Start Suzuki Teachers
Gabriela Iznardo
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 at the Kiwanis Music Festival, she has had the opportunity to compete locally and provincially and perform regularly her entire life. She has played in embassies, private government events, conventions and numerous public events. She now performs avidly with Cuban guitarist Alejandro Vega as “duo Waqay” 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.
Nikolas Landry
Nikolas Landry is an award winning classical guitarist and composer who has recently finished his post secondary studies in Music Performance.
He started his post secondary career in 2015 at the Cambrian College school of music under the tutelage of Dr. Matthew Gould, a decorated classical guitarist and Suzuki teacher.
During Nik’s time at the college he had the opportunity to hone his performance skills by participating in many fundraising performances, professional concerts, competitions, and masterclasses. Some of the notable masterclasses in which Nik participated include Xavier Jara, Thibeault Garcia, Jakob Bangsø, and the Montenegrin Guitar Duo. Furthermore, Nikolas was awarded “Top Performer/Best Performance'' and “Top Guitarist” during Cambrian College’s annual 2018 senior awards competition. In 2017 and 2018, Nikolas was nominated for the Ontario Music Festivals Association’s (OMFA) provincials competition for grade eight (2017) and grade nine (2018) classical guitar in which he received first prize both years. Nikolas began studying at the University of Ottawa during the 2019/2020 academic year with Louis Trépanier from the Canadian Guitar Quartet, where he has recently finished his studies.
Nikolas has been teaching guitar since he was in secondary school and utilizes the Suzuki Method, the Royal Conservatory Method, and the Aaron Shearer Method to provide professional tutelage to students of all ages across multiple genres. He offers lessons in French and English
Maya Farrell
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 is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in guitar performance at the University of Ottawa with Patrick Roux, intending to graduate in 2025. At uOttawa she has taken part in the Guitar Alla Grande Festival and performed at the Domaine Forget international festival.
Maya began teaching guitar in 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
Bassist Jean-Philipe Lapensée first played 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. Has also taught music to students of various age for more than 15 years. He now teaches at Carleton University and gives private lessons. JP is available to teach electric bass, guitar and ukulele.
