I was taking lessons for quite a while, loved my teacher to bits, but then decided to get more involved with the school by performing at a few of their open mic afternoons. It was there that I realised what the school was really about. To use the word "cult" would be an understatement. David Jaanz, or as he likes to call himself "Master", is nothing more than a business man preaching "love" through loads and loads of money making. To even get into their End Of Year Showcase Series, it was "favourable" for you to go to their 2 day camp for $595!! Not only that, their group lessons alone cost $50 per session, entry to their Open Mics are $15 per person, and their concert tickets are over $50 per person to see yourself, or the performer you go to watch, only perform one song for the whole night. And the amount of times that I would hear this man preach the word of God disgusted me. I myself am Catholic, but I am a strong believer of keeping your faith to yourself, and to not shove it down people's throats, especially in an environment such as that. The amount of people that get sucked into his rubbish astonished me. I felt like I was in an alternate universe at times. With saying that though, I do understand that people need a place to feel like they belong, and for some, that environment did appeal to them. I guess it just got to me that people thought this man was being genuine. He favours all that can bring him fame and fortune. He will not even notice you unless he sees the $$$$ in you. He got up on stage and complimented my performance once, and all I remember thinking was "you just said exactly the same thing to me as you did the person 3 acts before me". At that point I realised that he probably doesn't listen to any of the acts, just knows what to say as a business man.
I hope this helps anyone reading this. I only just left the school so have quite a bit of frustrations built up inside.
Good luck! I am on the lookout for another school, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know! read more
