The Tamworth Jazz Choir is looking for about 20 members who will meet weekly each Thursday night at St John's Anglican Church Hall from 7-9pm starting tomorrow.

An initiative of Bill Gleeson and the Jennie Heaton School of Performing Arts, the jazz choir is the first of its kind for Tamworth, although similar choirs exist at Barraba, Narrabri and Manilla.

It is a departure from formal choral singing and will draw on the works of 20th and 21st century composers. Expect Elton John, The Beatles, Gershwin ... even Abba.

"It will be fun, modern, choral work with a bit of movement," Mr Gleeson said.

"It is singing for fun, you don't even have to be able to read music.

"The repertoire will depend on what the choir members want to do and we will build up to performing in public at civic functions."

In another boost to the creative life of the city Mr Gleeson will this weekend launch an adult drama school to be held on Saturdays from 4pm, again at St John's Anglican Church Hall.

The adult drama school is for amateur thespians aged 15 plus, a spin-off of the rich amateur theatre that thrives in Tamworth.

"There's already children's drama tuition in Tamworth, but nothing for adults," Mr Gleeson said.

"I will be writing plays to suit people in the group.

"It will be totally confidence boosting because people will be doing well what they want to do."

Mr Gleeson has been writing profusely since his retirement from ABC Radio last year and he hinted that there would be a new play and musical trialled this year.

"I'm excited about the jazz choir and adult drama because it is an extension of what is already available in Tamworth," he said.