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Meet The Crew

Say hello to your coaches

“I’ve known Michelle since I was 12. She is the most knowledgeable singing teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, not to mention her gorgeous personality and sheer love for teaching. She has such a knack for identifying people’s voice types and helping them keep their uniqueness in singing whilst making sure their singing is technically correct. This is so rare. Michelle is truly an unbelievable vocal coach and has passed on the same values and abilities to the team around her. I couldn’t recommend Aria more highly if I tried.”

Sarah AaronsGrammy Nominated Song Writer

Michelle De Jong

Founder / Vocal Coach

Michelle is the founder of Aria Vocal Academy, and oversees the day to day running of the academy. After graduating from The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Michelle dived straight into vocal coaching, and now with 20 years of teaching experience, Michelle specializes in vocal health and technique, and has a special knack of being able to hear exactly what each student needs. If you are struggling with your technique, and don’t quite know how to feel vocal ease whilst singing, Michelle is the person to go to!

Aaron Hayward

Vocal Coach

With 10 years of live performance experience, Aaron has a profound appreciation for music and all of its intricacies.

What sets him apart? Aaron tailors his lessons to resonate with each student's unique vocal journey, encouraging exploration and vocal authenticity, whilst being committed to their individual growth.

Aaron's holistic approach to vocal development emphasizes both technique and emotional connection. He brings along with him a fresh and adaptive approach to music and is always eager to experiment and innovate.

Grace

Vocal Coach

From the age of 5, Grace has always had a passion for singing and performing. Growing up, Grace developed a wide interest in multiple genres alongside discovering her love for songwriting. She has travelled across the globe to work with many incredible songwriters and producers to develop her own unique sound, recently spending time in Los Angeles, California, and dedicating herself towards releasing her own work.

Throughout her musical journey, Grace has learnt valuable tips and skills, helping her with her confidence and stage presence, developing and expanding her vocal abilities, and understanding the importance of keeping the vocals healthy.

She looks forward to helping her students unlock their potential and be confident in their individuality and creative expression.

Johanna Ohlson

Vocal Coach

Jo is an accomplished singer, being a 3 times Australian A Capella Champion, and achieving an impressive 99% in her VCE Music Performance Exam.

Jo’s passion for music is contagious, and she is eager to share her love for singing with her students. Her dedication to teaching is evident in her approach, as she takes the time to understand each student’s unique needs and learning style. She is committed to creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

Carla Tomaras

Vocal Coach

Suzuki trained from the age of five, Carla built a foundation in classical and operatic technique, mastering a range of styles—including Italian arias, folk, musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary music.

As Dux of Music Performance at Star of the Sea College, she earned top marks in both performance and music theory. Beyond her classical training, she’s spent years gigging, recording original music, and refining her stage presence—combining technical knowledge with real-world experience.

Carla is passionate about passing on these skills and creating a space where every student feels safe to explore, grow, and express themselves without limits.

Shreta

Shreta

Vocal Coach

// Artists, this one’s for you //

Step up your game with our 4-week intensive program—built by artists, for artists. This isn’t just another course; it’s mentorship, coaching, and real feedback from someone who gets it.

- Level up your skills
- Build your brand
- Get your music heard

Led by rising R&B powerhouse SHRETA, whose collabs include Phabo and Harmony Samuels (Ariana Grande) - this program is your chance to refine your craft with real industry insight.

Yanni

Yanni

Producer / Songwriter

Yanni is a powerhouse producer, songwriter, and vocalist—to help our students level up their music.

If you’ve ever wanted to:

• Write your own songs and develop your unique sound
• Learn how to produce so you can create without limits
• Get your tracks fully produced and ready for release

This is your chance.

A graduate of RMIT in Sound Production & Engineering, Yanni specializes in crafting high-quality music across genres—R&B, symphonic, UK styles, hip-hop, soul, and pop. With eight years of experience in production and songwriting, he’s a master of vocal and instrumental arrangements, lyricism, and creative storytelling.

And now, he’s bringing that expertise straight to our students.

At Aria, we’re all about creating true all-rounders—artists who can learn how to write, produce, and release their own music. And we’re keeping it accessible so more artists can make moves.