Michael Walder is the Principal and Managing Director of Jeffries Academy of Music. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is a highly respected bassist, bandleader and educator with over twenty years of professional experience on both acoustic and electric bass.

Michael studied under distinguished Australian jazz musicians Craig Scott and Steve Brien, developing a strong foundation in jazz performance that continues to shape his versatile and expressive approach to music. Active across the Australian music scene, he has toured, recorded and collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles across jazz, pop and contemporary music.

Career highlights include performing with Australian icon Tom Burlinson at the Susu Mamas Charity Fundraising Ball in Papua New Guinea, recording bass for the 2024 Australian feature film What About Sal?, directed by John Jarratt, and appearing at the Woodford Folk Festival with acclaimed French-Australian duo Baby et Lulu.

Michael has released his own original album, Blues For Ray, and has performed at many of Sydney’s leading music venues, including the Sydney Opera House, The Basement, Venue 505, The Vanguard, Camelot Lounge and Oxford Art Factory, as well as at countless corporate events, weddings and private functions.

As the founder and bandleader of The Graduates, Michael has built one of Sydney’s most respected jazz ensembles, known for its professionalism, refined sound and high-level musicianship.

Alongside his performance career, Michael is deeply committed to music education. At JAM, he oversees programs for hundreds of students each year and is passionate about fostering creativity, confidence, discipline and a lifelong love of music in every student he mentors.