JMI Jazz Clinics

FEES

ABOUT THE JAZZ CLINICS

JMI’s jazz clinics have been running since the late 1970s and have been instrumental in the development of many of Australia’s finest jazz musicians. The clinics are a short course in jazz performance delivered by JMI’s esteemed faculty.

Ideal for anyone looking to either start learning how to play jazz, or build upon the knowledge they already have, these clinics are delivered in a fun and relaxed environment conducive to learning and growth. These are perfect for musicians of all ages and abilities, from young musicians looking for extra musical development, to mature age musicians looking to spark their passion for jazz.

To register for the clinics, complete the online registration form.

Clinic dates:

SPRING 2026 (3 days)
25 to 27 September 2026

SUMMER 2027 (4 days)

18th to 21st January 2027

Key areas of focus

The clinics will focus on the following three areas that are central to jazz combo playing:

Theory and Harmony
Small Ensemble Performance
Improvisation Techniques

There will also be sessions in the clinics for instrument-specific masterclasses to work on developing technique specific to your instrument.

The final day of the clinic will include a performance at Jazz Music Institute’s very own live jazz venue JMI LIVE, and family and friends are invited to attend. The Jazz Clinic will be delivered by our experienced jazz faculty staff.

Location:

Jazz Music Institute
47 Brookes Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006.

Faculty

Charlotte Mclean portrait photo — Charlotte Mclean

Josh Hatcher

MMus, BMus(QUT)
Woodwinds, Improvisation Techniques, Ensemble

Joshua Hatcher is a Brisbane-based saxophonist, composer and music educator. He was a finalist in the 2016 National Jazz Awards (saxophone) at Wangaratta, and 2 selections from his album “Now and Then” were finalists in the 2016 QMusic Awards Jazz Category.

His big band compositions and arrangements were recorded by the Enthusiastic Musicians’ Orchestra on “One for B” (2011) and “Long Way Home” (2014) and he was the 2016 Composer-in-Residence for the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra. In 2018 he completed his Master of Music Research in composition at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

He has lectured in a range of subjects at Jazz Music Institute since 2012 including Saxophone, Improvisation, Theory and Ensemble Skills, and is the current musical director of the JMI Jazz Orchestra. He is a regular rhythm section coach for QYO Big Band and MOST, and gives regular high school workshops in improvisation, rhythm section playing, and big band performance.

Andrew Shaw

BMus(JazzPerf)(JMI)
Business Studies, Ensemble, Bass, Jazz in Context

Double bassist, Andrew Shaw, has performed with many greats of the music world, from jazz to cabaret, from tango to country and western, and flamenco. Some of the artists he has performed with across the spectrum include John Scofield, Dave Liebman, James Morrison, Grace Knight, Tom Burlinson, Bill Watrous, Tony Malaby, Matt Wilson, David Ades, Dale Barlow, Mike Nock, Lyndon Terracini, Scott Tinkler, Rhonda Birchmore, Mandy Patinkin, Patti Lupone, Lady Rizo, Joaquin Amenabar, Sarah Blasko, James Ryan, Victor Morosco, The Saruzu Quartet, Flamenco Fire, Olayo Jimenez, Carla Pugliesi, and Jamie Oehlers.

Andrew is currently leading his own ensemble, Road Plant, concentrating on his original music inspired by the secret lives of earth moving equipment. He is also performing with Toby Wren Quartet, David Bentley, Caxton Street Jazz Band, Jeff Usher, Andrew Garton’s Abbreviations Orchestra and others.

Shaw has performed nationally and internationally at many major venues and festivals. He has recorded on more than 40 albums with various artists.

Charlotte Mclean

BMus(JMI), 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.

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.

Availability: Mondays after 5:30pm; Thursdays after 5:30pm

Joe Machen

Since completing his Bachelor of Jazz Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium in 2022, Joe has been busy gathering as many musical secrets as possible- whether through his studies with NYC jazz masters, transcribed wisdom from the greats, or sheer time on the bandstand. Joe has a deep love for all things jazz, and is eager to share the tips he wishes he’d known when starting out. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned jazz player, Joe teaches in an individually-tailored manner to help you best achieve your musical goals.

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.

Lily Daoud

Lily Daoud is a Brisbane-based artist and contemporary jazz vocalist whose holistic approach to voice teaching integrates physiology, technique, stagecraft, and emotional connection. Rooted in both technical precision and expressive freedom, her teaching supports students in developing presence and cultivating their own unique artistic identity.

Her tertiary studies include a BFA (Drama) from QUT, a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance), a Graduate Certificate in Music from UQ, and a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy (currently in progress).

An active performer across Brisbane’s arts scene, Lily brings a depth of lived experience to her work—from intimate jazz duo settings to theatrical productions. Her interdisciplinary practice recognises the voice as both instrument and an extension of self, and she draws from a rich artistic palette to support singers at every stage of their journey.

Clinic Structure

Get started

You can register for the JMI Jazz Clinics by completing the online registration form.

WANT MORE INFO?

Leave your contact information below and our team will be in touch to provide more information on our jazz clinics

SPRING 2026

25th September 2026

Session One (10am – 11:30am): Introduction
Session Two (12:00pm – 1:30pm): Practical Theory & Improvisation
Session Three (2:00pm – 3:30pm): Jazz Ensemble
Faculty Concert: 3:30pm – 4:00pm

26th September 2026

Session One (10am – 11:30am): Practical Theory & Improvisation
Session Two (12:00pm – 1:30pm): Instrumental Masterclass
Session Three (2:00pm – 3:30pm): Jazz Ensemble
Faculty Concert: 3:30pm – 4:00pm

27th September 2026

Session One (10am – 11:30am): Jazz Ensemble
Session Two (12:00pm – 1:30pm): Jazz Ensemble
Session Three (2:00pm – 4:00pm): Final Concert

SUMMER 2027

18th January 2027

19th January 2027

20th January 2027

21st January 2027

Session One (10am – 11:30am): Jazz Ensemble
Session Two (12:00pm – 1:30pm): Jazz Ensemble
Session Three (2:00pm – 4:00pm): Final Concert

Abilities & Ages

All abilities and ages are encouraged to register for the Jazz Clinics. On the first day the faculty will split attendees into small groups of similar abilities and/or ages to ensure everyone can get the most out of the clinics.

Clinic Fees

SPRING 2026 FEES (3 DAY CLINIC):
$462 incl GST

SUMMER 2027 FEES (4 DAY CLINIC): $616 incl GST

History of the Summer Jazz Clinics

The Summer Jazz Clinics were started by JMI’s founder and owner, Greg Quigley, who was an aspiring trumpeter intent on learning how to play jazz. In 1976, the Henry Mancini Orchestra toured Australia, led by the famous American jazz trumpeter Don Rader. Greg invited Don to join him in Sydney for a series of workshops that he was planning to organise. Much to Greg’s surprise, Don accepted the offer and the clinics were a great success. This was the beginning of a long journey in producing jazz education programs throughout Australia.

Following the success of the workshops with Don Rader, Greg travelled to the United States to get right to the source of the music. During this trip, Greg came into contact with Jamey Aebersold, a saxophonist who had developed a series of play-a-longs and was at the forefront of jazz education.

1979 Summer Clinics faculty with David Baker & Dave Liebman in the front

Upon returning to Australia, Greg decided he wanted to bring Jamey out to Australia to run a series of workshops in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide around Easter 1978. The workshops were hugely successful and the idea of the “Summer Jazz Clinics” was born.

In 1979, Jamey returned with 13 other jazz musicians to run summer jazz clinics and perform concerts across Australia. Greg continued to produce these clinics with some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time over a four-year period. Musicians to travel to Australia as part of these clinics included Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson, John Scofield, Randy Brecker, Mulgrew Miller, Steve Turre, Rufus Reid, Bobby Shew, Dave Liebman, Terumasa Hino, David Baker and many more.

These clinics changed the landscape of the Australian jazz scene and had a significant impact on many young Australian jazz musicians at the time, such as Vince Jones, Sandy Evans, Craig Scott, Dale Barlow and Dave Panichi to name a few.