Ottawa - Drums Lessons

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!

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 $28.

chris zimmerman (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday

Chris has been providing private drum lessons in Ottawa since 2007, and has performed professionally in various bands and projects for over 10 years. He has performed in every province and territory in Canada. Some notable performances that Chris has participated in include the multi-award-winning record "Signal Fire" by Twin Flames, Folk On The Rocks Main stage in Yellowknife NWT with Twin Flames 2016, Dragonboat Festival Opening for Half Moon Run with Twin Flames 2017 and Bluesfest Main Stage opening for The Backstreet Boys with Kyle Ivan 2019. On top of performing as a drummer, Chris also sings and plays guitar in his own project Chris Zimmerman & The Weather. The Weather toured across the country in 2018, played The Calgary Stampede in 2019 and opened for Canadian music icon Alan Doyle at a festival in Kuujjuac, Quebec, also in 2019. Chris will tailor the lesson plan to your musical goals and needs, while keeping the lesson fun and engaging.

Chris' rate per half hour private lesson at Long & McQuade Ottawa is $25.

nate livingstone (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Saturday

Nate is an active member of the Ottawa music scene with over a decade of experience performing in multiple genres. He plays regularly as a session musician, with his progressive metal group The Aphelion as well as in Blues Rock band Crunchy Flower.
As a teacher, he places a strong emphasis on technique and establishing a foundation from which students can grow and feel comfortable in numerous musical situations. Nate strives to instill in his students the same passion he has for playing, with personalized lessons tailored to how an individual student learns, practical advice from his own playing history, and dedicated instruction.

Nate's rate per half hour private lesson at Long & McQuade Ottawa is $26.