Meet Our Exceptional Faculty

The University of Guelph's School of Fine Art and Music is proud to present a distinguished faculty of accomplished musicians and educators. Our instructors bring a wealth of experience, passion, and expertise to their teaching, inspiring students to reach new heights in their musical journeys. Explore the profiles below to learn more about our outstanding faculty members and their contributions to the vibrant musical community at the University of Guelph.

Categories

• Voice Instructors
• Piano Instructors
• Guitar Instructors
• Brass Instructors
• Woodwind Instructors
• Strings Instructors
• Percussion and Drums Instructors
• Electronic and Turntable Instructors

Voice Instructors

Alpha Kayondo – Industry/Pop Voice

Alpha Kayondo is a Guelph native and alumnus of the University of Guelph's School of Fine Art and Music. Beginning his musical journey at age five with guitar and songwriting, he expanded into voice and piano studies. As a chorister with the Guelph Youth Singers, he recorded for The Love Guru (2008) and performed with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. In his teens, he developed a unique style blending lyrical hip-hop with melodic film score music. Under Marion Samuel-Stevens, he achieved a perfect score in the 2018 Kiwanis Music Festival Singer-Songwriter class. Currently, Alpha teaches voice and piano at Jam School and collaborates with filmmakers. He aims to become the first widely recognized African-Canadian film score composer.
Email: kayondo@uoguelph.ca.

Breanne Dietrich – Voice

Breanne Dietrich is a faculty member at the University of Guelph and Sheridan College. She holds an MFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory and a BMus in Classical Voice from Western University. Certified in Evidence-Based Vocal Pedagogy, she frequently adjudicates and guest lectures across Ontario. An active performer in the Canadian musical theatre scene, her roles include Mary Poppins, Vivienne in Legally Blonde, and Fantine in Les Misérables. Breanne provides her students with technical proficiency, musicianship skills, storytelling, and acting coaching. She strives to champion her students and create a safe space for exploration and growth.
Email: bdietr03@uoguelph.ca

Erwan Noblet – Voice

Erwan Noblet is passionate about the infinite power of the human voice. He enjoys singing, acting, teaching, and improvising. Erwan has studied with vocal improvisers like Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and the Brazilian Música do Círculo Institute. He facilitates workshops, teaches on musician platforms, and owns his own voice studio. In 2021, he began his Ph.D. at the University of Guelph, researching the pedagogical benefits of integrating collective vocal improvisation in higher education. As an artist, he recently released the EP ADN under the name iwa.
Email: enoblet@uoguelph.ca

Marion Samuel-Stevens – Voice

Marion Samuel-Stevens is an adjunct professor and vocal music educator who has been teaching and directing in the Guelph area for 20 years. Drawing from her extensive performance experience and teaching background, Marion nurtures the individual artist in each student through excellence in vocal technique and performance practice. Informed by her trauma and diversity training, she creates personalized coaching plans. Recent certifications include Vocal Health First Aid and Advanced Contemporary Vocal Idioms. Marion is committed to providing a supportive environment that fosters growth and confidence.
Email: msamuels@uoguelph.ca

Piano Instructors

Avila Lotoski – Piano

Avila Lotoski is a dedicated piano educator committed to working with students of all abilities. She focuses on contemporary repertoire and works by women composers. Avila's research interests include dance, movement, and the natural environment. She maintains an active piano studio in Toronto. In her teaching, Avila emphasizes foundational and advanced technical abilities, effective practice strategies, and encourages students to connect their university learning to musical interpretation. She aims to help students develop personal style through reflection, improvisation, and creative interpretation, and to strengthen their connection to the audience through presentations.
Email: alotoski@uoguelph.ca

Irene Gregorio – Piano

Irene Gregorio is a versatile pianist, educator, and music director. She has collaborated with members of the LA Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony, and served as pianist for the LA Children's Chorus and LA Opera Outreach. With over 15 years of university teaching experience, she holds a DMA from the University of Southern California. Irene recently returned to Canada, where she is the Director of Music Ministry at Dublin Street United Church and a sessional instructor of piano at the University of Guelph. She was the Collaborative Pianist for the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and pianist for the National Youth Choir of Canada in 2022.
Email: igregori@uoguelph.ca

Jason White – Jazz Piano

Jason White is a dynamic jazz pianist, educator, and community builder. He runs a private studio at the non-profit Uptown School of Music, which he founded, and is an active festival adjudicator and clinician. Jason designed the youth ensemble program at the Waterloo Jazz Festival. As a performer, he is active as a contemporary chamber musician, soloist, accompanist, and jazz band leader, with his trio performing regularly at the Jazz Room. He holds a BMus in Composition from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MMus in Contemporary Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.
Email: jwhite57@uoguelph.ca

Thomas Hammerton – Piano

Thomas Hammerton is a keyboardist, producer, arranger, songwriter, and music educator. Since graduating from Humber College's music program, his career has taken him around the world, performing countless gigs and contributing to hundreds of recordings. He has worked with artists such as Kathleen Edwards, Justin Rutledge, and Cuff the Duke. Thomas has performed at prestigious venues like Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, as well as international festivals. He lives in Guelph with his wife and son, where he continues to teach and inspire students through his diverse musical experiences.
Email: thammert@uoguelph.ca

Guitar Instructors

Al Gorman – Jazz Guitar

Al Gorman has been teaching jazz guitar and ensembles at the University of Guelph since 2016. With a rich history in the Toronto jazz scene, he was closely associated with the club Chalkers, where he performed and booked international artists like Jason Marsalis and Sheila Jordan. As a producer, Al has overseen several of his own projects, including tributes to Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert. His extensive experience reflects his deep commitment to jazz music. Al continues to inspire students through his teaching and dedication to promoting jazz both locally and internationally.
Email: agorma01@uoguelph.ca

Heyden Rey – Electric Guitar

Heyden Rey is a multi-instrumentalist who teaches guitar at the University of Guelph. He began playing live music as a student and has since performed on festival stages in front of thousands. Heyden is a member of the band Excuse Me., owns a live-production company called Noise Floor, and is a hired musician for multiple live bands. He is passionate about all genres of music, particularly hardcore, neo-soul, indie rock, and bluegrass folk. Heyden brings real-world experience to his teaching, helping students navigate both performance and the music industry.
Email: jennekeh@uoguelph.ca

Tyler Wagler – Acoustic Guitar

Tyler Wagler is an in-demand performer, session musician, and educator, playing acoustic and electric guitar, double bass, and electric bass. A graduate of Humber College's jazz program, he is best known as a founding member of modern roots reggae band The Human Rights. Tyler has worked with artists like Tia Brazda and Denielle Bassels. He is also the Musical Director of the Guelph Youth Jazz Ensemble. Based in Guelph, he has been teaching and performing for fifteen years, helping students excel in various musical settings.
Email: twagle02@uoguelph.ca

Brass Instructors

Dave Davidson – Trombone

Dave Davidson is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with degrees in Music and Education. He has performed with Ice Capades International and the CTV Oktoberfest Pageant. Dave has served as Music Director for the Wellington Winds, the Galt Kiltie Band, the Kitchener Musical Society Band and the New Horizons Band of Guelph. After a 32-year teaching career, he spent twenty years with Brassroots in London and maintained an active freelance career. Dave is in demand as a guest conductor and clinician, sharing his extensive professional experience with students.
Email: ddavid2@sympatico.ca

Dorothy Vreeswyk-Kidd – Trumpet

Dorothy Vreeswyk-Kidd is an accomplished trumpet player, educator and conductor. Dorothy graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Music studying with John Tickner, Larry Larson, Robert Oades and Guy Few. After graduation, Dorothy taught music and performed in Edmonton, Alberta for many years. Dorothy is currently Head of Music at John F Ross in Guelph and her bands and ensembles have won many awards and gold standards at Festivals throughout Ontario. She currently plays second trumpet with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, auxiliary trumpet with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra, conducts the Cambridge Community Band. Dorothy was also the music director for RCMPI’s 2022 production of Matilda.
Email: dvreeswy@uoguelph.ca

Tony Snyder – French Horn

Tony Snyder is the Principal Horn with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. He studied at Western University and has played with orchestras worldwide, including performances under Sir Simon Rattle at the Berlin Philharmonie. As a soloist, he has appeared with various symphonies and performed Canadian composer Elizabeth Raum's Sherwood Legend. When not playing the horn, Tony enjoys working as a luthier, making guitars and brass instrument mutes prized by orchestral and jazz musicians worldwide.
Email: tsnyde03@uoguelph.ca

Woodwind Instructors

Brent Rowan – Jazz Saxophone

Brent Rowan is a professional community musician and saxophonist based in Guelph. He performs with the Juno-nominated group Eccodek and various jazz ensembles. Brent has performed and recorded internationally, appearing at major music festivals. He has released three albums of his own compositions and is the founding director of the Guelph Youth Jazz Ensemble and the New Horizons Band for Guelph. Brent is also a clinician and adjudicator, specializing in saxophone and improvisation concepts.
Email: browan@uoguelph.ca

Larry Moser – Clarinet

Larry Moser holds a BMus and BEd from Western University and an MMus from Michigan State University. He is active as a private teacher of saxophone and clarinet, working with beginners and advanced students. Larry performs as Principal Clarinet with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles. He also teaches in the Laurier Academy's SUP'R program, allowing young students hands-on experience with woodwind instruments. Larry's dedication to fostering musical talent is evident in his teaching and performance careers.
Email: lmoser@uoguelph.ca

Laurel Swinden – Flute

Laurel Swinden is praised for her "sweet and distinct tone" and performances "full of vibrant colours and virtuosity." She performs as Principal Flute of the Stratford Symphony and has appeared in concerts internationally. As part of the Flute New Music Consortium, she co-commissions and premieres new works for flute. Laurel's recordings can be heard on CBC Music and streaming platforms. She examines for the Royal Conservatory of Music and adjudicates at festivals across North and South America. A passionate pedagogue, Dr. Swinden teaches flute at the University of Guelph and is the artistic director of Flute Boost, a summer flute intensive for intermediate and advanced flute students.
Email: lswinden@uoguelph.ca

Strings Instructors

Henry Janzen – Violin

Henry Janzen has advanced studies from New York City with renowned pedagogues and has taught at universities like Western Michigan and the University of Western Ontario. For the past 20 years, he has taught orchestral, applied, and chamber music at the University of Guelph. Henry has performed across North America and Europe and held positions as principal viola with the Windsor Symphony. As a conductor, he has led the Michigan Youth Symphony and the University of Guelph Orchestra. His extensive experience enriches his teaching and inspires students.
Email: hjanzen@uoguelph.ca

Joe Orlando – Bass

Joe Orlando is an experienced bass player who has performed and recorded across genres like pop, rock, funk, jazz, and Latin. He has worked on musical theatre productions like Heathers and Annie. Joe mentors new generations of musicians as a private instructor and is currently the bass instructor at the University of Guelph's School of Fine Art and Music. A graduate of Mohawk College with a Diploma in Applied Music, Joe brings a dynamic personality to his work, helping students excel in their musical pursuits.
Email: jorlando@uoguelph.ca

Percussion and Drums Instructors

Adam Bowman – Drums

Adam Bowman is a seasoned drummer and percussionist with over two decades of experience in the Canadian and international music scenes. He has performed on stages across five continents and is a sought-after musician in the studio, contributing to recordings that earned him three Juno nominations. Currently, he performs with artists like Elise LeGrow and is part of the "Nights of Grief and Mystery" ensemble. Adam also provides percussive accompaniment for modern and contemporary dance classes. For more information, please visit www.adambowman.com.
Email: abowma05@uoguelph.ca

Andy Macpherson – Percussion

Andy Macpherson is a percussionist, visual artist, and mathematician who has been playing vibraphone and percussion for over four decades. He leads the New Vibes Jazz Quintet and has performed in ensembles spanning Latin, classical, rock, and jazz genres. Andy collaborates with the region's finest musicians and plays with Kitchener Waterloo's Big Band Theory. As curator of Jazz at The Registry Theatre, he produces several shows annually. After retiring from teaching mathematics, Andy now focuses on being active, creative, and contributing to his community, sharing his passion for music with students.
Email: amacph10@uoguelph.ca

Electronic and Turntable Instructors

Niel Scobie – Turntable

Niel Scobie has over 30 years of experience as a professional DJ. He played a foundational role in Vancouver's hip-hop scene, showcasing his skills at events, battles, and on the radio. As a producer, his music received Juno Award nominations for Rap Recording of the Year. Niel has shared stages with artists like The Roots and George Clinton. In his turntablism courses, students learn fundamental DJ skills like scratching and beat mixing. Niel is completing his PhD in media studies at Western University, exploring the relationship between Toronto's early hip-hop scene and Jamaican sound system culture.
Email: nscobie@uoguelph.ca