Meet our teachers

LEARN FROM JES NOW!
Jes first found his passion and love for instrumental music in primary school where he began to learn the piano. Later when he began high school he discovered the beautiful and virtuosic tone of the clarinet, and has never looked back. After completing his 8th grade AMEB simultaneously on both the clarinet and the piano, Jes is now studying a bachelor of music performance (clarinet) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, under the tutelage of the esteemed David Griffiths (clarinet) and Phillip Arkinstall (bass clarinet). Jes has also received masterclasses and workshopped with world-renowned artists such as Jose Franch-Ballester, Andrew Marriner, and Lorenzo Antonio Iosco.

Throughout his musical career, Jes has gained experience with a wide range of ensembles and a wide variety of music. This includes the Eltham High School Symphonic Band and Stage Band with which Jes was able to tour Japan as principal clarinet and piano respectively, as well as compete in numerous competitions such as Generations in Jazz and the Royal South Street Competition. Jes further expanded his ensemble playing and love for orchestral music in university, playing principal clarinet in the Philharmonic Orchestra as well as gaining positions on clarinet and bass clarinet in the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony. In these positions Jes is able to work with industry professionals and perform in extraordinary venues such as the Melbourne Recital Centre and Hamer Hall. Furthermore, he also has experience and passion for chamber music, playing in multiple small ensembles at the university.

Jes has also had success as a solo artist. Upon acceptance to the University of Melbourne he was the recipient of the Mary Thurman scholarship. He has received first class honours for all of his numerous solo recitals, allowing him to complete his degree in the highly sought-after performance stream. He has also immensely enjoyed working with emerging composers at the University such as Susanna Cable to pioneer new works. Jes has competed in the CLASAX competition numerous times in recent years, placing first and attaining numerous honourable mentions. Furthermore, Jes placed first in the MCM Clarinet Day Young Artist Competition in 2019.

As a teacher, Jes puts his focus first on making sure that every student enjoys their lessons as much as possible and shares in his passion for learning and spreading love for music. Jes is already an established teacher, currently working at Rossana Golf Links Primary School with children in prep through to grade 6 in both group and individual lessons, and has experience working with older age groups. He tries his hardest to ensure every student is motivated and engaged and is extremely excited to be working with students of a wide variety of ages and capabilities. Jes is also happy and confident to work with parents to help them allow their child to gain the most from their music lessons. He believes that every student is unique and needs different content to allow their creativity and musicality shine, whether it be through the AMEB syllabus, focussing on theory and technique or learning their favourite songs.

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