Ottawa

Dylan Dumitru

Born and raised in the United States, Dylan began playing clarinet in 2003. Throughout high school, she performed in the community youth orchestra and All-District band.
In 2012, she left the States to pursue an undergraduate Music Degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, studying under Dr. Paul Bendzsa and Dr. Christine Carter.
While in school, she performed in the MUN Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Jason Caslor, and the MUN Chamber Orchestra under Dr. Vernon Regher. She also performed with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra on the bass clarinet during their performance of Aaron Copland’s Rodeo.

Dylan hopes to bring an exciting and encouraging energy to the lesson centre!

Adam Sperry (Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday

Praised for his “rich vocals and dynamic palette” (Holly Harris, Opera Canada, Fall 2019), Manitoban tenor Adam Sperry has had the privilege of performing with many companies across Canada. Adam is a recent graduate of the Schulich School of Music with a Master’s of Opera and Voice under the tutelage of John MacMaster. Recent highlights include Sam Kaplan in Weill’s Street Scene with Opera McGill, first prize winner of the Zita bernstein Herman Lieder Competition - adjudicated by Elly Ameling, and tenor soloist in Carmina Burana with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Adam is thrilled to join as a voice and piano instructor at Long & McQuade and will apply his thorough experience in opera, musical theatre, pop, rock and jazz, to a holistic learning experience.

Adam's rate per half hour private lesson at Long & McQuade Ottawa is $29.

Bryan Valeriani (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Thursday

Bryan has been playing drums since 1982 and teaching since 1995. He has played everything from jazz to heavy metal. Bryan performs regularly with his Latin jazz trio and is a member of the Brian Eagles Band. He has recorded and performed with many groups, most notably with Juno nominated singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards. Bryan has studied at the world-renowned Drummers Collective in New York City with a grant awarded from the Ontario Arts Council. He has also studied with Jim Chapin, Kim Plainfield, Magella Cormier and Joel Rosenblatt. Bryan has taught for the Carleton University Bachelor of Music program and is a member of both the Vic Firth Education Team and the Hudson Music Teacher Integration Program. His curriculum covers the complete range of drumset techniques and concepts from the key fundamentals to advanced studies. For more on Bryan you can visit: www.drumhead.ca.

Bryan's rate per half hour private lesson at Long & McQuade Ottawa is $31.

Gabriela Ruiz (Cello, Violin, Viola, Fiddle)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Gabriela has a Master’s Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Ottawa, where she studied cello with Paul Marleyn, as well as an Orchestral Certificate Diploma under David Currie. She has been active as a teacher and performer since 1997 and is also a Certified Suzuki Teacher. Gabriela focuses much of her performing in the classical genre but has also participated in other events such as rock concerts, Video Games Live and recently in the orchestra for “La Machine”. She teaches both Suzuki and RCM methods for violin, viola and cello.

Gabriela's teaching rate per half hour private lesson at Long & McQuade Ottawa $31.

Manny Makris (Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

Manny has been playing live since 1991 and teaching since 1995. He was the winner of the 1997 Blues Guitar Riff-Off at age 19 and was nominated Best Blues Band at the Doheny Blues Society in California in 1999 and the Maple Blues Awards in 2000. He has played many major blues festivals in Ottawa and New York and has shared the stage with blues legends Otis Rush, Kid Ramos (The Fabulous Thunderbirds) and Dan Aykroyd. Manny has played in several different blues and rockabilly bands over the years. He is comfortable teaching students of all levels, especially those that are interested in lead and rhythm guitar. Specializing in Blues, Country, Rockabilly, Rock and Roll and Surf.

Manny's teaching rate per half hour private lesson at Long & McQuade Ottawa $31.