JMI Private Lessons

Alex Price

Originally from the UK Alexander Price started out playing saxophone in community concert bands and jazz orchestras. In 2016 Alexander graduated from JMI (Jazz Music Institute), since then he has been working on his craft, performing in various ensembles and teaching around Brisbane. Influences include the sounds of Stanley Turrentine, Dexter Gordon and Hank Mobley

Blake Lonie

I am a 2016 graduate of a Bachelor of Jazz Music at JMI. Beginning on trumpet in primary school, transitioning to guitar and electric bass in high school and a Diploma of Music, then onto double bass at University with the renowned Brendan Clarke as my mentor. I have been playing various styles over the past 10 years, and I regularly perform around Brisbane. I am involved in numerous projects including classic and alternative rock, heavy and progressive metal, American and gypsy jazz, Latin, funk and blues. As such I can cater to any style of learning for students young and old.

With me you can learn everything from your favourite songs and solos, as well as fundamentals such as ear training, improvising, accompaniment, advanced harmonic and rhythmic concepts, and song writing techniques. I believe there is something in music for everyone and having a teacher to explore with is an invaluable experience!

Charlotte Mclean

BMus(JMI), GradCert(QCGU), MMusSt(QCGU)
Course Coordinator, Voice, A Capella Ear Training, Aural and Analysis

Charlotte Mclean is emerging as one of Australia’s most captivating and original vocalists. Possessed of a velvety-smooth voice, she produces her own addictive style and her original tunes have garnered critical and popular acclaim. Charlotte’s exemplary skills as an improviser allow her to put a fresh spin on classic jazz repertoire, and she sings with honesty, strength and a unique combination of contemporary musical influences.

Having had a passion for music and performance from a young age, Charlotte released her second originals album “Magnolia” in June 2020, which was met with great praise. She was thrilled to be named a finalist in the prestigious Queensland Music Awards (Jazz Category) for her original music in 2021. In 2023, Charlotte released her third originals album “Spinning wheels and sideshows,” along with a trio jazz album titled “I know why and so do you” and a live album titled ‘Live at the Jazz Club’. Her impressive body of work led to her being nominated for the esteemed Freedman Fellowship Jazz Award in the same year.

Charlotte is a two-time graduate, having received a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music (Majoring in Vocal Pedagogy) with an award for academic excellence. In 2022 she presented her paper “An analysis of tertiary teaching approaches: Modifying curriculum to prepare vocalists for a professional career in Jazz Music.” Currently serving as the course coordinator at the Jazz Music Institute, Charlotte also continues to hone her skills as a tertiary lecturer in voice, Aural & Analysis, academic research units and AET. She continues to push musical boundaries and captivate audiences with her unique vocals and infectious tunes.

Chelle Janse Van Rensburg

Chelle Janse van Rensburg is a passionate songwriter and vocalist with a diverse set of skills to share. From solo performances to playing in large groups and choirs, Chelle has been immersed in music for most of her life. For over more than a decade of experience in live performance, Chelle has been refining strategies for vocal technique within the genres of jazz, RnB, folk, soul and pop.

As a teacher, Chelle prioritizes fostering a curious approach to confident singing. She advocates for the joy of exploration in her lessons, with a focus on imparting theoretical knowledge, enhancing technical practices, and a consciousness of the body and psyche.

Connor Perkins

Connor Perkins is a bassist and bandleader whose passion for musical expression drives every decision on and off the bandstand. As an in-demand bassist and recent graduate from JMI, Connor has had the opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s greatest bassists, including Andrew Shaw, Ashley Turner and Brendan Clarke, as well as from international masters Rodney Whitaker and Orlando Le Fleming.

Connor is known for his rhythmic and energetic style, inspired by players such as Sam Anning, Paul Chambers and Ron Carter. Connor’s focus in lessons is in bringing out an innate sense of creativity and curiosity in each student through the study of the masters, as well as through the refinement of technique and comfort with the instrument. Lessons can also cover a variety of musical styles, including Jazz, Classical, Latin and Folk.

David Romain

I’ve been playing guitar for 12 years and teaching for 10 years. I started my journey as a self-taught musician playing blues and rock at venues around South East QLD. Upon graduating JMI’s Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, I began teaching night classes at JMI as well as working in schools through the Australian Academy of Music, B Sharp Music, and the Primary Music Institute.

Learning with me, you can expect to cover everything from fundamentals to advanced concepts of improvisation. We will cover theory and practice with a focus on performance and analytical understanding. I will structure lessons with your goals in mind and tailored to your skill level.

Elliott Parker

Jordan Stitt

Jordan Stitt is a Brisbane based pianist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television (minoring in music production) from QUT (2018) and in Jazz Performance from JMI (2022). Stitt began performing in 2017 as a live accompanist for improvised theatre companies around Brisbane and since then has had the opportunity perform with various musicians and groups within the jazz idiom such as Dan Quigley, Charlotte Mclean and Travis Jenkins, as well as work in a range of other styles including neo-soul, pop, Latin and cabaret. In addition to performance Stitt also has extensive experience composing soundtracks for short films, videogames and other media.

As a tutor, Stitt works with students to cultivate a relaxed and personalised learning environment that inspires and equips them with the tools to enable a greater depth of musical expression. Stitt aims to deliver a holistic approach to jazz piano, integrating a range of key musical concepts like ear training, music theory, rhythm, improvisation and practice strategies. Ultimately Stitt hopes to instil in students the same love and passion for jazz that has driven his own musical journey.

Lachlan Alcorn

Lachlan Alcorn is an emerging vocalist on the Brisbane jazz scene. Having recently graduated from the Jazz Music Institute, Lachlan has gained a deep knowledge of all things jazz. Beginning his musical career at an early age enabled him an appreciation for a wide range of genres, from classical to musical theatre and jazz. Having a penchant for jazz, Lachlan finds inspiration in artists such as Mel Tormé, Nat King Cole, Joe Williams, and Jon Hendricks. Lachlan enjoys performing in various groups, from intimate jazz combos to fronting big bands. His smooth, warm vocals and ease of improvisation are enjoyed by all who listen.

In addition to his performance work, Lachlan is currently studying his Master of Music Studies in Vocal Pedagogy at the Griffith Conservatorium, a testament to his passion for the art of singing. He is deeply committed to helping others achieve their goals and refine their vocal abilities, and he channels this passion into his teaching as well as his own performances. Lachlan’s enthusiasm for music is evident in everything he does, from his charismatic stage presence to his dedication to his students. He is a true lover of jazz and is dedicated to sharing his passion for the genre with others, whether on stage or in the classroom.

Lachlan Alexander

Lachlan Alexander began playing the saxophone 12 years ago although didn’t get mesmerised by the art of jazz until 2015. During his studies at JMI, Lachlan has acquired a love for both traditional and bebop styles while studying the masters such as Charlie Parker, Johnny Griffin & Sonny Stitt. Lachlan also takes influence in his clarinet playing from the likes of Buddy DeFranco, Artie Shaw, Sidney Bechet & Giacomo Smith.

Currently, Lachlan is completing his Masters in Performance at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University whilst integrating his learning in practice by contributing as an emerging talent within the Brisbane Jazz scene.

Miguel Mendoza

Miguel Mendoza is a young Brisbane based drummer who has had passion for music his entire life. He started his musical journey on guitar in primary school before turning to percussion and drums just before high school. After realising his love for drumming, Miguel continued to pursue drums by studying at JMI and graduating in 2019.

For the past couple of years Miguel has been gigging and making a name for himself in the Brisbane music scene, working in a range of musical styles such as jazz, funk, metal, soul, punk rock and improv. As a result, he will be able to cater to your musical interests.

Miguel’s teaching style aims to deliver a technical approach to drumming to give students an overall grasp of the instrument. But also formats his lessons to suit his students skills, experience and learning style.

Mitchell Bellert

Mitchell Bellert is a Brisbane-based career instrumentalist specialising in jazz and contemporary styles. Graduating from Jazz Music Institute in 2015 with a Bachelor Of Music (Jazz Performance, Drum Set), He has been tutoring drum set since 2014, and performing professionally since 2012. Having studied with some of Australia’s finest educators, Mitchell’s approach to teaching covers all grounds of developing both a technical facility, and a personal ‘sound’ on the drum set.

He takes pride in structuring lessons to students’ individual requirements; albeit due to ability, experience, and musical interest. With a keen interest in jazz musics (improvised to traditional), fusion, funk, motown, hip-hop, and rnb, Mitchell pulls apart the building blocks in each style, allowing learning the music in a fluid and natural manner.

Sharon Nobs

Sharon Nobs is a trumpet player born and raised in Sydney who discovered her love for music at a young age. She started her journey at 6 years old and was introduced to jazz when she was 10 through school big band. After graduating high school she immediately moved to Brisbane to study at the Jazz Music Institute where she grew her skills in performance and learnt a deeper and richer understanding of jazz and music as a whole.

Throughout her journey during and post graduation she has found joy in teaching students with the goal of helping other people find their passion in music. She understands that not everyone is the same and adjusts lessons to best suit the style and level of her students by making the lessons fun and achievable but still with a challenge and gradual progression.

Tom Kakanis

Tom Kakanis is a Brisbane-based jazz guitarist, songwriter, and guitar teacher.  With a passion for a wide variety of genres, Tom is dedicated to helping his students understand the complexities of the guitar and music theory to improve their ability to improvise, write songs, and express themselves freely. He offers tailored teaching to meet each student’s individual needs and is committed to helping them achieve their musical goals through patient guidance.

Tom’s teaching style focus’s on exploring theory, the fretboard, harmony, expression, and improvisation techniques, as well as techniques for improving as a songwriter and composer.

Tyler Cooney

Since graduating with Honours in 2016 and studying under the renowned Ben Hauptmann, Tyler has been making a living teaching privately from his home, teaching at various music schools and regularly gigging in and around Brisbane. Tyler teaches everything you’d want to know, from beginner to advanced harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic concepts, ear training, chord voicings and accompaniment, building your chops and improving technique, composition, etc. Learn to play your favourite styles from Gypsy jazz and swing right through to more modern styles of playing!

Will Milne

Meet your new jazz piano guru! With a passion for turning coffee into catchy tunes, I’m here to help you swing like a pro. Whether you want to master the classics or improvise like a wildcat, my lessons are a mix of fun, creativity, and just the right amount of jazz hands. Join me, and let’s tickle those ivories together—no tuxedo required! Get ready to jazz up your skills and maybe even surprise yourself with what you can play. Let’s make some music magic happen!

Zoe Atkinson

A recent graduate from Brisbane’s Jazz Music Institute, Zoe Atkinson is a tenor and bass trombonist emerging in Brisbane’s music scene. With her roots in big band music, Zoe has had the opportunity to perform a wide range of musical styles with high caliber groups such as John Morrison’s Swing City Big Band and the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Zoe is passionate about all things brass, playing regularly with a community brass band and being a competent tuba, euphonium, baritone and sousaphone player. Zoe is confident in teaching music through a mix of notated and aural methods to suit a student’s needs and interests.