Disgraced Melbourne singing coach quietly opens new academy interstate
David Jaanz, the disgraced singing coach who fled to Queensland in wake of a sexual assault conviction, has quietly opened a new performance school – and his former Melbourne students are furious.
Victoria
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Singing coach to the stars turned convicted sex offender David Jaanz is attempting a reboot of his career interstate.
Jaanz, 62, has opened a new performance academy in Queensland, sparking fury by ex-students.
The singing coach abruptly shut his Melbourne-based Jaanz International Singing Academy in May after news broke that he sexually abused a young female student in a performance studio in Oakleigh last November.
The woman, aged 27, recounted the horrific incident, in which Jaanz touched and kissed her body under the sickening guise of a “relaxation” technique he said he learnt at the prestigious National Theatre in St Kilda.
Jaanz pleaded guilty to the assault, walking away without jail time to start a new life in Queensland.
Now, he and his wife Lynn have opened Singing the Art of the Heart Studios, which offers “elite-level singing coaching and industry consultation” in the sunshine state.
“Their new venture emphasises one-on-one private coaching and group sessions to help singers achieve breakthroughs and progress in their careers. Acceptance is strictly by audition only,” its website states.
“We will continue to produce some of the best voices and artists in the world.”
The career reboot has outraged ex-students of his Melbourne academy, including one who told the Herald Sun she is “deeply troubled” at the prospect of him teaching new students who might be unaware of his criminal background.
“As a former student, I find it deeply concerning that he is back in a teaching role, especially in a state where his previous crime might not be widely known,” the ex-student said.
“His abuse of power as a director was disturbing and has caused long-term harm to the student he assaulted no less than a year ago.”
Jaanz was one of the country’s top vocal coaches, training stars including Delta Goodrem, DJ Havana Brown and Holly Valance prior to his dramatic fall from grace.
The website for his new studio includes testimonials from stars including Ms Goodrem, who is quoted as saying “my dear friend David Jaanz is not just a singing teacher, but a beacon of guidance for young singers”.
“His melodies of wisdom resonate deeply, teaching us that greatness is not forged in shortcuts but in unwavering dedication.
“With each turn of the page, he empowers us to shatter boundaries and reach new heights”.
Originally published as Disgraced Melbourne singing coach quietly opens new academy interstate
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