Our Teachers
Piano, Vocal
Robert Clarot is the owner and operator of The Ottawa Vocal & Instrumental Performance Academy. A well known professional entertainer in Ottawa, Robert plays the piano and sings every weekend at Amici's Pianobar on Preston Street. He is there to entertain you Friday Nights! You can also find him putting on a show at the Casino in Ottawa and Hull. Versed in almost any style, Robert is a well seasoned performer for over 35 years, having traveled Canada and the United States, playing in almost every major city. His experience is what makes the school a performance arena, producing shows and musical arrangements for the students and many performers outside the studio.
Robert teaches a unique style not found in any books, to adults and children and continues to instruct on a full-time basis Monday thru Saturday. His recording skills are used in the studio to master beautiful sounding demos for the students, and also for professional musicians both in the video and audio sectors.
Robert Clarot
(Musical Director)
Guitar | Bass | Flute | Percussion, Ukulele
Ron Laframboise
Ron took interest in music at a very young age, while attending various family functions. Ron began music lessons at age 11. Ron continued post secondary music studies, with superb musicians doing master classes. Barney Kessel was an early influence at these master classes/workshops. His foundation is based on rudimental drumming/percussion. The discovery of the bass guitar came later. Ron became a bassist/guitarist. Having played weddings, corporate events and clubs is where he applied his knowledge of music. Ron played events such as CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) showcase events, recordings as session player with various artists in the 90's. Ron has toured with Rolling Stones' guitarist Mick Taylor (Canadian tour 2003). He has played Juno Awards pre-show performances as a side man, alongside former Canadian Idol Judge Zack Werner. One of Ron's most cherished events was working with actor Jerry Douglas (aka John Abbott, Young & the Restless).
Present day, Ron is working with a Montreal/Ottawa based band: SOUL MOTION, a Motown, R&B, Soul pop band. He is also in the process of developing a neo-soul trio, with a focus on partial covers, as well as original compositions.
Classical Guitar | Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Tom McDonald
Tom McDonald has been teaching guitar professionally for about 15 years. His main influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Green Day, Foo Fighters, and Metallica. He plays in Ottawa recording band Big Jeezus Truck and has recorded 4 full length cd's. He also plays in a couple of bar bands around town. He was voted #1 influential Canadian rock guitarist in 2008 by Canadian Music magazine and #1 Canadian guitar instructor by the Canadian Conservatory of Music.
Guitar | Ukelele
Laura Parent
Laura is an MA student at the School of International Development at the University of Ottawa with a passion for teaching and music. Laura started learning piano at the age of 7 and fell in love with the instrument, finding joy in learning lively ragtime pieces and playing Scott Joplin as fast as she could. Laura performed as part of her high school’s jazzband and played piano accompaniment for her more vocally talented friends at community events throughout highschool. She picked up guitar more recently, learning and performing biweekly recitals during her class, and keeping up with the instrument on her own. Although ragtime was her first love, Laura enjoys all genres of music and is excited to teach piano and guitar with the same passion with which she learned them.
Vocal | Guitar
Emma O'Gorman
Emma, a passionate singer-songwriter and dedicated singing teacher, found solace and empowerment in music from a young age, overcoming shyness through self-taught guitar playing and songwriting. Drawing inspiration from iconic Canadian artists like Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette, and Avril Lavigne, Emma has honed her craft over the years, specializing in music production and arrangement alongside her vocal instruction and songwriting coaching. With a deep understanding and enthusiasm for nurturing shy performers, Emma creates a supportive environment where students of all ages can explore and embrace the joy of live music.
Vocal | Piano
Elina Ellis
Coming soon
Vocal
Grace Mckay
Grace McKay is senior year Canterbury high school for the vocal program. She has attended the Ottawa vocal and Instrumental academy since she was 8 years old and is now a part time teacher. She participates in the Canterbury high school choir and has taken part in many performances. Her most recent accomplishments include; performing at the NAC in 2023 and the RCM vigil. Grace loves to read and go for walks in her spare time when she’s not singing. Through her years at Canterbury she’s learned a great deal about music theory and utilizes that in her lessons. As someone who’s been learning about music for almost a decade she has been exposed to many different musical styles and techniques, making her a great teacher!
Piano
Crystalena Paquette
Crystalena is a Canadian musician who has performed extensively as lead and harmony vocalist on diverse projects covering Classical, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Folk, R&B, and Hip-Hop in the past decade. Her experience as a pianist includes work on a wide variety of musical projects, from R&B to Jazz and Pop. While also training under international top private and university-level instructors for over five years to acquire both advanced music theory, piano and vocal performance studies.
Piano | Violin
Victoria Yankelvich
Graduated in 1986 from State University of Arts ( Kharkov , Ukraine ). When studying there took part in Chamber Orchestras Festival in 1983 (First Prize). Started career as professional violinist in 1982. During 1985 was a member of State Opera and Ballet Theater orchestra. Since 2000 has been teaching students to play violin at Ottawa Conservatory of Music from introductory level to 10th Grade RCM and eight of them joined Ottawa Youth Orchestra.
Piano
Christopher Wu
Originally based in North Bay, Christopher moved from the small city life of Northern Ontario to Ottawa, where he currently studies B.A. Law at Carleton University. He holds several piano awards, including several Kiwanis Music Festival Awards, and a Canadian Music Competition Award. Christopher participated in several musical events in his youth, individually and throughout high school. As a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Christopher specializes in preparing students for examinations with the RCM. With experience in playing in various bands at a young age and privately teaching students of all ages, Christopher has proven himself to be an amazing mentor and teacher and continues every day to strive for his best.
Piano | Vocal
Tracy Sanmiya
Tracy is a vocal and piano instructor who graduated of the University of Western Ontario (UWO) holding a Master’s in Communications and Journalism. She studied music privately, at both the Royal Conservatory for piano and voice, and Conservatory Canada for voice, placing in vocal competitions and performing with the UWO Chorale throughout London, Ontario with the university symphony. She has taught voice, piano, music theory and history for many years, and holds an Honours Diploma for Vocal Performance from the Cambrian College Music program.
Piano | Saxophone | Clarinet
Jeremiah Shaver
Jeremiah Shaver started playing the sax at age 12 having an affinity for swing music and the Sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. By the age of 16 he completed his Saxophone studies and had moved on to playing the piano and several stringed instruments.
Vocal
Kristine (Abby) Dehnert
Abby has been trained in vocals since the age of six, and throughout her childhood has participated in numerous Kiwanis music festivals for choir, solo, and duet vocals, as well as local musical theatre productions in her hometown of Kingston, Ontario. Her experience mostly lies in musical theatre and classical, but her true passion lies in heavy metal, harsh vocals and more avant-garde vocal styles, having fronted punk and metal acts and being an active member of the local Ottawa hardcore scene.
Throughout her training, Abby has felt there hasn't been a sufficient way of teaching children & adults in a way that is both enriching and entertaining. With a curriculum that is based on strategic and psychological vocal techniques wrapped in a fun and interactive experience, Abby will equip students with the tools and skills to not only be successful in their vocal and acting journey, but to rise to the top and flourish above and beyond.
Vocal
Dianna Taudien
Coming Soon