YOUTH JAZZ INTERNATIONAL
About
Leadership & Vision
Youth Jazz International (YJI) was founded in 2022 by Cindy Lin Chew with the artistic guidance of acclaimed jazz violinist Scott Tixier. Originally launched as part of the Chamber Music International Youth Ambassadors program, the ensemble was created to give young string players an opportunity to explore the language of jazz - an area rarely included in traditional classical training.
What began as an experimental initiative quickly revealed a strong desire among students for a space where improvisation, collaboration, and creative risk-taking were encouraged. In 2023, the program became an independent organization and was renamed Youth Jazz International, reflecting its broader mission to cultivate the next generation of creative musicians.
At YJI, students encounter jazz not only as a musical genre, but as a mindset. Through improvisation, they learn to transform uncertainty into creativity - developing confidence, resilience, and curiosity that extend far beyond the stage. Equally central to YJI’s vision is the belief that music belongs to everyone. The ensemble regularly brings live jazz performances into community spaces where music becomes a shared language that connects people across cultures and generations.
Together, Cindy Lin Chew and Scott Tixier guide Youth Jazz International with a shared vision: to nurture young artists who listen deeply, create boldly, and carry the spirit of jazz forward.​​
Mission
Youth Jazz International's mission has two main objectives: to introduce the arts of jazz and improvisation to youths, and to bring live jazz music to everyone. We believe jazz, a genre rich with freedom and spontaneity, is most effectively taught during the formative years of secondary school, when students are full of imagination and before the onset rigidity. Learning to embrace their improvisational spirits compels students to adopt a mindset that turns perceived mistakes into creative opportunities in music and, perhaps, in life. In addition, YJI aim to bring music to public spaces where lots of different cultures converge, where audiences live, work and recreate. We believe that music heals, communicates, and connects. Everyone deserves to experience the richness and power of live music, regardless of their circumstances. For our ensemble members, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and learning their unique stories broadens perspectives and promotes meaningful growth.
