Celebrity singing coach David Jaanz convicted of sexually assaulting a female student causes outrage after quietly opening a new academy

A celebrity vocal coach convicted of sexually abusing one of his students has angered his former students by attempting to restart his career in another state.

David Jaanz, 62, pleaded guilty in Melbourne District Court in April to sexual offences relating to an incident that occurred in 2023.

Jaanz has been described as a ‘master coach’ and has mentored pop singer Deltra Goodrem and the winners of singing competitions The Voice, Australia’s Got Talent, X Factor and Australian Idol.

The Jaanz International Singing Academy in Melbourne closed abruptly in May after it was revealed that he had sexually abused a 27-year-old student in November last year.

He launched his attack at a studio in Oakleigh, in Melbourne’s south-east, under the guise of wanting to teach her a “relaxation technique” to help her with her stage fright.

But now, just months after he shamefully closed his academy, Jaanz has opened a new outlet, much to the anger of former students.

Together with his wife Lynn, he opened Singing the Art of the Heart Studios in Queensland, offering ‘top level vocal coaching and industry advice’.

A former student said she is “very disturbed” by the thought of Jaanz teaching students who know nothing about his criminal past.

“As a former student, I find it deeply troubling that he is teaching again, especially in a state where his prior crime may not be public knowledge,” she told the Herald Sun.

“His abuse of power as principal was disturbing and has caused long-term damage to the student he assaulted at least a year ago.”

The messages the teacher sent to his victim revealed how horrific his actions were.

“You unbuttoned my pants and rubbed my legs way too close to my genitals,” the woman reportedly wrote.

‘And you touched my chest and ignored me when I clearly recoiled in great discomfort.

‘I’ve been frozen all week and pretended nothing happened, but it did.’

At one point, Jaanz allegedly ordered her to lie down on the ground, saying the “exercise” was necessary to “push her limits” and improve her performance.

Jaanz only stopped when he heard that the student was menstruating.

When Jaanz was confronted with his actions via text message, he tried to manipulate her.

“In innocence you would never have hurt or moved on. Never. You know that. Never,” he wrote.

He said he was “heartbroken” and lamented that he felt he had lost someone he “loved very much.”

He claimed he had learned the ‘relaxation technique’ at the National Theatre and that it was about ‘confidence and pushing boundaries’.

“I would never have hurt you or broken your test,” he replied.

“I’m sorry you took it the wrong way and that I upset you.”

The woman, who was coached by Jaanz at a young age, told the Herald Sun She saw him as a father figure and trusted him.

The victim believes he has groomed her for his own vile purposes.

“He knew how ambitious I was and made sure he was the key to our success in the music industry,” she said.

‘He was so powerful. All his students consistently win the TV shows (The Voice, Australian Idol) and are sent to the US – that’s where all Australian singers want to go.

“He used that power. That day he knew what he wanted to do and he thought he had manipulated me enough that he could do it.”

The Jaanz International Singing Academy, which has mentored hundreds of aspiring singers, previously had studios in Sydney, Brisbane and seven in Melbourne.

About the relaunch, the website says: ‘Their new venture will focus on personal coaching and group sessions to help singers make breakthroughs and progress in their careers. Acceptance is strictly by audition only.

“We continue to produce some of the best voices and artists in the world.”

After Jaanz pleaded guilty to the attack, he was released from prison without a jail sentence.

Instead, he was given a two-year good behavior bond and ordered to pay $5,000 to the court fund, a sentence his victim described as a “slap on the wrist.”

The website of Jaanz’s new studio features testimonials from stars including Goodrem, who is quoted as saying: ‘my dear friend David Jaanz is not only a singing teacher but also a beacon of guidance for young singers’.

‘His melodies of wisdom resonate deeply, teaching us that greatness is not forged by quick decisions, but by unwavering dedication.

“Every time we turn a page, he gives us the strength to push boundaries and reach new heights.”

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jaanz and Goodrem for comment through their record label Sony.