ACADEMY OF MUSIC
JAMES MORRISON
Who are we?
The James Morrison Academy of Music @UniSA is a dedicated Jazz school in Partnership with the University of South Australia. Students are enrolled as full registered students of UniSA - but attend classes at the JMA in Mount Gambier. Our Faculty are all employed directly by the JMA and curriculum is created by JMA.
This arrangement gives us the best of both worlds - you have all the benefits of a large university, the ability to apply for HECS-HELP, Student Services etc - but with the focus of a small academy where the teachers and curriculum can be flexible in delivering what is needed to our students. Being solely focused on jazz (rather than as part of a multi-genre music and arts department) means our jazz students are the top (and only) priority for all staff associated with JMA.
Where are we?
Our campus is situated in the 'Old Town Hall' in Mount Gambier right in the heart of the city. Apart from having all the facilities we need within this beautiful historic building, we are also right next to the City Library and Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, creating a cultural precinct around the Cave Gardens.
Who will be teaching?
We are very excited about the faculty line up at the JM Academy for 2021. Our lecturers are sourced from around the world and everyone who teaches at the JMA believes in the concept that you have to hear what you want to play - this means that the ethos of all our teaching is about playing, not just theory.
James Morrison is Head of School and leads the faculty which includes our Artists in Residence, many guests and regular weekly teachers. With the personalised attention to each student's needs, we find they think of the faculty more as 'mentors' than teachers.
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About the James Morrison Academy of Music @UniSA
Will James Morrison be teaching?
Yes! James is one of the core weekly teaching staff, it is his Academy and he teaches all students during each semester. In addition to this, James has co-designed the curriculum with the faculty to reflect his philosophy of learning music. Expect an exciting, vibrant environment with the emphasis on ‘playing’ jazz.