![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ottawarhythminitiative.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-5.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRebecca Cowal – Musician and Tap Dance<\/strong>r Collaborator <\/strong> Rebecca is a versatile saxophonist and dedicated music educator whose career has taken her to stages across Canada, Mexico, Ghana, and the United States. She has performed with the Ottawa Jazz Band, Parkdale Orchestra, Bytown Big Band, Glamour Profession, and the Raven Saxophone Quartet, among others. Known for her dynamic musicianship and engaging stage presence, Rebecca brings both artistry and authenticity to every performance. Equally passionate about education, Rebecca teaches saxophone and woodwinds to middle- and high-school students at De La Salle Francophone Arts High School. She is a faculty member at Carleton University\u2019s Jazz Camp and Song-to-Stage Camps, is and ORI collaborative musician and tap dancer, and a woodwind specialist with OrKidstra. Guided by a student-first ethic, she places equity and inclusion at the heart of her teaching, creating vibrant and supportive musical spaces. Rebecca holds a Master of Art in Music and Culture and a Bachelor of Music from Carleton University and is currently pursuing Teacher Education at University of Ottawa. Raised in Arnprior, Ontario, she credits her early mentors and teachers for nurturing the passion that continues to drive her musical journey today.<\/p>\n\n\n Deniz Lim-Serzan<\/strong><\/a> – Pianist<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n Elizabeth Simpson – Music Expert Collaborator<\/strong> (Low Intermediate class) <\/strong> Elizabeth was thrilled to be a member of the NAC Orchestra. Elizabeth was the Second horn player since 2011, and performed regularly in the horn section since 1986. She is now newly retired. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Ottawa and a Masters in Music Performance from Indiana University. Elizabeth teaches at many Ottawa institutions including the University of Ottawa, Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy, and Canterbury School of the Arts. In 2013, Elizabeth Simpson co-created the NAC\u2019s Music Circle, a music program for neurodivergent children, teens and adults. This program introduces orchestral instruments and the joy of live music, through workshops and sensory friendly concerts. Elizabeth has worked with students at the OCDSB, CHEO, Lotus Music, and with adults in the LIFE programs. She tap dances with the ORI and shares her musical expertise working alongside ORI tap dance educators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tap dance is created through the integral relationship between dance and music. Working with live music in our classes develops essential skills for becoming expressive tap dancers. Meet our 2026-27 musicians who work in select classes with our tap dance … Continue reading <\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n