Meet The Team

Meet the musicians behind the mayhem! At Joe's Academy of Music, it's so important that whether your child is 5 years old, 16 years old, or you're an adult student yourself, that you feel comfortable and in good hands when learning a new instrument, or jammin' out in a band. All our teachers are DBS checked, as well as many of our teachers having specialised certifications in working with children with learning disabilities.

Co founder & Teacher

Tracy Taylor Banks

Tracy began her musical career as a twelve-year-old when she played the title role in ‘Annie’ in London’s West End. She went on to play Mercy Lewis in ‘The Crucible’ at the Royal National Theatre.
After training classically with John Dalby, she worked extensively through her teens as a vocalist and voice over artist including tours with The Herb Miller Orchestra (brother of Glenn) and supporting acts such as Bob Monkhouse and Freddie Starr (back in the day!)

Returning to theatre in her twenties, she played leading roles in ‘Evita’, ‘Hair’, ‘A Slice of Saturday Night’ and ‘Good Rockin’ Tonite’.
She moved to Spain in 1995 where she remained for fifteen years earning her living as a professional singer and worked as a presenter on Central FM Radio, where she looked after the drive time show for two years.
She ran her own drama and singing classes in Spain and worked for a major theatre school.
Since returning to the UK, Tracy has continued to work as a freelance performing arts teacher and trained for four years as a Therapeutic Counsellor. She currently has a private practice in Brighton and feels strongly about the crossover between music and mental health. Now, she’s excited to be teaming up with JAM to help educate people all over Brighton & Hove.

Co founder & Teacher

Daisy Banks

Daisy has been performing from a young age. She attended singing, acting and dance classes from age four and has always had a particular skill and passion for vocals. She completed an extended diploma in performing arts, then a BA Hons in music performance, where she took part in many showcases, musicals and ensemble performances as a vocalist. She worked closely with the music department, and in addition to performing, acted as stage manager or sound/lighting technician for their productions and events.

Daisy has experience as a one-to-one vocal coach, choir leader, and also co-founded a performing arts school for children and young people. She has most recently formed a vocal duo, “Relative Pitch”, with her mum with whom she has been singing with for many years.

Daisy aims to provide her students with an understanding of their existing strengths and healthy technique in order to develop and progress, whilst instilling confidence, self-belief, and a love for performing.

Drums, Keys, Vocals, Bass and Guitar

Jim

Jim is fresh into teaching from college and can’t wait to share his knowledge and experience with you.

He has over 5 years of performing experience although his passion for being in front of an audience started long before that. During his 3 years at college studying music performance and development he fell in love with performing live on stage and became part of many bands. He found enjoyment in learning new instruments and skills that he could bring to these bands, allowing them to create truly amazing gigs. He finally settled down as the bassist for Going Postal a blues influenced classic rock band and performs with them at every opportunity. He is a local to the Hope an Anchor in Islington and The Forum Tunbridge Wells

His biggest accomplishment to date is the release of not just a single but a full album with Going Postal. He is a massive 70s rock fan!

Drums, Keys, Bass and Guitar

Max

Max Watson is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, professional songwriter, and dedicated music educator with over 11 years of experience leading instrumental and band sessions. Alongside his work as an educator, Max has written and collaborated on original music across a range of genres, further enriching his creative approach in the classroom and rehearsal space. Having performed across Europe, Scandinavia and North America, he brings a wealth of professional experience and insight to his teaching with an ethos which centres on nurturing both technical proficiency and artistic expression, helping students build confidence, musicianship, and a lifelong love of music, whether performing solo, as part of an ensemble, or pursuing their own songwriting journey.

founder & teacher (Cover)

Joe Kaye

Growing up in a house with a family of musicians and a recording studio, Joe started writing songs and playing a variety of instruments at a young age. Having developed through his teens he signed his first publishing deal with Sharp Music at 20 with his band Belief. 2 years later Joe went to Teesside University to achieve a degree in Music Technology.

Joe has turned his hand to many musical endeavours over the years. Including a radio show for Heart FM, he’s directed pantomimes and variety shows ranging from 25 to 80 performers. He has hosted shows at venues, theatres, town halls, festivals and various other events.

Joe also runs an 8 piece Amy Winehouse tribute band, plays guitar for Hot House Rokaoke band and runs a recording studio making EPs for up and coming bands.

After the success of JAM Music School in Tunbridge Wells after 15 years of trading, he knew it was time to team up with great musicians and head to a new city! Lets JAM, Brighton!