz Project. I have been playing the guitar for over 10 years, but I've never been given the opportunity to play in such a unique group. Jazz Project has given me the freedom to experiment with loads of 'out there' styles of music and techniques, and I feel my music, especially my improvisation, has developed enormously as a result. It's also really fun!” Electric Guitar – A Level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry
“Jazz Project is really important as it gives us a different experience of music that we don't get from the syllabus. We're constantly creative and trying new things and techniques and styles that I definitely don't think we'd have the opportunity to do otherwise.” Piano and Vocals – A Level Music
“It's unlike any other music group I have been in which is really refreshing and helped me discover things I could do with my instrument that I didn't think were possible. But the person who makes this all possible is Roz who is amazing and Jazz Project wouldn't be Jazz Project without her.” Trombone – Music HND, Royal Marines
“I have been able to improve on some soft skills that otherwise would have been difficult to improve. I have progressed hugely with my improvisation and my confidence with this, due to the encouraging and ambitious ethos of Jazz Project.” Saxophone – Biology, Chemistry and French
“Without jazz project I don't think I ever would have learnt or experienced what jazz truly was or meant. It allowed everyone of all abilities to shine and have THE most supportive and encouraging platform to express our own musical voices and learn to improvise.” Saxophone – Jazz at Leeds College of Music – Jazz at Birmingham Conservatoire
“I think Jazz Project and Jambassadors Is one of the most vital creative ecosystems within the Exeter College music academy. The way Roz manages to create a safe space for improvisation where there are no expectations and no consequences for what you produce is really what the younger jazz scene is missing. Without the freedom JP and JB gave me to play and experiment with my truly original improvisational content in my initial years of jazz development, I don’t think I would be the musician and the person I am today.” Trumpet – Jazz at Birmingham Conservatoire
“Throughout my time at exeter college, nothing has prepared me for my career as much as the Jazz project has, it was the pivotal experience tipping my choice of career. The absolute joy with which Roz explains music theory to beginners creates a welcoming atmosphere where mistakes are accepted as a sign of improvement, and experimentation is encouraged. The opportunities provided to me as a member of jazz project have not only produced some of my most treasured memories, but have allowed me to rapidly advance my skills.” Electric Bass
“As a trained folk fiddler and pop/rock electric violinist who is uninspired by the traditional orchestral setup, jazz project was the only music ensemble that I truly enjoyed and stuck at for the three years I was enrolled there. We created some fantastic pieces of work pushing the boundaries of genre and even what the definition of music really is, lead by the always enthusiastic and endlessly creative Roz. I am now entering the third year of my music degree at Goldsmiths College, University of London and still draw on the skills I developed in performance and how to work in a creative ensemble, as well as the work-shopping and creativity generating techniques demonstrated by Roz.” Violin – Music at Goldsmiths College, University of London
“Before I came to Exeter College I thought I knew everything there was to know about music. It wasn’t until I encountered such projects as Jazz project that I realised that the world of music was much bigger and that there were so many things to explore. Jazz project gives an opportunity for consequence free exploration of ones musicianship, which is essential for the growth of any type of musician. It also allows you to be challenged by others in a healthy way that makes you want to improve your musicality. I saw many students that attended Jazz project that would usually be shy. However when they were in the moment they would become something much bigger than themselves and show a great deal of personality through their playing. It is far more than just a weekly jam. I am very grateful for Jazz project.” Vocals – Jazz at Trinity Laban
“Jazz project is the reason I got comfortable being able to solo, it was a great opportunity to solo without the pressure of performing.” Trumpet – Psychology at Oxford Brookes
“Experiences gained through performing with Jazz Project and Jambassadors helped me not only go on to complete a BA Music degree at Plymouth University, and more recently, enabled me to believe in myself enough to go for a masters in Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University. Without the engagement of Jambassadors, and the subsequent creative outlet encouraged by Roz, I wouldn’t have completed my time at Exeter College let alone gone on to be where I am today.” Saxophone – Music at Plymouth University, Journalism MA at Edinburgh Napier University
“As a self-trained vocalist, I had never dealt into the realms of improvisation before and was admittedly terrified of the idea at first! But Roz could sense this and was very patient with me, letting me take my time to find my voice and be able to improvise freely on my own. This made me feel respected and responsible. I’m now an accomplished singer/songwriter who confidently performs my own original material at solo gigs. If it wasn’t for the opportunities Roz offered, I don’t feel I would be as confident a performer as I am now - it gave us the confidence and expression to truly understand the level of depth that music can dive into.” Vocals - Music Production and Technology DBS Plymouth