Are you a music student at at college and university level?

14th. February, 2025:

Oslojazz Talent is Oslo Jazz Festival's talent initiative, aimed at bands/projects consisting of music students at college and university level. Oslojazz Talent aims to provide an extra push in the careers of ambitious young jazz musicians in the early stages of their careers.

Each year, selected bands perform for the festival's jazz-loving audience, and this year the concerts will be held at some of the capital's most vibrant venues: Herr Nilsen, Becco, and Blå. In addition to showcase concerts on the festival program, the talent initiative includes concerts with a social profile, masterclasses, industry courses, and four days of festival atmosphere!

The application form is now open and you will find it here!

What do you get as a participant in Oslojazz Talent:

• Travel to and from Oslo
• Accommodation in Oslo
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the stay
• Festival pass
• Showcase concerts
• Concerts with a social profile
• Masterclass with Joshua Redman

What we expect from participants:

• Attendance at all activities during the festival week
• All band members are available 13.-16. August 2025

Mini festival in Ila Prison and Detention Center

Four of this year's eight bands will be participating in a mini festival in Ila Prison and Detention Center. Here, the bands will meet inmates and play a mini-festival in the prison yard. Former Oslojazz Talent participant Elise Sløgedal has recently been working closely with a band project for inmates. Together with pianist Earling Nikolaisen, they will participate in the airfield festival with their own musical performances. This will be an experience to remember!

Masterclass with Joshua Redman

The other four bands will have a masterclass with Joshua Redman at the National Jazz Scene. The American saxophonist will play several concerts at Oslojazz 2025, and will end his stay in Oslo with a meeting with Oslojazz Talent. The masterclass will consist of both a conversation with Redman and some playing.

Please note that Oslojazz Talent is not a paid program.

Oslojazz Talent is supported by Talent Norway, the Bergesen Foundation, and Yamaha.

Admission deadline: Sunday 16. March 2025

Former Oslojazz Talent band/artist-participants:

• Amalie Dahl’s Dafnie
• ASQ - Amund Stenøien Quartet
• Bêl
• Bliss Quintet
• Damata
• Drop Bear
• Dykdypp
• Elise Sløgedal
• Flaig Quartet
• Gard Hvammen Trio
• Gard Kronborg Group
• General Post Office
• Grossband
• Himmelskip
• I LIKE TO SLEEP
• Joakim Rainer Trio
• Kongle Trio
• Leirblaa
• Lightning Trio
• Master Oogway
• Mona Krogstad Quartet
• MONSTERA
• Ragnarök Trio
• Schemes
• Science Fair
• Svaneborg Kardyp
• Sverre Sæbø Quintet
• tuvahalseband
• Why Kai