TEACHING TEAM
GINA JEFFREYS
Gina Jeffreys is a pioneer in Australian country music, becoming the first female artist in the genre to achieve platinum sales and sell out shows nationwide. After winning Star Maker in 1991, she quickly rose to fame, touring nationally with Johnny Cash in 1994 and later performing alongside John Farnham and Kylie Minogue - just to name a few!
With a string of #1 hits like Girls Night Out, Gina dominated the charts before stepping back in 2003 to raise her son, Jacky—now a talented guitarist in her band. Offstage, she mentors emerging artists, writes chart-topping songs, and continues to champion the next generation of country stars. She also co-hosts The Gina & Matty Breakfast Show on Star 104.5, proving her enduring influence in the industry.
Gina takes on mentoring students depending on availability.
KELLY GRIFFITH
Elaskia AKA Kelly Griffith - is a rising songwriter and artist whose music has been featured in Dynasty, Marvel's Runaways, and Home and Away. Her single Calling Out My Name was shortlisted for the Grammys® in 2019, alongside her Rich Girl (Remix) feature in Billboard's Grammy edition.
In 2022, she performed on Triple J’s Like A Version and supported Xavier Rudd, Kate Ceberano, Ash Grunwald, Vera Blue, and Telenova. She also appeared on The Voice winner Lachie Gill’s Right People Wrong Time, which gained over 300,000 YouTube views in three weeks.
Elaskia has played major festivals, including Lighthouse Festival, Rolling Sets, and Unwind in the Vines, continuing to make waves in the Australian music scene.
Kelly Teaches - Monday: Group Classes, Tuesday & Wednesdays: Vocals, Piano, Songwriting
MAX JACKSON
Max Jackson is one of Australian country music’s fastest-rising stars. Since winning Toyota Star Maker in 2022, she has earned three Golden Guitars, topped the Countrytown Airplay Charts, and performed at major festivals in Australia and abroad.
In 2024, she toured with The Wolfe Brothers, released three Top 10 singles, and continued as Tamworth Country Music Festival Ambassador. In 2025, she co-hosted the Golden Guitar Awards, winning Female Artist of the Year and Single of the Year.
With nearly 100 shows in the past year, Max is set for her first headline tour in May 2025, followed by a new album release.
Max Teaches - Tuesday Advanced Songwriting Group
COURTNEY KEIL
Courtney Keil is a rising star in Australian country music, winning Best Female Vocal at the 2025 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. Her debut album, The Good Kind, hit #1 on the iTunes Country Australia chart in 2023, featuring four #1 singles and production by Rod McCormack.
She has shared the stage with industry greats like Gina Jeffreys, Tania Kernaghan, and The Whitlams, performed on Cruisin’ Country, and national TV broadcasts, and sung the Australian National Anthem for the NBL and Supercars Championship.
Collaborating with Nashville hitmakers, Courtney’s 2024 highlights include supporting Karise Eden and Adam Harvey, releasing the chart-climbing All About You, and duetting with Gina Jeffreys on Worn In. With her powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling, she’s making her mark on Australian country music.
Courtney Teaches - Tuesday & Wednesday: Vocals & Artist Mentoring
JACKY MCCORMACK
An insanely talented guitarist, songwriter, and music producer, Jacky is making waves in the music industry with his exceptional skills and versatility. Having played music nearly his whole life, he has already toured with some of Australia’s biggest country artists, including Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, The Wolfe Brothers, Bella Makenzie, Zac & George, and Courtney Keil.
Beyond performing, Jacky is passionate about sharing his knowledge. Whether you're a beginner, looking to refine your guitar technique, or eager to dive into the world of music production, his lessons offer expert guidance tailored to your goals. With real industry experience and a deep love for music, Jacky is ready to help you take your skills to the next level!
Jacky Teaches - Tuesday & Wednesday: Production, Songwriting, Guitar
SOPHIE YOUMAN
Sophie has been captivating audiences with her voice for over 12 years, building a successful career as both a performer and a vocal expert.
While her musical journey began with a deep love for country music and songwriting, Sophie's technical skill and versatility have set her apart. She has honed her craft through years of experience and formal training, earning a Diploma of Music Studies. Her expertise extends beyond country, embracing contemporary vocal techniques that showcase her dynamic range and control.
Whether performing on stage or helping others refine their own vocal abilities, Sophie brings passion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of music to everything she does.
Sophie Teaches - Tuesday & Wednesday: Vocals, Beginner Guitar
TAEYA DAVIDSON
We are so grateful to have Taeya as part of the GJAM team! Having been a student herself, she now brings her passion, experience, and warm-hearted encouragement to the next generation of young performers. A talented vocalist and performer, Taeya regularly gigs around the coast, captivating audiences with her incredible voice.
More than just a teacher, she is a mentor who uplifts and inspires her students, helping them build confidence and develop a love for music. With her supportive and nurturing approach, she ensures every child feels empowered to reach for the stars and embark on their musical journey with excitement!
Taeya leads our Monday Performance Groups, where she helps young artists shine on stage and grow in their musical abilities. We just love her to bits, and we know your little ones will too!
Taeya Teaches - Monday Junior Group Classes
JAMIE LINDSAY
Jamie Lindsay is a dynamic Australian performer, songwriter, and producer with a career spanning decades. Born in Tasmania, he started performing at 17, playing thousands of shows across Australia and even the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor. A Starmaker finalist in the late ’90s, he later worked with music icons like Tim Farris (INXS) and Harry Vanda before returning to country music, releasing his #1 ARIA-charting album 1977 in 2024.
Beyond performing, Jamie is an experienced music educator. Since the early 2000s, he has taught vocals, guitar, bass, songwriting, studio production, performance mentoring, and music business, working with over 60 students—including Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo. Now based on the Central Coast, he continues to perform, produce, and mentor the next generation of artists while working on his next album, set for release in 2025.
Jamie Teaches - Thursdays: Vocals, Songwriting, Guitar, Bass Guitar & Production
ADAM BLACK
Adam is a passionate guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with a deep love for jazz, soul, funk, and blues. Holding a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium and a Bachelor of Contemporary Music from AIM, he blends technical mastery with expressive artistry and delivers music with heart, soul, and a strong connection to his audience.
With extensive experience performing solo, in duos, and with full bands, Adam has captivated audiences at clubs, private events, weddings, and studio sessions.
Beyond performing, Adam is deeply committed to music’s power to inspire and connect. With a strong social conscience and a passion for teaching, he strives to enrich lives through both performance and mentorship, sharing the joy of music with others.
Adam Teaches - Monday: Guitar, Vocals, Songwriting