Belleville - Drums Lessons

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.

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.

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.