Meet Our Community
World Heart Beat Music Academy United Kingdom
World Heart Beat Music Academy is a nonprofit community music school located in London, UK. Learn about the International Jazz Day 2022 event they are planning in conjunction with partner institution The Julian Joseph Jazz Academy by clicking here.
“[Jazz] encourages intercultural dialogue and empowers people to speak up and try to overcome discrimination, in all its forms.”
Why does your organization celebrate International Jazz Day?
One of our specialities at World Heart Beat is our jazz programme, spearheaded by the works of internationally-renowned British jazz musicians, pianist Trevor Watkis, saxophonist Tony Kofi and trumpeter Byron Wallen, all of whom are part of the founding faculty of The Julian Joseph Jazz Academy (JJJA). Jazz vocalist Cleveland Watkiss MBE provides mentoring and masterclasses to our students on a regular basis. The academy also runs a weekly jazz roots class for those starting off on their musical journey into playing jazz.
We are delighted to be once again partnering with JJJA – under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist, composer and World Heart Beat Patron Julian Joseph – which welcomes aspiring young jazz musicians, aged 9-24 years, all year round.
Tell us about a favorite memory from International Jazz Day
Last year, Together We Go Forward was live-streamed from Kimber Rd, London. We hugely enjoyed performing with JJJA; many of our young people attend both academies and hugely benefit from the sharing of music and knowledge. We had a lot of fun showcasing our talent and our passion for jazz, and we’re looking forward to working together again at a live event for 2022.
How do you think jazz can improve people’s lives?
Jazz is beneficial in so many ways – it’s multi-faceted. Not only does it produce a scientifically-proven calming effect, it also helps with brain function and development, focus and mood. It encourages intercultural dialogue and empowers people to speak up and try to overcome discrimination, in all its forms.
