Belleville - Theory Lessons

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

Online Lessons: Yes

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, Songwriting, Theory, Piano)

Online Lessons: No

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

Joëlle believes the most powerful teacher is you: your own voice, your own hands, your agency and intuition - your courage to “give it a try” and your willingness to experiment.

In lessons, you are the leader. Joëlle is there to listen and help co-create a learning experience with you. Structure and spontaneity thrive together in a space where curiosity leads. What do you think? What are your goals? What wants to be expressed? How can we discover that together?

This philosophy grew from Joëlle’s diverse music background which is rooted in everything from western classical training (RCM voice/piano, Ontario Youth Choir, Nathaniel Dett Chorale) to a BMus in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto. Further education includes studies in vocal anatomy/pedagogy with Dr. Shannon Coates and years of experience recording & touring as a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter/producer in award-winning bands (including a Trille Or for best roots artist and a Stingray Rising Star Award).

These experiences give Joëlle a flexible, multi-instrumental based approach that help you build a range of skills, enabling your musicianship to move freely - whether you’re refining classical piano pieces, reading jazz lead sheets, belting soul tunes, working out R&B runs, singing while playing guitar, crafting original work—or all of the above.

Joëlle offers private lessons in voice, piano, ear training, theory, performance prep, exam prep, songwriting, arranging, production, recording, and training for multi-instrumentalists (including voice, guitar, ukulele, and piano), to students of all ages and experience levels at Long & McQuade Belleville both in-person or online.

Lesson Rate: $30 per half-hour session.

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

Online Lessons: No

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.

Spencer Barriage (Piano, Theory, Ear Training)

Online Lessons: Yes

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday

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.