About J Edna Mae

 

Dr. Jill Thomas is a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, lyricist, vocal producer, pianist, educator, traveller and mother.  Known professionally as J Edna Mae, she crafts beautifully constructed lyrics, captivating piano hooks that weave through ethereal, layered, vocal arrangements and glide over atmospheric, cinematic and sometimes orchestral, productions.  Her expressive voice and expansive vocal range are emotive and mesmerizing in equal measures.  Influenced by Kate Bush, Billie Eilish and Chopin, her songs are described as 'pieces of sonic art' by hit songwriter Mark Cawley, and as 'music that is absolutely incredible' by James Threlfall, BBC Radio Presenter.

After achieving her honours degree in music from the University of Cardiff, winning the prestigious University Composition Award for her symphonic movement, classical choral piece and piano quartet, she returned to her first love as a singer songwriter whilst simultaneously discovering a second love - teaching.  She has been Head of Music in several schools both in the UK and international schools in Asia and is renowned for her expertise in early years music education, choral teaching and pre university composition.  She has been awarded an MA in Educational Management and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Bath.  She has also been Head of an International School in Thailand, which was owned by the world-wide education group Cognita, where she set in place professional development schemes for teaching and support staff, such as mentoring and training, across all the schools in Thailand.   

In addition to her singer songwriter music, she has written two albums of inspirational, eclectic children’s songs for primary age students. One magical component that J Edna Mae discovered in children's music, was the joy that children feel when they hear other children sing!  So, she has always invited young performers to join her in singing the songs she writes for children.  ‘Bounce!’  is an album of songs meant to enhance their sense of self belief, well-being and feelings of empowerment and they grew out of her doctoral research with children who were presenting with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. ‘Glitter is Litter!’ is a collection of songs designed to encourage a love and appreciation of our environment.  All songs have been carefully written for use in inclusive educational settings, utilizing music and movement to enhance overall enjoyment and participation as well as vocal development.

As a full-time music creator and a mother to 2 fantastic boys, she still makes time to mentor, teaching secondary school and pre-university students to follow the sounds in their hearts and pursue their passion.  She is also a mentor for the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA) and Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC), which are Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme, Help Musicians and The Ivors Academy. Jill is a Senator in The Ivors Academy, and through this platform she advocates for songwriters and composers to receive their fair share of sales from streaming platforms, and clearer works identification especially in the wake of AI.

Signed to several boutique synch agencies, J Edna Mae has written 5 EP’s and 2 full length albums to date.  Currently writing and producing her sixth EP, which promises to be her most emotional, atmospheric, cinematic album to date, as well as writing a family friendly musical. Most prestigious accolades to date include: Winner for Best Singer Songwriter in the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, Winner of Best female Album of the Year in the International Singer-Songwriters Association and Winner of Best Instrumental Song in the Indie International Songwriting Contest.