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Meet Our Tutors
Nic Jeffries
Director, Clarinet, Saxophone, Voice
by special appointment only
Nic is JAM's principal and co-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 four 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.
Louis Wishart
Trumpet, Beginner French Horn, Composition and Music Theory
Louis is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music majoring in Composition (Honours), as well as being an internationally performed composer, just recently having the international premiere of his piece “In Spite of Time” performed in Houston, Texas by the University of Houston’s Aura Ensemble. Louis has studied with some of most well known Australian Composers such as Liza Lim, Carl Vine, Paul Stanhope and Gerard Brophy, making Louis an equally qualified composition and music theory tutor for all ages.
With twelve years experience also playing Brass and a strong background in both jazz and classical, Louis has studied under some of Australia’s most esteemed trumpet players, such as Simon Sweeney, Ralph Paul and John Pennings. Louis has extensive performance experience, being nominated for HSC Encore, performing with the Arts Unit Jazz Orchestra (NSW’s most esteemed high school Jazz Band), of which performed at the opening of International Jazz Day in Melbourne for Herbie Hancock and James Morrison, as well as undertaking a small residency at Ruby’s Jazz Club in London, England.
As a teacher, Louis creates a fun and engaging learning environment for all his students to flourish as trumpet players and all-round musicians.
Monty Taylor
Saxophone, Beginner Clarinet
Monty Taylor is a keen and friendly saxophone teacher. He is currently undertaking the prestigious Bachelor of Music Jazz Performance program at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has five years of experience teaching saxophone to school aged students.
Monty holds multiple musical engagements, across varying styles of jazz big band, pop-rock horn sections, and small ensembles.
As a teacher, Monty tailors lessons uniquely to each student, guiding them through new and challenging territories of learning with patience, appreciation for the student’s specific needs, interests and character. He strives to make learning saxophone fun and engaging for his students, assisting their development as courageous and disciplined instrumentalists.
Carrie Lakin
Voice
Carrie Lakin is a highly respected singing teacher with a wealth of experience in the Australian music industry. With a lengthy career performing as a professional singer and teaching contemporary vocals, Carrie is an enthusiastic music educator. In her teaching, Carrie focuses on building technical vocal abilities along with practical performance skills, whilst encouraging students to explore and appreciate their own individual style. Carrie’s expertise and dedication create a supportive environment where students not only excel in their singing abilities but also grow as confident, well-rounded performers.
Will Hunt
Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Will is a passionate lower brass player with eleven years of experience. He has assisted students over the past four years with their progression through school band programs, preparation for their AMEB exams, and personal musical goals. Whether it be to learn the art of improvised soloing, master a particular piece, speak freely and musically through their instrument or hone in their technique to achieve their optimal tone. Will received an early round offer upon audition to the Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, which he is commencing in 2025.
Jade Little
Flute
Jade Little is a highly experienced flautist and dedicated educator, with over two decades of expertise in playing, performing, and teaching the flute. With fifteen years devoted to mentoring students in flute and music theory, Jade's approach emphasises both technical mastery and artistic expression, fostering a lifelong love for music in her students. Her passion for teaching spans a variety of musical styles, with a particular interest in classical music, and her students have seen great successes in exams, auditions, and eisteddfods under her guidance.
Michael Walder
Director, Bass Guitar, Double Bass
Michael is JAM's co-director and a respected musician, bandleader and educator with over twenty years experience on the acoustic and electric bass. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz performance from The Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Michael has toured and recorded with numerous bands and artists in the Australian music scene. Some of these highlights include performing with Australian icon Tom Burlinson at the 2019 Susu Mamas Charity Fundraising Ball in Papua New Guinea, performing at the 2015 Woodford Folk Festival with acclaimed Sydney French duo Baby et Lulu, and running his own jazz band The Graduates. Michael released his debut album ‘Blues For Ray’ in 2020 and has also performed extensively with other musicians and artists at prominent music venues in Sydney, including The Sydney Opera House, The Basement, Oxford Art Factory, The Vanguard and Venue 505, as well as countless corporate events and private functions.
Skye Jeffries
Voice
by special appointment only
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.
Guy Ruse
Guitar, Electric, Acoustic
Guy has over ten years experience playing guitar. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, majoring in jazz guitar.
As a student, Guy received a band 6 in both HSC Music 2 and Music extension.
Guy takes great pleasure in teaching a wide variety of styles on both acoustic and electric guitar, catering to the individual needs and preferences of his students.
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.
Lachie Eggert
Saxophone, Clarinet
Lachie Eggert is a passionate saxophonist, teacher and composer based in Sydney. He is currently undertaking his final year of studies of a Bachelor of Music, majoring in jazz performance, at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Originally from Wauchope NSW, Lachie has taken inspiration during his time at the Conservatorium from musicians such as Dexter Gordon, Hank Mobley and Joshua Redman, as well as his teachers and peers, having studied under saxophonists Jeremy Rose and David Theak. Lachie is also a member of the Sydney based 10-piece band the 'Mosaic Jazz Collective' as a writer and saxophonist.
As a teacher, Lachie believes in a holistic approach to learning music and making learning interesting and engaging for all his students.
Ned Green
Piano
Ned graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2019 where he completed a Bachelor of Music Performance Degree, majoring in jazz piano. Since then he has been teaching piano, and has performed with various artists as both a keyboardist and singer. He is also a singer/songwriter and the leader of the band 'Safety First'.
As a teacher, Ned can cover a wide range of skill levels and styles, with a particular interest in contemporary and jazz performance. Ned welcomes his students to a relaxed and fun environment and looks forward to helping students achieve their musical goals.
Fezo Rantos
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Fezo Rantos is a conscientious, hard-working and caring music teacher specialising in saxophone, clarinet and flute. She has many years of experience performing in a range of local orchestral ensembles and currently teaches both primary and secondary students. Fezo has a deep appreciation of classical music as well as an interest in composition and improvisation and believes in the importance of music education and its role in creating a sense of community.
Edmund Ng
French Horn
Edmund Ng is an experienced musician and educator who holds a Diploma of Music from JMC Academy, where he was the former principal horn player for the university's orchestra society. He has over a decade of experience on the French horn and is known for his approachable and patient teaching style as well as a generous spirit that nurtures budding talents. As a composer and songwriter, he is currently writing and scoring music for various games and films. Edmund's dedication to both his craft and his students reflects his passion for music and its transformative power.
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