Mercury Prize-nominated band Knats are joining forces with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music to launch the Geordie Music Foundation, a series of free monthly sessions designed to help young musicians across the North East develop their skills and connect with others.
Launching on Sunday 24th January 2027, the sessions will be led by band members Stan, King and Ferg, working with up to 15 musicians aged 13 to 17. The programme will offer opportunities to explore improvisation, develop playing techniques and collaborate with like-minded young people.
Knats, whose album ‘A Great Day In Newcastle’ has been nominated for the 2026 Mercury Prize, describe their sound as Geordie Jazz, combining jazz with rock, spoken word and groove-led arrangements.
The foundation has grown from the band’s own experiences of finding their feet in music. Stan and King met while growing up in Newcastle, having both played independently, and recognised a lack of opportunities to meet other young musicians.
“We want these sessions to be that place,” the band said. “It’s about getting in a room, having a go and showing that you can do this right here, back home.”
Each session will focus on different musical elements, including rhythm, harmony, phrasing, groove, listening and improvisation. Participants will experiment with styles ranging from jazz and rock to funk and folk, before coming together for a group jam at the end.
The sessions are aimed at instrumentalists who already feel confident playing their instrument, with bass, drums, keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and piano among those catered for. Reading music is not essential; participants simply need to bring their instrument and a willingness to play with others.
The programme also offers insight into potential pathways into the music industry, whether through further study, joining a band, writing original material or pursuing a professional career.
Sessions will take place monthly on Sundays, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The first five dates are 24th January, 28th February, 21st March, 25th April and 23rd May 2027. Places are free but limited to 15 participants.
The initiative builds on Knats’ relationship with The Glasshouse, where they have performed alongside Nadine Shah and Royal Northern Sinfonia at a Proms concert, headlined a show in Sage Two and delivered public masterclasses and jam sessions.
Wendy Smith, Creative Director at The Glasshouse, said the sessions would give young people the time and space to experiment and learn from musicians who have demonstrated that a career in music can be built in the North East.
Applications are open through The Glasshouse website until 17th December 2026. Knats will shortlist applicants, with 15 young musicians selected to take part.
