Hi, I'm Jono Stewart.

Jono Stewart, Founder

I've been a musician all my life, starting singing when I was just a tiny person. I've had some incredible experiences learning, performing and recording music.

But like a lot of students, I had a lot of lessons that really didn't click, where neither the teacher nor the student really wanted to be there. One of the turning points was joining a band in high school. It was easily the most rewarding part of my time at school. I had great mentors, got to play loud, write and record original music, and work toward goals like Rockquest.

I grew in confidence and overall wellbeing as a part of that experience. It's something I'm really grateful for, and something I want to pass onto the next generation of epic musicians.

I've spent over five years teaching students across singing, guitar, piano, and music production, and completed a conjoint degree in Law and Popular Music at the University of Auckland. Along the way, I've continued performing in bands, writing music, and working in recording and mixing. I've had some involvement in Rockquest as both a finalist and a judge.

I still leave rehearsals and gigs feeling better than I did walking in, and that's exactly what I want BandLab students to experience too.