Famed academy of disgraced singing coach David Jaanz set to close

The Jaanz International Singing Academy has announced its closure days after its founder, David Jaanz, was sentenced for sexually assaulting a young former student.

The famed singing academy of convicted sex offender David Jaanz has been abruptly closed. Picture: Instagram

The famed singing academy of convicted sex offender David Jaanz has been abruptly closed days after he was sentenced over a disturbing assault on a young former student.

Jaanz – once one of the nation’s most successful singing coaches – was sentenced last week over the sexual assault of a young woman he met as a child and who looked up to him as a father figure.

The 62-year-old got his victim, now aged 27, alone in a room in Oakleigh where he began kissing her body and rubbing her chest, stomach and thighs in a sexual manner without consent in November last year.

The predator resigned from Jaanz International Singing Academy after pleading guilty to the crime.

However on Sunday the academy announced it was permanently closing its doors.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the closure of the Jaanz International Singing Academy, effective immediately,” read a post on the academy’s Instagram page.

“We thank the many students, parents, coaches and families who have supported us over the years and wish you the best and brightest of futures.”

David Jaanz was convicted over the sexual assault of a young woman he met when she was a child. Picture: Instagram

Hundreds of aspiring performers were involved in the academy, which helped build the careers of stars including Delta Goodrem, Matt Corby and various winners of The Voice and Australian Idol.

In a letter to students in mid-April, Jaanz announced he and his wife were standing down as teachers and directors of the academy “pending the conclusion of the court proceedings”.

The letter did not foreshow the academy’s closure, instead telling students “our best season is ahead”.

“Our academy will continue to positively impact the industry, transform lives and bring hope to so many,” Jaanz wrote.

Jaanz watched from a video link as his victim bravely stood in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, detailing the impact of his assault in a room full of supporters last Thursday.

She said she could not erase the memory of his hands and mouth on her body.

“There is absolutely no reason for a singing teacher to have his hands in (someone’s) pants,” she said through tears.

“He asked me whether I had my period and grunted his disappointment when I said yes.

“I shudder to think what else could have happened that day if I hadn’t had my period.”

Jaanz was convicted of sexual assault, sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $5000 to the court fund.

Magistrate Kay Robertson considered jailing Jaanz or placing him on a community corrections order but was unable to as he has moved to Queensland.