Belleville

Kyle DiTomaso

Kyle began his musical journey at the age of 12 with the Sea Cadets in Belleville, where he developed a passion for brass instruments ranging from tuba to trumpet. Since then, he has built a diverse performance career, playing with ensembles such as The Commodores, The Frank Howard Orchestra, The Quinte Symphony, The Nepean All-City Jazz Band, and the 8 Wing Brass & Reed Band.

Today, Kyle is an active performer in the Quinte area, playing with Cue The Funk, Brass Action, The Hastings County, the Trenton and Belleville Concert Bands, and the 8 Wing Band, along with many other local projects.

In addition to his performance experience, Kyle manages the Lesson Centre and Band & Orchestra department at Long & McQuade in Belleville. He is passionate about helping students of all ages find the right teacher, instrument, and pathway to achieve their musical goals. His future aspirations include directing a concert band and continuing to share his love of music through both performance and promoting music education.

Contact Kyle directly at:
E:[email protected]
P:343-600-0125
Snail Mail:
Long & McQuade Lesson Centre
28 Roy Boulevard
Belleville, Ontario
K8N 0L9

Brock Pettifer (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Brock has been playing drums and making music since the age of 14. He has performed with a number of bands in the Kingston and Napanee area, including The Hipwynds, Nate the Nobody, and his current band, Third Time’s a Charm. With Third Time’s a Charm, Brock has been actively touring and recording, gaining real-world experience that he brings into every lesson.

Brock has also worked with Napanee’s Harmony Lounge & Music Club, where he provided private drum instruction, group percussion classes, and Rock Skool coaching services. His work there earned high praise for his supportive and encouraging teaching style.

“Brock has an uncanny ability to build confidence in youth who may be experiencing shyness and social anxiety,” says Michelle Hauser, Harmony’s Creative Director. “Whether Brock is working with a young person picking up sticks for the first time, or encouraging older youth to spread their wings in the Rock Skool program, he has a unique capacity for connection. When he says, ‘Yeah, man!’ and ‘Way to go!’ the feedback is so genuine that the kids really feel his authenticity.”

Now part of the Long & McQuade team, Brock is excited to continue inspiring and shaping the next generation of young rockers—one beat at a time.

Lesson Rate: $29 per half-hour session.

Brock Pettifer offers in-person private drum lessons to students of all ages at Long & McQuade Belleville, with a special focus on building the confidence of younger drummers.

Bruce West (Violin, Viola, Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday

An accomplished violinist, violist, and classical guitar player, Bruce has spent decades studying with distinguished teachers and performing in orchestras and chamber ensembles. His performance experience includes work with the Huronia Symphony, the Quinte Symphony, and the Carpe Diem Ensemble.

In addition to his extensive background in performance and instruction, Bruce is also a master luthier. For over 50 years, he has been crafting fine string instruments—including violins, violas, cellos, and guitars. He has taught violin making for the North York Board of Education and at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, sharing his knowledge with aspiring instrument makers. Bruce now serves as the Orchestral Strings Luthier for Long & McQuade Belleville.

With his rare combination of performance expertise and instrument craftsmanship, Bruce brings a deep understanding of music and instruments to every lesson.

Lesson Rate: $29 per half-hour session.

Bruce West offers in-person private lessons in violin, viola, and classical guitar to students of all ages at Long & McQuade in Belleville.

Carl Povey (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday

Originally from Liverpool, UK, Carl brings over 25 years of professional drumming experience to the lesson room. He holds a diploma in music and has performed and toured extensively across Europe. Over the years, he has worked alongside several major acts—including sharing the stage with Britpop legends Oasis.

Before relocating to Canada, Carl taught at Liverpool’s largest and most respected drum shop, where he developed his own teaching style that balances structure with creativity. Whether you’re just picking up sticks for the first time or looking to master advanced techniques, Carl offers personalized lessons that are tailored to each student’s goals.

He teaches all musical styles and levels, with a firm belief that lessons should always be fun, informative, and purposeful. “Every lesson should have a set goal,” Carl says, “whether that’s learning a song, studying a technique, or mastering a rudiment.”

With his rich performance background and practical teaching approach, Carl is passionate about helping students grow into confident, well-rounded drummers.

Lesson Rate: $30 per half-hour session.

Carl offers in-person private drum lessons to students of all ages and skill levels at Long & McQuade Belleville.

Jimmy Rodgers (Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Merlin, Bass Guitar, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Jimmy began playing guitar at around 12 years old and has been immersed in music ever since. Growing up in a musical family, he learned by watching and playing alongside relatives, which helped him develop a strong foundation and a deep love for music. Over time, his curiosity and dedication led him to explore a wide range of stringed instruments, expanding both his skills and his musical reach.

A passionate performer, Jimmy is well known in the Hastings and Quinte regions as one half of the popular local duo The Rodgers Boys. He also showcases his talent as the lead guitarist for the rock band Beyond the Call, gaining valuable live performance experience that he brings into his teaching.

Jimmy’s approach to instruction is flexible and student-centered. He tailors each lesson to the individual, regardless of age, level, or musical background. His teaching is not limited to any one genre—instead, he focuses on helping students reach their goals, whether that means understanding complex music theory or simply learning to play their favorite chords.

“Meeting people at their level is my main focus in teaching,” Jimmy says, and that commitment is reflected in every lesson he gives.

Lesson Rate: $29 per half-hour session.

Jimmy offers private music lessons on acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele, Merlin, and banjo to students of all ages at Long & McQuade Belleville.

Joëlle Turner (Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Songwriting, Theory, Recording, Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Want to sing or play your favorite songs with confidence? Joëlle offers personalized music lessons in voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele—specializing in Pop, R&B, Lo-Fi, Folk, and Rock. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, Joëlle will meet you where you are and help you grow from there.

Passionate about creativity and self-expression, Joëlle also offers guidance in songwriting and music production. Lessons can include hands-on time in a cozy, welcoming studio—designed to support students as they explore their unique sound and bring original songs to life in a comfortable, creative environment.

With over 20 years of teaching experience and more than 30 years in performance, songwriting, and recording, Joëlle brings a wealth of knowledge to every lesson. They hold a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance (Voice) from the University of Toronto and continue to deepen their expertise by studying vocal anatomy and pedagogy with renowned educator Dr. Shannon Coates.

Joëlle is also an active recording artist. With their band Ten Moon, they are releasing four new singles this year—catch them on tour this August!

Lesson Rate: $30 per half-hour session.

Mark Chartier (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Theory, Looping)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Mark began playing music at the age of 12 and has spent the past 45+ years traveling, performing, and developing his skills across North and South America. With decades of experience on both acoustic and electric instruments, Mark brings a rich musical background and a flexible teaching style to every lesson.

He specializes in tailoring lessons to each student’s goals, whether that means playing by ear, learning songs, understanding theory, or reading standard notation and tablature. His approach works for beginners just starting out, as well as more advanced players looking to expand their technique and musical knowledge.

In addition to teaching, Mark continues to write, practice, and record original music from his home studio. His passion for music is lifelong, and he’s dedicated to helping others explore the joy and creativity that music can bring. For those who prefer, lessons can also be taught in French or Spanish.

Lesson Rate: $29 per half-hour session.

Mark Chartier offers private music lessons on guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele to students of all ages at Long & McQuade Belleville.

Rob Waite (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Drums, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Saturday

Rob has been teaching music lessons for 26 years and has been playing for 38. A versatile musician, he offers lessons in guitar, bass, piano, and drums—though guitar holds a special place in his heart. “Guitar is my baby. That’s what I always come back to. Guitar is my passion but everything else kind of flows from there.”

Rob started playing music at age 13 and went on to build a professional career in the Toronto music scene before moving back to his hometown of Belleville in early 2003. During his time in Toronto, he worked with the alternative rock band Our Lady Peace and the French-Canadian band Simple Plan.

With a deep belief in the power of dedication, Rob encourages students of all backgrounds to explore music. “I believe you can play any instrument, all it takes is the want to do it and then sitting down and making the effort,” he says. “That's where I come in. I love having students because they inspire me and I can inspire them.”

Rob teaches students of all ages and skill levels—from five-year-olds just beginning their musical journey to seniors looking to improve or revisit their skills. His goal is to help each student grow, no matter where they’re starting from.

Lesson Rate: $30 per half-hour session.

Rob Waite offers in-person and online private and group lessons on guitar, bass, piano, and drums to all ages at Long & McQuade in Belleville.

Spencer Barriage (Piano, Theory, Ear Training)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Spencer began studying piano at age 11 through the Royal Conservatory method. His musical journey quickly progressed before pursuing formal music studies at Western University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Philosophy.

After completing his degree, Spencer worked overseas with the Daegu Theatre Group in South Korea as a piano accompanist and musical director. Upon returning to Canada, he continued to teach privately, perform with local bands, and collaborate with theatre groups across the region.

Spencer's lessons are tailored to each student’s goals—whether that’s preparing for RCM certification, building strong technique, improving ear training, or simply enjoying the process of learning music. His well-rounded, goal-oriented approach ensures that students build both skill and confidence as they grow.

Lesson Rate: $30 per half-hour session.

Spencer offers private music lessons in piano, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam preparation, theory, and ear training to students aged 7 and up at Long & McQuade Belleville.