Disgraced singing coach convicted of sexual assault

A woman who was sexually abused by one of Australia’s leading singing coaches says she hasn’t sung since the day he destroyed her trust.

David Jaanz, the founder of the Jaanz International Singing Academy, was sentenced to two years in prison on Thursday after sexually assaulting the now 27-year-old on November 5, 2023.

The woman stood and read her victim impact statement to the Melbourne Magistrates Court, telling a judge and more than 30 supporters how what was supposed to be just another singing lesson turned into the worst day of her life.

The woman – who cannot be legally identified – said she met Jaanz, 62, as a child and viewed him as a father figure before he attacked her.

“The last six months of my life have been hell,” she told the court.

“There is absolutely no reason for a singing teacher to have their hands in (someone’s) pants.”

“He asked me if I was on my period and grunted in disappointment when I said yes.”

The woman said she had not sung since the day Jaanz abused her and that she had seen flashbacks of his hands and mouth on her body.

She said she lost her joy in life when he attacked her and was financially “decimated” as a result.

“I can’t imagine anything more degrading than depriving a woman of sexual agency,” the woman said.

“Today is about me taking back my power… he will never hurt me again.”

Jaanz appeared in court via video link from his home in Queensland, where he moved with his family after being charged over the attack.

He resigned as director of the Jaanz International Singing Academy and part of the business was closed after Jaanz was indicted, said his lawyer, William Barker.

Jaanz’s sick wife stood by him after the attack.

Judge Kay Robertson said Jaanz’s admission of guilt and his resignation from the academy showed he accepted the seriousness of the attack.

“They were in a position of trust with her,” Ms. Robertson said.

“She was someone who totally admired you, learned from you and believed she was someone she could trust.”

She acknowledged Jaanz’s wife’s poor health and the “tough time” he had growing up.

The judge praised Jaanz’s victim for his courage.

“It has clearly had a very serious impact on her, although having heard his testimony and listened to her courage, I am confident she can move on,” Ms Robertson said.

The judge convicted Jaanz of sexual assault and sentenced him to a two-year good behavior bond.

He must also pay $5,000 to the court treasury.

Jaanz was a praised singing teacher who was adored by students and celebrities like Delta Goodrem.

The singer-songwriter described him as a “beacon of guidance for young singers” in a statement on the academy’s website.

The academy is considered Australia’s ‘number one’ singing school and has a track record of students landing major roles in the industry and winning singing competitions such as ‘The Voice’ and ‘Australian Idol’.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse Support and Redressal Service 1800 211 028