Start Suzuki Team
Gabriela Iznardo
(Director and Guitar teacher)
Gabriela Iznardo is a Classical guitar teacher and performer who began playing guitar at the age five. Growing up, she followed the Suzuki method with her mother and Peruvian guitarist Graciela Escudero and at the age of eleven continued her studies at the National Capital Suzuki School of Music with Argentinian guitarist Daniel Srugo. While pursuing her undergrad in Classical Guitar Performance, Gabriela also completed intensive teacher trainings to become a certified Suzuki Teacher: Today she is ECC certified and has completed registered Suzuki-Guitar teacher trainings with acclaimed instructors David Madsen and Bill Kossler. Gabriela completed her Bachelor of Music specialized in Guitar Performance at the University of Ottawa in 2016 where she studied under the guidance of renowned Canadian professors Louis Trepanier, Dennis Donegoni and Patrick Roux.
At the age of fifteen Gabriela began teaching at the National Capital Suzuki School of Music, there, she taught music theory and instrumental private and group lessons for 9 years while completing her studies. Her determination and her experience as an early age Suzuki student contributed to her motivation and familiarity with teaching; having gone full circle from suzuki-child to suzuki-teacher, she gained a perspective that allowed her to understand her students in a more unique way. Upon completion of her Bachelor of Music Gabriela opened up her music school and thus, Start Suzuki© was created.
Today, Start Suzuki is growing to be the most exemplary guitar school in Ottawa. With the commendable Suzuki program as the “starting point” for all students, it has proven to positively influence all students and has created well rounded, esteemed musicians.
Her Musical skills are highly observed in her performances and competitions; having won countless competitions among others winning first place repeatedly at the Kiwanis Music Festival and Domaine Foreget she has had the opportunity to compete locally and provincially and perform regularly her entire life. She has performed for embassies including the Colombian, Dominican Republic, Argentinian and Peruvian embassies, private government events, numerous conventions and private and public events. She performed avidly with Cuban guitarist Alejandro Vega as “duo Havana Sky” touring Canada with Jeunesses Musicales Canada and has specialized in the Spanish and Latin-American genre of classical guitar.
As the owner of “Start Suzuki” music school, Gabriela continues to teach classical guitar to all ages and is focused on growing her studio and sharing her passion not only through performing but also through teaching. She dedicates her passion to instilling her students with a love for learning and devotion to music.
Bri
(Administrative assistant)
Bri brings a strong background in administration, coordination, and organizational support through her work in the public service and with charitable organizations. She has experience coordinating projects, developing and maintaining policies and procedures, managing information, and keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. She enjoys creating structure, improving systems, and helping people stay organized so they can focus on what they do best. Bri is passionate about providing reliable, thoughtful support and making administrative processes feel a little easier for everyone.
Maya Farrell
(Classical Guitar)
Maya Farrell has been playing classical guitar since 2010. She began her studies at the National Capital Suzuki School of Music and throughout her 10 years at the school performed across Ottawa as a soloist and in an ensemble. Maya recently graduated from the University of Ottawa with her Bachelor of Music in guitar performance, where she studied with guitarist and composer Patrick Roux. At uOttawa, she took part in the Guitar Alla Grande Festival and performed at the Domaine Forget international festival.
Maya been a guitar teacher since 2022 and loves being able to introduce music to students and help them improve by combining their technical and expressive skills. She completed her Every Child Can Suzuki training in 2023, and Suzuki teacher training with MaryLou Roberts in Spring 2024. Maya has also studied piano for several years and completed her RCM Level 8 exam in 2019. Outside of music, she loves to swim and spend time with friends and her golden retriever. She is very excited to be part of StartSuzuki!"
JP LAPENSEE
(Bass and Electric)
Bassist Jean-Philipe Lapensée is a Bass teacher and electric guitar teacher who started playing music at the age of 7 and has been playing professionally since the age of 16.
He has now been touring across Canada, Brazil and America. He has been performing in musical styles such as jazz, pop, rock, country and world music.
JP has also taught music to students of various age for more than 15 years. He now teaches at Carleton University and gives private lessons at Start Suzuki. JP is available to teach electric bass, guitar and ukulele.
Yusuf Najjar
All the way from the island of Bahrain to Canada, Yusuf Najjar brings a global perspective and a deep passion for music to every lesson. A vocalist, educator, and performer, he has worked with singers and actors ages 5 to 75 across multiple continents, helping them build healthy technique, artistic confidence, and a genuine love for music.
Yusuf holds a double major Bachelor’s degree in Arts & business with a concentration in Music, where he conducted research in vocal health and vocal pedagogy. He has also completed graduate-level coursework in Organizational Development and Leadership with a focus on Education, combining musical expertise with strong foundations in learning theory, student development, instructional design and is continuing his masters.
As a former music scholarship recipient at Hawai‘i Pacific University on the island of O‘ahu, Yusuf performed with the International Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Hawaiian Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra as both a percussionist and singer. During his time in Hawai‘i, he taught students at three locations of Chuck James music school and continues to mentor Hawaiian students online, maintaining strong connections with his global studio community.
Prior to university, Yusuf attended Canterbury High School of the Performing Arts in Ottawa, specializing in Dramatic Arts while completing a Specialist High Skills Major in Business. His early experience teaching at the Ottawa Children’s Theatre laid the foundation for his engaging, student-centered approach.
Yusuf blends strong technical training with creativity and encouragement. His teaching is tailored to each student’s goals, whether preparing for auditions, building foundational skills, developing stage presence, or exploring songwriting. He emphasizes healthy vocal technique, expressive storytelling, and confidence-building in every session.
Beyond the classroom, Yusuf is an active performer and songwriter who tours, records, and develops independent music projects. His real world experience on stage and in the studio allows him to offer practical insight into performance, artistry, and professional growth.
Warm, attentive, and detail-oriented, Yusuf creates a supportive environment where students feel safe to explore, challenge themselves, and grow. Whether you’re discovering your voice for the first time or refining advanced technique, he is committed to helping you reach your full potential
(Voice)
Deniz Lim-Sersan
From youth Deniz developed a unique musical style, learning classical piano from his mother and Balkan rhythm from his father he synthesized his own eclectic musical influences into his artistic expression. Deniz was drawn to jazz and played with various community bands in Ottawa, eventually playing with the Yamaha National All Star Jazz band where he was invited by Denny Christianson (Dean of Music) to attend Humber College with a scholarship. Graduating with various awards, grants and scholarships, Deniz continued his musical education attending the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music under scholarship. Over the years Deniz has had the pleasure of encountering and studying with the great masters of music, artists like Herbie Hancock, Vijay Iyer, Gretchen Parlato, Miguel De Armas, Brian Browne, Robi Botos, Brian Dickinson, Bernie Senensky and more.
Deniz currently runs two projects, Primary Colours as a pianist and songwriter, and NitroTurtle as drummer and bandleader. He has toured and played with a variety of Canadian talent such as KC Roberts & the Live Revolution, the Commotions, Kellylee Evans & Fatal Vision. Deniz produces music on commercials with clients like Canada Goose, Indigo & Holt Renfrew.
(Piano and Drums)
Kristel (Kiki)
Kristel “Kiki” Lantaigne discovered her love of music at the age of seven when she first began playing the piano. Over the years, her passion for music continued to grow, leading her to explore different instruments, musical groups, and performance opportunities, ultimately discovering a particular passion for guitar.
Kristel has performed in a variety of musical settings, participating in several music groups and gaining valuable experience performing at events and shows. As a former student of Start Suzuki Music School, she also brings a unique perspective to her teaching. Having experienced the program herself, she understands the student journey firsthand and the confidence, joy, and sense of accomplishment that come from learning and performing music.
Kristel has gained valuable experience working with children through both private guitar instruction and group lessons at Adagio Music School. She enjoys creating a fun, encouraging, and engaging learning environment where students can develop their musical skills while building confidence. One of her favourite parts of teaching is seeing students perform the music they have worked hard to learn and watching their confidence grow along the way.
A composer and dedicated musician, Kristel completed her music program with honours and has studied with respected educators, including Professor Frantz and Ms. Mathieu. She has also had the opportunity to perform alongside renowned Canadian musicians, further developing her experience as both a musician and performer.
Kristel is currently studying Police Studies and hopes to pursue further studies in both Criminology and Music at the University of Ottawa, allowing her to continue developing her passions in both fields.
With her experience as a performer, composer, former student, and educator, Kiki is excited to share her love of music with her students and help them discover the confidence, creativity, and joy that come with learning, playing, and performing music.
