Jesse-Lee Mahler

Introducing Ms Mahler 

Jess Mahler is a contemporary jazz saxophonist, clarinettist, composer and conductor based out of Melbourne, Victoria.

Originally from the North Coast of NSW, Jess moved to Melbourne in 2017 to complete her studies of a Bachelor of Music Performance at Monash University and her Honours Degree in Music Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts. 

Jess is vastly experienced both in Ensemble work and Band leading, playing at venues and festivals all over Australia like The Palais Theatre, Robert Blackwood Hall, The Melbourne Recital Centre, Cooly Rocks On, Macedon Ranges Music Festival, The Palms Crown Casino Melbourne, The Byron Bay Rails, and supporting many Australian legends like the Women of Soul Collective, Renee Geyer, Martha Baartz, John St. Peters and John Hoffman.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

To help make music education accessible to everyone.

How long have you been in the teaching game?

I’ve been teaching on and off around Melbourne since 2017 and within the department of education from 2021- current.

What was your last place of employment - school/university or another organisation?

I also work at Maribyrnong College and Keilor Downs College, teaching woodwind and ensemble classes. I completed my studies at the Victorian College of the Arts. 

What do you love most about teaching?

Watching students develop and become stronger musicians and people.

What has been one of your best teaching moments?

Having one of my students perform at a gig with my band.

What would be 3 things that you would like your students to 

know about you?

1. I studied Jazz at University.
2.  I like sewing.
3. John Coltrane is my favourite musician.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

The Northern Rivers.

What TV show/series did you last binge watch?

Grand Army.

If you could wear Harry’s invisibility cloak for one day, where would you go and what would you do? That’s Harry Potter’s cloak not Harry Ruff’s cloak 😊

Go to Blue Note and watch all the shows on that day.

What is the one piece of ‘advice’ or the one thing that you always say to your students?

If a squid can play the clarinet so, can you!

Thank you, and welcome to Mullauna College, Ms Mahler!