Meet Our Tutors
Nic Jeffries
Academy Director
Nic is JAM's Principal, and Director of the academy. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in Jazz performance from The Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Nic is widely respected as an educator as well as a live performer, and has performed alongside some of the biggest names in the Australian music business. Nic was a contestant on the popular TV series 'The Voice' in 2016 turning a rare 4 chairs from the coaches. He was a performer in the HSC 'Encore Series' in 2001 after receiving a mark of 100% for HSC music performance.
Lachlan Hamilton
Saxophone
Lachlan is a well-respected conductor, composer, arranger, educator and performer. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and undergoes extensive continuous study and research in music education and conducting. Lachlan has extensive experience in preparing students for their HSC performance examinations. In 2018, he composed and published his first piece for Primary school bands, titled "Riding Through The Wild West."
Rafael Salgado
French Horn, Trumpet, Euphonium
Rafael Salgado is a highly experienced brass teacher, and a master French Horn player. He has helped a number of JAM students achieve excellent results in their AMEB performance exams. Rafael has extensive experience performing in orchestras all around the world and has performed in a number of Sydney's professional theatre productions. He is called upon regularly to work with the Australian Opera Ballet Orchestra.
Julie Oguey
Voice, Ukulele
Julie Oguey is a highly accomplished and multi-talented musician. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from The Australian Institute of Music and currently performs around Australia in various venues and festivals, including a recent performance with acclaimed artist Lior.
Julie has been a popular tutor at JAM since 2017, developing a strong report with her students and nurturing them on their musical path. She has a strong passion for inspiring young children to love music, running JAM's early childhood music class "Little Harry's JAM."
Josh Hunter
Trumpet
Josh Hunter is a dedicated and enthusiastic Trumpet player and tutor. He has a number of years experience in teaching the trumpet and employs a strong focus on technique with his students. Josh performs around Sydney with the Blue Riff Big Band, The JWA Little Big Band and has been a member of the JAM Big Band since joining the JAM team in 2019. He has performed in many of Sydney's most prestigious venues, including the State Theatre. Josh is dedicated to the success of his students and continually helps them to strive for their best.
Eunice Wong
Piano, Violin, Viola, Flute
Eunice is an accomplished performer and educator with many years experience working with students of all ages. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Music at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music majoring in Viola and also holds an AMusA Diploma from the AMEB in Flute, Viola (with distinction) & Piano as well as her LMusA Diploma in Flute. With an extremely wide variety of experience and study, Eunice tutors her students with a wide variety of approaches, including both Suzuki and AMEB methods. She is very dedicated to the success of her students and desires that each one has an enjoyable musical experience.
Oscar Henfrey
Drums & Percussion
A graduate of the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music Jazz Program, Oscar Henfrey is a freelance full time session musician and drum teacher. As a highly in demand session drummer, Oscar provides a youthful, inspired and practical way to learning the drums, with over 7 years of teaching experience from primary school level students up to tertiary and professional players.
Suzy Milton
Flute, Piccolo, Recorder
Suzy is a confident and mature performer and educator who is currently studying a Bachelor of Music at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She was on the HSC Honours roll for both Music 2 and Music Extension at her school, and has experience in preparing students for AMEB music exams, with many of her students achieving 'honours' status. Suzy regularly performs around Sydney for musical productions and in Orchestras and recently toured Spain with the Conservatorium Wind Symphony. She is currently principal flautist with the Sydney Youth Orchestra. Suzy is known for her energetic and bubbly approach, and continually helps her students achieve their absolute best.
Clayton Allen
Drums, Percussion
Clayton is an experienced performer and educator in drums & percussion. He holds both a Diploma in Music from Nirimba College, and a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Clayton performs as a session and touring musician with a number of bands both locally and internationally. With the ability to communicate fluently with people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels he helps his students to successfully develop their musical knowledge and abilities.
Ben Ackland
Guitar & Contemporary Ensembles
Ben Ackland is a Sydney-based Musician, Composer, Arranger and Producer. In 1998 he received a bachelor of music (performance) from Southern Cross University. He then gained a Graduate Diploma in music Education from the University of New England Armidale. Ben also studied Jazz performance at the Conservatorium of Music Sydney.
Ben has taught High School music at HSC level and conducted Ensembles at Trinity Grammar, Newtown Performing Arts, Caringbah High, Inaburra, MLC Burwood, Mamre Anglican and Sutherland Shire Christian School. He is a fun and engaging educator who enjoys passing on his love of music.
Skye Jeffries
Voice
Skye is a wonderful vocal teacher known for her ability to draw out each student's unique vocal talent. She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from The Australian Institute of Music. She was a successful contestant on The Voice in 2013, writes and records her own music and regularly sings professionally around Australia and internationally. Working as a backing vocalist she has sung for artists such as Guy Sebastian, Damien Leith and 2019 winner of the voice, Diana Rouvas.
Ben McNutt
Euphonium, Trombone
Ben is a highly skilled euphonium and trombone player. Since joining JAM, Ben has developed a strong connection with his students and is inspiring the next generation of players in these two wonderful instruments. He was a HSC encore nominee and NSW State Solo Euphonium Champion in 2016 and 2017.
Ben Devries
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Ben is a highly accomplished young Saxophone player. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Music degree at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is already working as a freelance musician in the Sydney professional music scene. Having started his journey in jazz under the tutelage of Nic Jeffries, Ben has gone on to study with some of the best musicians in the world, including a stint at The Brubeck Institute of Jazz in Sacramento. He is extremely dedicated to the success of his students, and inspires them to constantly achieve their best.
Nathaniel Porter
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Nathaniel is a talented musician and music educator who currently conducts a number of school bands, and has the ability to tutor students in a number of instruments. When he is not performing or conducting he also works as a teachers aid for children with special needs. Nathaniel is dedicated to the success of his students at JAM and has extensive experience preparing students for the AMEB.
Wilton Lander
Clarinet, Saxophone
Wilton completed his HSC in 2018 achieving first place in Music 1, and performing in the prestigious "Encore" Concert at the Sydney Opera House. Wilton is a highly accomplished young clarinet player, holding his certificate in 8th Grade AMEB, and started his jazz saxophone journey under the tutelage of Nic Jeffries. Since joining JAM he has become known as a valuable tutor who inspires students learning clarinet and saxophone.
Michael Walder
Bass Guitar, Double Bass
Michael is an inspiring musician, educator and band leader with over 20 years experience performing on acoustic and electric bass. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Michael performs all around Australia and currently runs his own band "The Graduates" who perform for some of Sydney's most high profile corporate events.
Josh Sijl
Guitar, Electric Bass
Josh is an experienced performer and teacher on the Guitar and the Electric Bass, with a positive and engaging attitude toward his students. He holds an advanced diploma from The C3 College and is continually performing around Sydney with various bands. Josh is a dedicated teacher and has many years of experience working with students of all ages.
James Fuller
Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Music Theory, Harmony, Musicianship & Arranging
James is a multi-talented musician, arranger and recording engineer with the ability to help students of all ages realise their musical dreams and abilities. He is currently studying a double degree in Music Studies (Composition) and Arts (Psychology) at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music and The University of Sydney. James has extensive performing experience both in Piano and Guitar and continues to perform as a freelance musician in both corporate and original bands. He was nominated for the HSC 'Encore' series in 2016 and has also been awarded a Scholarship Award from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.
James Schubert
Drums, Percussion
James Schubert is an inspiring performer and teacher. He has an energetic and enthusiastic approach to teaching drums & percussion and has been with JAM since it opened in 2017. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Performance majoring in Jazz drums at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Having started his journey in Jazz drums under the direction of Nic Jeffries, James now regularly performs around Australia touring with several different bands and artists.
Marcello Maio
Piano
Marcello Maio is a musician, composer and musical director. Accomplished in piano, piano-accordion, keyboards and flute, his trademark musicianship and versatility across a range of musical genres has established Marcello in some of Sydney’s most highly acclaimed Latin, Jazz and World music ensembles. As a teacher, Marcello inspires his students for a love of music as great as his own, and enjoys teaching students from beginner right through to tertiary level.