WHY JMC?

Nationally accredited Degrees & Diplomas in Creative Industries
Be mentored by our award-winning lecturers and industry partners
Collaborate, network and learn with campuses full of like-minded creatives
Hand-pick electives and projects that are most relevant to you
Inspiring and nurturing amazing creatives for over 40 years

Sydney . Melbourne . Brisbane

 

Creativity is personal and no two journeys are alike... we get it. At JMC that is exactly how we tailor our approach to your learning.

Gain the skills you need to pursue your creative passion for Music, Animation, Design (Vis. Comm.), Game Design, Film & TV Production, Acting and more at JMC Academy.

From your first contact with our student admissions team right through to the day you graduate and beyond, we are all about helping you discover and create new opportunities, perfect your craft and discover a career you will love.

Our courses and programs are designed differently and have been shaped by contemporary leaders in industry giving you the opportunity to undertake units and projects that are relevant, future-focused and exciting.

JMC will give you every chance to explore and innovate, and we’ll be right there with you along the way.

Notable Alumni

Brent 'Quincy' Buchanan
Strategic A&R, Universal Music Group
Felicity Staunton
Executive Vice President, Animal Logic Entertainment
Scott Petts
Award Winning Designer and Creative Director
Mel Jarnson
Actress [Mortal Kombat, Harrow, Blacklight, C*A*U*G*H*T]
Aldo Sampaio
Audio Director, Yellow Brick Games [formerly Ubisoft]
Harry O'Brien
Audio Mixer and Frontman, Pacific Avenue
Lexee Gordoun
Director of International Award Winning Films
Earth Patravee
Singer/Songwriter, 50 million Spotify listens [Thailand]
Tim "Timomatic" Omaji
Multi-platinum selling + ARIA Award Nominee + APRA Award Winner
Chloe Dadd
Recording Engineer & Producer, Golden Retriever Studios + Artist
Nick Franklin
Audio Engineer + Owner, Franklin Audio
Fayssal Bazzi
Actor, Best Actor in Television AACTA Award 2020
Callum Howell
Sound Producer, Engineer & Mixer [Ocean Alley]
Nazlican Eren
Radio Presenter and founder, CHERUB Artist Management
Alexander Nezhinskiy
Creative Director & Sound Engineer, Evolsound

Discover Careers

Having lecturers that are actively working in their industry showed me that you can make it in a creative career. The one-on-one learning experience you receive at JMC allowed me to tap into my lecturers industry knowledge and prepare to launch my career in audio.
Chloe Connolly
Audio Engineering & Sound Production
At JMC you’re a name, not just another number and when you study here, you become part of the community. I know everyone’s names and so do the lecturers. It’s a really supportive environment.
James Berklemans
Game Design
My favourite thing about JMC Academy is the access I get to professional, world class equipment. Being able to have that hands-on experience and access to the tech I need to create work has allowed me to build my skills and put my ideas into practice both in and out of the classroom.
Jack Hunter
Film & TV
My favourite thing about JMC is the people. it is a really creative atmosphere. Your lecturers are all industry professionals with real-world experience and share your passions in the field you choose to pursue.
Pedro Vazquez Sanchez
Songwriting

Our Lecturers

Rick Grossman

Music Lecturer

For the past 35 years, Rick has worked as a professional musician, spending five years (1982-1987) as a bass guitarist for Divinyls, and then in 1988 Rick began playing bass for the Hoodoo Gurus. From 1990 onwards Rick has been involved with a side project, Ghostwriters, along with Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil.

Rick has toured both Australia and internationally with the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Men at Work and produced Albums such as ‘Caution: Life Ahead, Artists for Recovery’, a collection of Australian artists to raise awareness for drug rehabilitation.

He has been inducted twice to the ARIA Hall of Fame, in 2007 for his work with Hoodoo Gurus, and also in 2006 for his work with Divinyls.

At JMC Academy, Sydney Campus, Rick teaches Band ensemble and encourages his students to follow their passions and always have commitment, creativity and to write original material.

Rick Grossman

Music Lecturer

For the past 35 years, Rick has worked as a professional musician, spending five years (1982-1987) as a bass guitarist for Divinyls, and then in 1988 Rick began playing bass for the Hoodoo Gurus. From 1990 onwards Rick has been involved with a side project, Ghostwriters, along with Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil.

Rick has toured both Australia and internationally with the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Men at Work and produced Albums such as ‘Caution: Life Ahead, Artists for Recovery’, a collection of Australian artists to raise awareness for drug rehabilitation.

He has been inducted twice to the ARIA Hall of Fame, in 2007 for his work with Hoodoo Gurus, and also in 2006 for his work with Divinyls.

At JMC Academy, Sydney Campus, Rick teaches Band ensemble and encourages his students to follow their passions and always have commitment, creativity and to write original material.

James O'Brien

Head of Music (Melbourne)

James graduated with a Bachelor of Music (performance) from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2001 and immediately began work as a touring musician successfully traversing the jazz and popular music worlds. With modern piano trio Misinterprotato, James toured around Australia, the U.S., Canada and Japan and contributed to the group's first two releases through the Melbourne based Jazzhead label.

As singer and songwriter in Brisbane-Melbourne based indie-pop group The Boat People, James has released three albums, toured the U.S. 8 times (including two trips to SXSW), the U.K. twice and supported many outstanding Australian and International acts including Powderfinger, Crowded House and The Shins. The Boat People have had 8 songs playlisted on national radio station Triple J and in 2007 James signed a publishing deal with Ivy League/Mushroom which has seen his songs used extensively in television and film.

In 2012, James co-wrote and sung the breakout single "Half of It" for producer duo YesYou which received high rotation radio play on Triple J. James currently works as touring bass player with avant-folk group Machine Translations and songstress Kate Miller-Heidke. With his new group Darling James, he produced and music directed the "8 First Dates" event at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe which featured guests Ainslie Wills, Angie Hart (Frente), Jae Laffer (The Panics) and many others. Darling James are about to release their debut single and recently opened for legendary Australian group, The Church.

James O'Brien

Head of Music (Melbourne)

James graduated with a Bachelor of Music (performance) from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2001 and immediately began work as a touring musician successfully traversing the jazz and popular music worlds. With modern piano trio Misinterprotato, James toured around Australia, the U.S., Canada and Japan and contributed to the group's first two releases through the Melbourne based Jazzhead label.

As singer and songwriter in Brisbane-Melbourne based indie-pop group The Boat People, James has released three albums, toured the U.S. 8 times (including two trips to SXSW), the U.K. twice and supported many outstanding Australian and International acts including Powderfinger, Crowded House and The Shins. The Boat People have had 8 songs playlisted on national radio station Triple J and in 2007 James signed a publishing deal with Ivy League/Mushroom which has seen his songs used extensively in television and film.

In 2012, James co-wrote and sung the breakout single "Half of It" for producer duo YesYou which received high rotation radio play on Triple J. James currently works as touring bass player with avant-folk group Machine Translations and songstress Kate Miller-Heidke. With his new group Darling James, he produced and music directed the "8 First Dates" event at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe which featured guests Ainslie Wills, Angie Hart (Frente), Jae Laffer (The Panics) and many others. Darling James are about to release their debut single and recently opened for legendary Australian group, The Church.

Paul McKercher

Audio Lecturer

Credited with five Aria Awards and hundreds of releases, the Sonic signatures of clarity, power, punch and musicality are the defining qualities of Paul's work. He understands musicians and can tap into the essence of their artistic vision while making the recording process transparent, enjoyable, even transcendent.

Over the course of an extensive career in music production, Paul’s inclusive approach and versatility has led to successful collaborations with artists from multiple genres.

He has a deep technical knowledge and is a multi-instrumentalist with formal training in music (AMEB grade 7) and the recording arts, working at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for a decade taking the role of Triple J live music producer for three years.

Bringing a critical approach to studio practice and an empathic ear to music production, Paul has written articles, spoken at industry conferences, podcasts and lectured extensively in music production.

Paul McKercher

Audio Lecturer

Credited with five Aria Awards and hundreds of releases, the Sonic signatures of clarity, power, punch and musicality are the defining qualities of Paul's work. He understands musicians and can tap into the essence of their artistic vision while making the recording process transparent, enjoyable, even transcendent.

Over the course of an extensive career in music production, Paul’s inclusive approach and versatility has led to successful collaborations with artists from multiple genres.

He has a deep technical knowledge and is a multi-instrumentalist with formal training in music (AMEB grade 7) and the recording arts, working at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for a decade taking the role of Triple J live music producer for three years.

Bringing a critical approach to studio practice and an empathic ear to music production, Paul has written articles, spoken at industry conferences, podcasts and lectured extensively in music production.

George Lignos

Audio & Music Lecturer

George has been a JMC Academy lecturer in audio and music since Feb 2020. He is working professionally as a keyboard player, music producer, music director, live/studio engineer and educator over the last 17 years. He has given more than 800 concerts in many major music festivals, venues, clubs and TV and Radio programs, all over Europe, Australia, and the USA. He has released 10 full albums, and he has participated to dozens of recordings as a producer, session musician and mix engineer. He is the owner of Parafonik music studio in Brisbane which provides comprehensive and artistic sound production services for bands and artists around the globe. As an educator, George’s primary goal is to transfer his musical knowledge and passion to his students and assist them towards the goal of achieving their very best in music. His approach is to journey with them and take them beyond their limits, inspiring them to explore their musical landscapes.

George Lignos

Audio & Music Lecturer

George has been a JMC Academy lecturer in audio and music since Feb 2020. He is working professionally as a keyboard player, music producer, music director, live/studio engineer and educator over the last 17 years. He has given more than 800 concerts in many major music festivals, venues, clubs and TV and Radio programs, all over Europe, Australia, and the USA. He has released 10 full albums, and he has participated to dozens of recordings as a producer, session musician and mix engineer. He is the owner of Parafonik music studio in Brisbane which provides comprehensive and artistic sound production services for bands and artists around the globe. As an educator, George’s primary goal is to transfer his musical knowledge and passion to his students and assist them towards the goal of achieving their very best in music. His approach is to journey with them and take them beyond their limits, inspiring them to explore their musical landscapes.

James Puli SOC

Film & Television Lecturer

James is one of Australia's most versatile Camera / Steadicam Operators! After forging a solid career as a Camera Assistant (working on such productions as Ghost Rider, Where The Wild Things Are and Steven Spielberg's The Pacific), James "stepped up" to operating cameras in 2008 and has since worked for every TV network in Australia + ESPN and MTV America.... in addition to the hundreds of TV commercials, concerts and the odd movie as well. Be it sport, drama, reality, comedy, commercial, corporate or music - James has shot it and continues to be in high demand inside and outside of JMC!

James Puli SOC

Film & Television Lecturer

James is one of Australia's most versatile Camera / Steadicam Operators! After forging a solid career as a Camera Assistant (working on such productions as Ghost Rider, Where The Wild Things Are and Steven Spielberg's The Pacific), James "stepped up" to operating cameras in 2008 and has since worked for every TV network in Australia + ESPN and MTV America.... in addition to the hundreds of TV commercials, concerts and the odd movie as well. Be it sport, drama, reality, comedy, commercial, corporate or music - James has shot it and continues to be in high demand inside and outside of JMC!

Simone Parrott

Entertainment Business + Master's Lecturer

With extensive experience as a Producer, Executive Producer, Associate Producer, Tour Manager, Event Producer, General Manager, Arts Administrator and Lecturer, Simone has worked across all facets of live entertainment and unique special events for more than 25 years.

Her credits span commercial and not for profit productions, fundraising, community and special events, concert presentations, musical theatre and other theatrical productions, which include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and Rent (Cameron Mackintosh), 50th Anniversary Snowy River Reunion Project (Julie Brooks + Company), Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the XXVII Olympiad (SOCOG), Singin’ In The Rain (David Atkins Enterprises & IMG), Oliver! (IMG & Cameron Mackintosh), Cabaret (IMG & Namco), Jamie Oliver ‘Live’ Happy Days Tour (IMG & Tim Etchells) Renée Fleming in Recital (IMG), Slava’s Snowshow (Back Row Productions & IMG) and José Carreras in Concert - the Official Opening of Singapore’s Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay (IMG), The Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts 2003 (AEIA), Inaugural Sydney & Melbourne Affordable Art Shows (Single Market Events), Santa’s Kingdom (David Atkins Enterprises, Garry Van Egmond & ICA), The Sleeping Beauty on Ice (ICA & Imperial Russian Ice Stars), Discovery After Dark (NSW Premiers Department - Office of Protocol and Special Events), The Trendwest Sydney Kings 3-Peat Celebration Ball, also benefiting the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation (Markson Sparks), World Premiere tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage (Jacobsen Entertainment), the launch of Kookaburra – The National Musical Theatre Company.

Simone was the Associate Producer for the World Premiere season of Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the Musical (Priscilla On Stage), The 7th Annual Helpmann Awards - 2007 (LPA), An Audience With Stephen Sondheim (Kookaburra – The National Musical Theatre Company), and Executive Producer for José Carreras In Concert and Tina Arena In Concert: Songs Of Love and Loss (Tim Woods & Spirit Entertainment), before undertaking A Musical Send Off (Arena Management) and The 8th Annual Helpmann Awards - 2008 (LPA) and the Breast Wishes Gala Concert benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation (The Not For Profit Production Company). Her credits also include the World Premiere tour of Breast Wishes – An Uplifting Musical (Bien-Etre Productions), The 9th Annual Helpmann Awards - 2009 (LPA), Parky The One-Man Show (SEL), The Motown Event (SEL) The 10th Annual Helpmann Awards – 2010 and General Manager for Parky & Frost (SEL) with Sir Michael Parkinson and Sir David Frost. Simone co-produced the 2011 regional tour of Breast Wishes – An Uplifting Musical (Bien-Etre Productions) as well as the role of Casting Coordinator for international productions of How To Train Your Dragon & King Kong (Global Creatures) and a second contract as the Acting General Manager at The Australian Theatre For Young People (atyp). She is also the former Chair and Board Member of Hayes Theatre Co, established in 2013.

She delivered 53 community events under the Major Community Events Program for Marrickville Council, now Inner West Council, including Marrickville Festival 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Annual Bali Memorial Service 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Dulwich Hill Community Fair 2012 & 2013, Dulwich Hill Village Fair 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Australia Day Celebrations 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016, Australia Day 2017 & 2018, International Women’s Day 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017, Bairro Portugues Petersham Food & Wine Fair 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 and Celebrate 2044 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Fanny Durack Pool Opening 2013, Remembrance Day & Lone Pine Planting 2014, SES Headquarters Official Opening 2015, Marrickville Medal and Urban Photography Awards 2015 & 2016 and Marrickville Remembers 2015 (Marrickville Council), WWII Memorial Unveiling 2016, Footprints Ecofestival 2017, Built Environment Awards 2017 & 2018 and Carnival of Cultures 2017 & 2018, and recently devised the 75th Anniversary Celebrations for the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Simone develops education resource kits for musical theatre works and special events as well as course curriculum to train and lecture in Entertainment, Tour, Festival, Event and Project Management and train in Mental Health First Aid. She has a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Theatre from The University of Wollongong, a Masters in Management – Arts Management and a Diploma in Workplace and Vocational Learning as well as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment a Masters in Adult Education from The University of Technology, Sydney, a Certificate III in Floristry and most recently attained accreditation to deliver the Standard Mental Health First Aid Training course from Mental Health First Aid Australia.

Simone Parrott

Entertainment Business + Master's Lecturer

With extensive experience as a Producer, Executive Producer, Associate Producer, Tour Manager, Event Producer, General Manager, Arts Administrator and Lecturer, Simone has worked across all facets of live entertainment and unique special events for more than 25 years.

Her credits span commercial and not for profit productions, fundraising, community and special events, concert presentations, musical theatre and other theatrical productions, which include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and Rent (Cameron Mackintosh), 50th Anniversary Snowy River Reunion Project (Julie Brooks + Company), Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the XXVII Olympiad (SOCOG), Singin’ In The Rain (David Atkins Enterprises & IMG), Oliver! (IMG & Cameron Mackintosh), Cabaret (IMG & Namco), Jamie Oliver ‘Live’ Happy Days Tour (IMG & Tim Etchells) Renée Fleming in Recital (IMG), Slava’s Snowshow (Back Row Productions & IMG) and José Carreras in Concert - the Official Opening of Singapore’s Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay (IMG), The Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts 2003 (AEIA), Inaugural Sydney & Melbourne Affordable Art Shows (Single Market Events), Santa’s Kingdom (David Atkins Enterprises, Garry Van Egmond & ICA), The Sleeping Beauty on Ice (ICA & Imperial Russian Ice Stars), Discovery After Dark (NSW Premiers Department - Office of Protocol and Special Events), The Trendwest Sydney Kings 3-Peat Celebration Ball, also benefiting the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation (Markson Sparks), World Premiere tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage (Jacobsen Entertainment), the launch of Kookaburra – The National Musical Theatre Company.

Simone was the Associate Producer for the World Premiere season of Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the Musical (Priscilla On Stage), The 7th Annual Helpmann Awards - 2007 (LPA), An Audience With Stephen Sondheim (Kookaburra – The National Musical Theatre Company), and Executive Producer for José Carreras In Concert and Tina Arena In Concert: Songs Of Love and Loss (Tim Woods & Spirit Entertainment), before undertaking A Musical Send Off (Arena Management) and The 8th Annual Helpmann Awards - 2008 (LPA) and the Breast Wishes Gala Concert benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation (The Not For Profit Production Company). Her credits also include the World Premiere tour of Breast Wishes – An Uplifting Musical (Bien-Etre Productions), The 9th Annual Helpmann Awards - 2009 (LPA), Parky The One-Man Show (SEL), The Motown Event (SEL) The 10th Annual Helpmann Awards – 2010 and General Manager for Parky & Frost (SEL) with Sir Michael Parkinson and Sir David Frost. Simone co-produced the 2011 regional tour of Breast Wishes – An Uplifting Musical (Bien-Etre Productions) as well as the role of Casting Coordinator for international productions of How To Train Your Dragon & King Kong (Global Creatures) and a second contract as the Acting General Manager at The Australian Theatre For Young People (atyp). She is also the former Chair and Board Member of Hayes Theatre Co, established in 2013.

She delivered 53 community events under the Major Community Events Program for Marrickville Council, now Inner West Council, including Marrickville Festival 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Annual Bali Memorial Service 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Dulwich Hill Community Fair 2012 & 2013, Dulwich Hill Village Fair 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Australia Day Celebrations 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016, Australia Day 2017 & 2018, International Women’s Day 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017, Bairro Portugues Petersham Food & Wine Fair 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 and Celebrate 2044 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Fanny Durack Pool Opening 2013, Remembrance Day & Lone Pine Planting 2014, SES Headquarters Official Opening 2015, Marrickville Medal and Urban Photography Awards 2015 & 2016 and Marrickville Remembers 2015 (Marrickville Council), WWII Memorial Unveiling 2016, Footprints Ecofestival 2017, Built Environment Awards 2017 & 2018 and Carnival of Cultures 2017 & 2018, and recently devised the 75th Anniversary Celebrations for the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Simone develops education resource kits for musical theatre works and special events as well as course curriculum to train and lecture in Entertainment, Tour, Festival, Event and Project Management and train in Mental Health First Aid. She has a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Theatre from The University of Wollongong, a Masters in Management – Arts Management and a Diploma in Workplace and Vocational Learning as well as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment a Masters in Adult Education from The University of Technology, Sydney, a Certificate III in Floristry and most recently attained accreditation to deliver the Standard Mental Health First Aid Training course from Mental Health First Aid Australia.

Cassandra Long

Music Lecturer

Cassie is an indie folk singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and vocal pedagogist based in Sydney. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Music, concentrated in Songwriting and Music Production, from Berklee College of Music, she aims to help her students hone all aspects of their craft and amplify their artistry.

Cassandra Long

Music Lecturer

Cassie is an indie folk singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and vocal pedagogist based in Sydney. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Music, concentrated in Songwriting and Music Production, from Berklee College of Music, she aims to help her students hone all aspects of their craft and amplify their artistry.

Jane Gazzo

EBM And Music Lecturer

Jane Gazzo wears many hats in the world of music and entertainment. As a music journalist, TV presenter, author, MC, DJ and public speaker, she's a true industry legend. Jane extends her expertise as both an Entertainment Business and Music Lecturer at JMC Academy. Jane's remarkable accomplishments include multiple nominations for the AWMAs Music Journalist Award, with a notable win in 2023 - a clear indicator that she is one of the absolute best in the business.

Jane Gazzo

EBM And Music Lecturer

Jane Gazzo wears many hats in the world of music and entertainment. As a music journalist, TV presenter, author, MC, DJ and public speaker, she's a true industry legend. Jane extends her expertise as both an Entertainment Business and Music Lecturer at JMC Academy. Jane's remarkable accomplishments include multiple nominations for the AWMAs Music Journalist Award, with a notable win in 2023 - a clear indicator that she is one of the absolute best in the business.

Karel Segers

Film & Television Lecturer

Karel Segers wrote his first produced screenplay at age 17. Today he is a story doctor and writer with experience in film rights acquisition, development, and production. Karel's lectures have inspired students all over the world, and his clients include award-winning filmmakers as well as a handful of Oscar-nominees.

Karel Segers

Film & Television Lecturer

Karel Segers wrote his first produced screenplay at age 17. Today he is a story doctor and writer with experience in film rights acquisition, development, and production. Karel's lectures have inspired students all over the world, and his clients include award-winning filmmakers as well as a handful of Oscar-nominees.

JMC Academy | The Academy of Creativity

School for Music, Animation, Visual & Game Design, Film & TV Production & Acting Courses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Across Australia!