USM founder, mentor and entrepreneur, Steve Jaz has helps musicians do what they love and turn their knowledge, skill and experience into a music business in the new music industry.

Inspired by years of research and investment in personal development, metaphysics, universal principals and human behaviour, Steve’s unique path of a musician turned entrepreneur has enabled him to generate a six-figure income and a company that has generated millions in revenue and transform the lives of thousands of musicians along the journey.

As a mentor and coach, Steve works with emerging music business start ups revealing his blueprint for success using the tools that have helped him and his clients turn their passion into a thriving business in today’s music industry.

Steve has worked with professionals across multiple industries including record labels, education, entertainment, sales, marketing, coaching, self development, spirit guides, shamans, actors, celebrities and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Steve and his team have also worked with institutions such as Berklee College, JMC, Universal Music, Sony and several independent labels, agencies and venues in Australia and internationally for over 20 years.

Steve is dedicated to developing artists and leaders who have a significant impact in communities around the country by giving people the opportunity to develop a sustainable career in music and education. With a growing team and network across the country and overseas, USM continues to work with its foundation as a way of always giving back to the community and helping develop a stronger industry within Australia.

Professional Songwriter, Producer and Music Mentor, Michél Kroll started his music career at the age of 16 and only a year later, he signed his first record deal and moved to Berlin working with Universal Music, Berlin State Opera and Sony Music as touring artist, songwriter, mentor and producer. Alongside this he has performed with international acts like The Wu-Tang-Clan, Bloodhound Gang, Danko Jones, Nick Cave, Powderfinger and Fall Out Boy. Michel is currently head of USM Records at Universal School of Music.

Hi, my name is Martin Case, currently serving as a mentor, trainer and musical director.

In addition to teaching and mentoring, I am a composer, multi-media producer, and performing musician. My work also includes designing experiences for concert, dance, film and other multi-media, both live and in the studio which has taken me to the Middle East, West Africa, South America, Europe, Australia, and throughout Asia.

One of the biggest problems I see in the traditional institutional approaches to education is that teacher's simply don't have the support or jurisdiction to have real and honest conversations with their students. Whilst students are doing great in their technical, ear training, theory, stage and production skills, it's VITAL to develop strong connections, relationships and networks to make it in this industry. That is why I'm excited to be working with the USM team to ensure that your mindset, in addition to your theoretical and production skills, is aligned to ensure your success in the collaborative music industry of today.

Martin has taught at Harvard University, Berklee College of Music, JMC Academy and Universal School of Music lecturing on how to produce professional quality work and gain artistic employment through entrepreneurship.

Professional vocalist, songwriter, topliner and artist mentor, Claire Rayner (Rromarin, Kult Kyss) has spent recent years forging her name in the world of Australian music.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Classical Music, Claire signed to major music publisher Warner/Chappell and record label TMRW Music, and is actively engaged within the industry as a topliner, producer, recording artist and live performer.

Accruing over 11 million collective Spotify streams, Claire's versatile songwriting has seen her participate in events such as the 2019 Sony MMW Songwriting Camp, as well as the 2018 Victorian SongHubs and KLP's Ricochet SONGS. No stranger to the stage, 2018-19 also saw the eclectic vocalist performing live with Kult Kyss, supporting the Presets on their national HI VIZ tour, showcasing at BIGSOUND, performing on ABC TV’s show ‘The Set’ and EMC Live.

Receiving airplay across triple j, Double J and Unearthed for every release, Rromarin has also added her voice to a slew of acclaimed singles with artists such as LUCIANBLOMKAMP, The Presets and Golden Features.

Claire brings a wealth of both contemporary and classical music training to USM, specializing in vocal coaching, classical piano, performance technique, artist mentoring & development, songwriting and toplining. She loves working with artists and musicians of all ages and levels, and strives to make each interaction warm, engaging and fun.

How do you blend creativity and success without one swallowing up the other?
That was my biggest fear in trying to turn my passion for music into a sustainable career. I joined USM’s Tribe for Modern Songwriters in October 2018 in search for an answer, and what I found was so much more. USM was my introduction to the world of personal development, mentoring and business, and has since shaped my mindset in a way that was only achievable by being surrounded by action takers.

What I experienced was a team who practiced holistic mentoring methods focusing on individual goals, then creating strong and deep connections with everyone in the community as a result of attaining those goals.

So what was the answer to blending creativity with success?
Create to give, not to take. The more we offer our skills to get others where they want to be, the more we propel ourselves forward. I've gone from bedroom wannabe to business owner, making double the money compared to my day job just by asking myself what I can give to other people.

I’ve been a guitarist for 15 years and can show you techniques you can use as a singer/songwriter to instantly stand out from the crowd, specialising in alternate tunings and open voiced chords. Once you know your way around the instrument, I can help you write songs that will connect deep in the core of your listener while also remaining true to your creative self (trust me, it’s easier than you think to “write from the heart” and also hit the charts).
As one of the Tribe leaders, I intend to help Tribe to become the biggest songwriting force in the country. I have studied methods taught by leading songwriters Jason Blume (Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys), Friedemann Findeisen, James Roche (Bachelor Girl) and Eric McCusker (Mondo Rock, John Farnham) with one of my own songs placing top 30 in the 2018 ASA Australian Songwriting Contest for the folk acoustic genre.
Last but not least, I thrive in the recording studio as a vocal producer to make sure those lyrics hit home in the context of a full mix. Microphone placement, vocal layering, gain automation, pitch correction and composition through vocal tone are all art forms in themselves which contribute a huge amount to a truly professional sounding track.

I couldn’t imagine my life without music and I know there’s more of you out there who are the same. Bursting at the seams wanting to share my knowledge so jump on the ride with me and let's see where we go!

Jake