Maja Jaku
Education and Artistic Development
1991–1995: Jazz studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz
1996: Advanced vocal studies at the University of Graz with Grammy-nominated jazz legends Andy Bey, Mark Murphy, Sheila Jordan, and Jay Clayton
Since 2019: Professor of Jazz Vocals at JAM Music Lab Private University, Vienna
Teaching and Research
Lecturer at numerous renowned music institutions, including the New England Music Academy in Graz
Since 2019: Full-time professor at JAM Music Lab University, specializing in jazz vocals and performance
Leads international workshops and masterclasses across Europe and the USA; mentor to the next generation of jazz artists
Discography and Recordings
2002: Talking Jazzik – with Fritz Pauer, Karlheinz Miklin, Ewald Oberleitner (Label: Extraplatte)
2006: Message – Album, PG Records; with Johnathan Blake (drums)
2013: Universe Make No Mistake – Album, ATS Records; produced by Ty Macklin (Dallas), producer for Erykah Badu
2018: Cross My Heart – Single, Universal Music Austria; produced by Alex Deutsch; songwriting by Ian Dench (Beyoncé, Shakira, Florence & The Machine)
2021: Soul Searching – Album, ATS Records; arrangements by Jim Rotondi; received international acclaim in China, Japan, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the UK
2025: Blessed & Bewitched – Album, Origin Records (one of the most influential jazz labels in the USA); recorded at Bunker Studios, New York, featuring Dezron Douglas, Johnathan Blake, Adrian Varady, Alan Bartus, Michael Rodriguez (Grammy Award winner)
Performance Highlights
Appearances at major international jazz festivals including the Vienna Jazz Festival, Novi Sad Jazz Festival, and Nišville Jazz Festival
Concerts at prestigious venues such as Porgy & Bess (Vienna), Jazzland (Vienna), Roter Salon, and Orpheum Graz
Soloist at the Graz Opera House (1994–1996)
Lead roles in musicals such as Hair and Godspell
Collaborations with leading figures of the international jazz scene
Critical Acclaim
Extensive international press coverage and reviews from the USA, France, England, Japan, China, Belgium, Poland, Austria, and the former Yugoslavia.
Praised for her distinctive vocal color, artistic depth, and captivating stage presence.
Links & Online Resources
Official Website: https://majajaku.net/
Electronic Press Kit (EPK): https://majajaku.net/epk/
All About Jazz Profile: https://allaboutjazz.com/tag-maja-jaku
Bandcamp: https://majajaku.bandcamp.com/
Discography Links
Message (2006, PG Records): YouTube
Universe Make No Mistake (2013, ATS Records): YouTube
Cross My Heart (2018, Universal Music Austria): YouTube
Soul Searching (2021, ATS Records): YouTube
Blessed & Bewitched (2025, Origin Records):
Album Teaser – YouTube
Single: The Witch – YouTube