About Jo
Jo’s love of music has been evident since childhood. Her formal musical journey began at age 6 when she joined Yamaha music classes, sparking a lifelong passion not only for music, but for sharing the joy of music-making with others.
Teaching experience
With 30 years’ teaching experience, Jo has taught music to children in a range of contexts from early-years settings to school environments.
Jo taught music across K-12 levels for 10 years at Xavier College, Melbourne, where she helped students grow in confidence, skill, and musical expression.
Jo is especially committed to early-years music education and to supporting children with special needs, ensuring every child feels valued, capable, and connected through music.
In 2015, Jo founded JoJo’s Music for Kids, a program dedicated to providing developmentally sequenced, joyful, play-based learning experiences with a focus on music literacy skill development alongside singing and instrumental skills.
JoJo’s Music for Kids classes are:
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developmentally appropriate, blending music, movement, creativity, and early-learning principles
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fun and engaging, encouraging active participation
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inclusive, involving parents and adapting to each child’s individual needs.
Qualifications and training
Jo holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Clarinet Performance, and has continued to expand her expertise across a range of respected music-education approaches.
Jo’s qualifications include:
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Master of Education (Special Education, Inclusion and Early Intervention)
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Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary Music)
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Graduate Certificate in Orff Music Education
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
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Additional coursework in Kodály Music Education
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VoiceArt Certificate of Singing: Intermediate
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Feierabend Association for Music Education: First Steps in Music with Infants and Toddlers.
This combination of training informs Jo’s holistic, child-centred approach to teaching.
Performance experience
Jo has played clarinet in numerous ensembles including the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra and South Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, she has performed Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the University of Newcastle Symphony Orchestra and has collaborated on several performances with the Sounds of Singing Choir.
Jo has studied voice since 2019 and achieved her Intermediate VoiceArt Certificate in 2025. Jo currently sings with the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir, one of the most respected choirs in Melbourne.
