A major development for jazz education started in Devon in 2008. In a collaboration between Devon Music Service, South West Music School and Torbay Schools' Music Service, Devon will be hosting the National Youth Jazz Collective (NYJC) for four weekends each year in an ongoing commitment to jazz education in Devon.

Each weekend will include two day-long workshops for Devon schoolchildren as well as training for teachers. Devon is fortunate to be one of only five locations to have secured this partnership with NYJC. Drawing on the help of nationally famous jazz musicians, under the direction of Issie Barratt, NYJC will be bringing players such as Alec Dankworth, Mark Lockheart and Steve Waterman to work with the children and teachers.