Nic Jeffries is the Principal and Co-Director of Jeffries Academy of Music. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is widely respected across Australia as both an educator and a live performer.

Nic has shared the stage with many of the country’s leading artists and is known for his soulful voice, musicianship, and passion for mentoring the next generation of performers. In 2016, Nic was a contestant on The Voice Australia, turning all four coaches’ chairs — a rare and memorable achievement.

A lifelong musician and educator, Nic’s dedication to music excellence began early: he was selected to perform in the HSC Encore Series after receiving a perfect score of 100% for HSC Music Performance in 2001. His work continues to inspire students to perform with confidence, creativity, and authenticity.

Winner of The Voice Australia 2019, Diana Rouvas is one of Australia’s most acclaimed vocalists and sought-after vocal coaches. A lifelong musician, Diana began vocal training at just four years old, studying the classical “Bel Canto” method and developing a signature sound rooted in soul and expressive artistry.

By the age of 17, Diana was touring internationally with multi–ARIA Award–winning artist Tina Arena, performing to sold-out audiences at Paris’s legendary Olympia Hall. Her career has since seen her represent Australia at the G’Day LA celebrations in Los Angeles, and collaborate with members of Rufus & Chaka Khan on her original material. Her music has captured the attention of international artists including Mary J. Blige, The Pussycat Dolls, and Alicia Keys.
In 2020, Diana was also a finalist in Eurovision: Australia Decides, showcasing her powerhouse vocals to a national audience once again.

Alongside her performance career, she has become one of Australia’s most respected vocal mentors, passionate about helping singers find their true voice and develop lasting technique through her refined approach to vocal training.

Diana joins the Jeffries Academy of Music team in 2025, offering exclusive vocal coaching one afternoon per week this term.

Louis Wishart is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Composition. His works have been performed both nationally and internationally, including the recent premiere of his piece “In Spite of Time” by the University of Houston’s Aura Ensemble in Texas.

Louis has studied under some of Australia’s most renowned composers — Liza Lim, Carl Vine, Paul Stanhope, and Gerard Brophy — making him an accomplished and inspiring tutor in both composition and music theory for students of all ages.

With over twelve years of experience as a brass player, Louis has also studied with acclaimed trumpet educators Simon Sweeney, Ralph Pyl, and John Pennings, developing strong foundations in both jazz and classical performance. He has performed with the Arts Unit Jazz Orchestra, appearing at the International Jazz Day celebrations in Melbourne alongside Herbie Hancock and James Morrison, and has held a performance residency at Ruby’s Jazz Club in London.

As an educator, Louis is passionate about creating a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where students can develop as confident trumpet players, creative composers, and well-rounded musicians.

Monty Taylor is a passionate and engaging saxophonist currently completing his Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. With over five years of teaching experience, Monty has worked extensively with school-aged students, helping them build confidence, creativity, and technical mastery on their instrument.
 
As an active performer, Monty plays across a diverse range of styles — from jazz big bands and pop-rock horn sections to small ensemble settings — bringing real-world musical experience into every lesson.
 
Monty tailors his teaching approach to each student’s individual needs and personality, creating lessons that are both structured and enjoyable. He aims to make learning saxophone an inspiring and rewarding journey, nurturing disciplined, courageous, and expressive young musicians.

Carrie Lakin is a highly respected vocal coach and accomplished performer with a wealth of experience in the Australian music industry. With a long and successful career both on stage and in the studio, Carrie brings a deep understanding of contemporary vocal technique and performance to her teaching.

Her lessons focus on building strong, sustainable vocal skills while developing each student’s confidence and personal artistic style. Carrie’s passion for music education and her supportive, encouraging approach help students thrive as confident, expressive, and well-rounded performers.

Damon's bio coming soon!

Jim's bio coming soon!