Belleville - Ukulele 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

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.