1887 Kingston Road
Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1C9

Lesson Centre: Phone or Text (905) 686-9450

Store Phone: (905) 686-4900

Lesson Centre Email: pickeringlessons@long-mcquade.com

Store Email: pickering@long-mcquade.com

Lesson Centre Hours
Monday: 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday: 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday: 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday: 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday: 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Upcoming Holidays (closed)
Good Friday, March 29
Victoria Day, May 20
Canada Day, July 1
Civic Holiday, August 5

This Location Offers:

Online Lessons All Lessons

Private Lessons

Music lessons available for all ages, all levels, and all styles. Professional, highly qualified and experienced instructors. Affordable rates and no registration fees. 

Our Teachers:

Alesia Sheverdak - Piano, Theory, Songwriting music lessons in Pickering

alesia sheverdak (Piano, Theory, Songwriting)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday

Originally from Ulyanovsk, Russia, Alesia attended M.K. Oginsky Institute of Belarus studying Conducting and attending Master Classes. After moving to Canada in 2003, she worked as a Music Director in Durham Region, training pianists. In 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Sacred Music Diploma from Canada Christian College, and in 2010 an ARCT Piano Teacher Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Alesia has worked as a Piano Adjudicator at Oshawa-Whitby Kiwanis Festivals and ORMTA Stars of Tomorrow Festivals, and her students have won many awards at these and other competitions. As a Conductor she has performed at concerts and events across Ontario. In 2017, Alesia’s debut album, “The Best is Yet to Come” was released. Currently, she is pursuing the opportunity to become a member of the College of Examiners with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Beginning teaching in 2008 as well as many years at Long and McQuade Pickering, Alesia also has years of experience as performer and accompanist specializing in piano and theory. She is passionate about music and she takes pleasure in discovering the talents and unique abilities in every student, helping them maximize their potential! All ages, levels, and styles are welcome.

Alesia's rate is $27/30min Lesson

Amelia Morkotinis - Piano music lessons in Pickering

amelia morkotinis (Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Saturday

Amelia's musical journey began at the piano at the age of 4. Having completed Level 9 Royal Conservatory of Music, she is currently studying for Level 10. She has also completed Level 7 Theory. Amelia has experience performing in concert band and with various ensembles through school. This year, her school band won gold at the MusicFest Nationals in Niagara Falls. Additionally, Amelia has experience working as a piano accompanist, and has volunteered to perform at ceremonies and holiday events. Besides her love of classical music, she enjoys playing pop, jazz and ragtime. Alongside the piano, she continues to explore saxophone, violin, and percussion as additional instruments. Amelia’s goal is to find joy in music with each individual student, while also learning the skills to become a highly proficient musician.

Amelia’s rate is $27/30min Lesson

Cameron Hazell - Guitar music lessons in Pickering

cameron hazell (Guitar)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Cameron graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a focus in Jazz performance and jazz theory. He brings 4 years of experience playing in various jazz ensembles, and has taken the time to dive into other areas of music. His experience includes playing in York University's New Music Ensemble, under the supervision of Matt Brubeck. In addition to studying music at a post-secondary level, Cameron has 4 years of experience playing in stage bands, pit bands, as well as guitar ensembles. Beginning playing music in 2009, Cameron has always had a great interest in Rock and Metal music. From first picking up a guitar and learning Thunderstruck by AC/DC, to playing live shows with various metal bands, later branching off into original music, heavier music has always been a major part of his playing career. Whether it be Jazz, Rock, Metal music, or transcribing pop melodies by artists such as Ariana Grande and The Kid LAROI, Cameron is comfortable teaching and playing a wide variety of genres. Having a very positive experience with his high school music teacher, Cameron hopes to inspire and instill confidence in all of his students at Long and McQuade Pickering, and help them find and pursue their love for music the way his teacher was able to do for him.

Cameron's Rate is $27/30min Lesson

Chris Chiasson - Guitar, Bass Guitar music lessons in Pickering

chris chiasson (Guitar, Bass Guitar)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

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

Chris is a seasoned journeyman musician who has been working in a wide variety of musical situations for the past 20 years. He has been teaching at Long and McQuade's Pickering location which also serves Ajax since 2013 and has a strong Theory foundation. His principle instruments are Guitar, Bass, Chapman Stick, and Voice. Chris enjoys teaching various styles, including Pop, R&B, Jazz, Folk, and some Classical performances.

Chris' rate is $27/30min lesson

Christiana Zhu - Piano, Theory music lessons in Pickering

christiana zhu (Piano, Theory)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Thursday

Born and raised in Toronto, Christiana’s musical journey started at the age of 6. She competed and placed in various piano competitions across the GTA. She obtained her ARCT in Piano Performance from the RCM in 2013. Her education continued at Western University under the instruction of Leslie Kinton. There, she obtained a B.Mus in Piano Performance and Master's in Piano Performance & Literature. Recently, she completed her education at the Royal Conservatory Antwerp in Belgium. She obtained two diplomas: Postgraduate in Concert Soloist Piano and Postgraduate in Chamber Music. Christiana’s education helped her discover her passion for collaboration and performing. In addition to her life as a pianist, she is also very passionate about teaching. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Christiana has developed her pedagogical approach. She believes that it’s important to adapt her teaching style to each student to cater to their needs. Her goal as a teacher is to build an appreciation for all styles of music, from classical to pop, for students of all ages, and enjoy the fun along the way!

Christiana's Rate is $27/30min Lesson

Darren White - Guitar, Ukulele music lessons in Pickering

darren white (Guitar, Ukulele)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday

Darren has many years of experience as a guitar and music teacher as he began in 2001, and joined Long and McQuade's Pickering/Ajax location in 2017. He has generated an extensive background in private, one-on-one lessons. He enjoys teaching theory, technique, and song study, and his kind, friendly and supportive disposition makes learning fun. Darren has a unique perspective on the different applications of musicianship from his work in the film industry, scoring short films, and comedy sketches.

Darren's rate is $27/30min lesson

Diane Harada - Voice, Piano music lessons in Pickering

diane harada (Voice, Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday

Diane is a passionate and heart-centered teacher who creates an encouraging environment for students to explore music! She graduated from the School for Music Vocations in Iowa, studying directly under jazz legend Phil Mattson and has since worked as a touring performer, vocal jazz adjudicator, studio musician, composer/arranger, teacher and life-long student. She has been teaching piano and voice professionally since 2003 and loves teaching students of all ages, styles & goals! Diane helps her students learn the language and fundamentals of music, develop confidence & their own flair through technique & the habit of practice, and emphasizes the connection between emotion and music so that her students have a meaningful outlet of self-expression for life! Growing up with her dad’s records always filling the house, she loves artists from all genres including Debussy, Ella Fitzgerald, Take 6, The Carpenters, Tribe Called Quest, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Bruno Mars, Jack Johnson, Alicia Keys, Ari Lennox, Beyoncé & Victoria Monet - to name just a few!

Diane’s lesson rate is $27/30min Lesson

Dickson Benjamin - Drums music lessons in Pickering

dickson benjamin (Drums)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Dickson is an accomplished touring drummer and educator specializing in Drum Kit Performance and Pedagogy. With performance and recording experience since 2007 and teaching at Long and McQuade's Pickering/Ajax location since 2014, as well as touring alongside Canadian mainstays Protest the Hero and Intervals. Dickson has developed a strong technical proficiency and understanding of performance and musicality. Boasting a strong educational background, Dickson is a York University graduate with an Honours Bachelors of Fine Arts in Jazz Theory and Performance, and a Masters in Musicology. Endorsed by Los Cabos Drumsticks, Vratim drum shoes, and Mapex Drums Canada, Dickson possesses a versatile and thorough understanding a wide variety of genres including Rock, Jazz, Latin, Funk, Pop, Metal etc.

Dickson's rate is $27/30min lesson

Dona Wickramasinghe - Piano music lessons in Pickering

dona wickramasinghe (Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

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

Starting piano at a very early age Dona Wickramasinghe completed her Associates Diploma from Trinity College of Music London and was the Prize Winner for the Year 2003. She received the Honorary Mention on completing her Licentiate also from Trinity College of Music London in 2008. Dona emerged All Island Prize winner in Sri Lanka for 3 consecutive years for open age group Piano Recitals. Dona has been teaching since 2008, and her recent experience includes both Long and McQuade Pickering as well as at two leading International Schools. She has worked with students from all age groups to fulfill their unique goals and interests as well as present students for Classical Piano (RCM) and Theory examinations through various Examination Boards. Dona enjoys teaching piano and implementing proper technique and practice methods to produce excellent pianists while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere.

Dona's rate is $27/30min lesson

Elissa Lewis - Piano music lessons in Pickering

elissa lewis (Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday

After discovering her passion for music at a young age, Elissa has been studying piano for over 10 years. She has earned both her RCM Grade 8 Piano certification (First Class Honors) and Grade 8 Theory certification (First Class Honors with Distinction), and is currently working towards Grade 9. She has experience teaching students from ages 4 to 60+ in a variety of levels and styles. While her focus is on classical music, she also enjoys playing jazz, pop, and musical theater. Additionally, Elissa is a multi-instrumentalist. She is a flutist (and pianist) in All Saints Catholic Secondary School’s Senior Orchestra and she has experience in playing 1st Soprano Saxophone in 856 Pickering Kinsmen Air Cadet Squadron’s marching band. Elissa enjoys helping each student pursue their unique goals and interests while providing them with the resources to become amazing musicians.

Elissa’s rate is $27/30min Lesson

Genian Higgins - Piano, Voice music lessons in Pickering

genian higgins (Piano, Voice)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday

Geny has an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music from York University. Her training is in piano and voice. She has her Grade 9 RCM in Piano and is currently working towards obtaining Grade 10. She was a member of the York University Gospel Choir, and has many Pop and Jazz voice influences ranging from Christina Aguilera, Adele, and Sia to Nat King Cole, Etta James, and Ella Fitzgerald. Geny has been teaching music since 2013 and has worked with students of all age groups to build self-confidence while providing a unique and encouraging environment. She is very passionate about helping students to develop their own musical identity and reaching their desired goals. In November 2021, Geny released her debut single, “Avalanche”, and she is now working on her second single. As a teacher, Geny’s goal is to share her love of music with her students by instilling confidence, technique, musicality, and of course, fun!

Geny's rate is $27/30min lesson

Jamil Premji - Violin, Cello music lessons in Pickering

jamil premji (Violin, Cello)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Friday

Jamil has studied both piano and violin, and obtained his RCM certifications for both instruments. His influences include popular bands such as The Beatles and Yanni, Bollywood movies, as well as classical ghazals and western classical music. Jamil is known for his soft melodious playing style, and as a teacher, for his personable and encouraging demeanor. He is a 1st violinist for the Resa's Pieces String Ensemble and lead keyboardist for his community band. His performance experience ranges from private parties to major media events. His most notable performances include: Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar at his book release party in Toronto, and the Canadian Pakistan Business Council Gala Night.

Jamil's rate is $27/30min lesson

Jay McIlwain - Drums music lessons in Pickering

jay mcilwain (Drums)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

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

Jay has been playing and teaching professionally since 2003 and has been with Long and McQuade in Pickering-Ajax since 2004. After graduating from the Jazz Performance program at Mohawk College, Jay led a Jazz trio aboard Carnival Cruise Lines where he had the opportunity to play with many great musicians. Lessons with Jay will include learning by ear, reading music, analytical listening, developing good feel, and limb independence. Jay is a kind and enthusiastic teacher who enjoys teaching all ages, levels, and styles!

Jay's rate is $28/30min lesson

Jerome Anderson - Piano music lessons in Pickering

jerome anderson (Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday

Jerome has over 13 years of teaching experience. He studied at the Royal Conservatory Of Music for Classical Piano and at Humber College in the Jazz Instrumental program. Additionally, he has worked as a Professor, specializing in Studio Recording at Canada Christian College. Jerome possesses strong knowledge in Theory, Composition, and Music Engineering. He also has extensive experience as a Musical Director for various organizations. Jerome is a Co-founder of Leronymos Music Production, where he has been privileged to work with many recording artists and Churches throughout the GTA. Lessons with Jerome will include how to read music, play by ear, and develop a strong theoretical background, while also building the confidence to become a Leader in your musical community.

Jerome's rate is $27/30min lesson

Jonathan Maynard - Saxophone, Flute music lessons in Pickering

jonathan maynard (Saxophone, Flute)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Sunday

Jonathan's love of music began at an early age when he was exposed to gospel, jazz and classical music. He is now entering his final year at Humber College's bachelor for music and performing arts program. For over a decade he studied classical and jazz for saxophone and piano through multiple institutions. During that time, Jonathan won his school’s outstanding music student award and other awards for various events. Currently, he performs at weddings, banquets, church events, campus tours and concerts throughout the GTA. He has also conducted workshops for beginner musicians and has worked as a teacher’s assistant through internships. Jonathan enjoys working with all ages and playing all styles, including pop and movie soundtracks. His goal in teaching is to share his musical knowledge and experience with students with dreams of their own!

Jonathan's rate is $27/30min Lesson

Michael Miller - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Songwriting music lessons in Pickering

michael miller (Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Songwriting)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

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

Michael has been teaching guitar professionally since 1990. He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and holds a diploma for teaching Guitar with the London College of Music in England. He is a registered teacher with RCM and RGT and is the Canadian representative for the world renowned guitar diploma course RGT “The Registry of Guitar Tutors”. He is well skilled in Classical and Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Vocals, Theory, Harmony, Song Writing and MIDI recording. Michael is an accomplished music composer with numerous album releases. He has achieved radio & television airplay and international sales under the band names “Rapid Tears”, “Adrenalin” and currently “MJM”, the Michael J Miller Band.

Michael's rate is $27/30min lesson

Neal Davis - Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Theory, Composition music lessons in Pickering

neal davis (Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Theory, Composition)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

Neal Davis is a graduate of the Humber College Jazz Performance program. He is a busy performer on Upright and Electric bass playing most styles of music. He teaches all levels from beginner to advanced on Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Theory and Composition. He has toured extensively across Europe and North America and has performed at many of the worlds top Jazz and Music Festivals. He is also busy in the Studio music scene playing on many recordings for clients as diverse as Sony Music Canada, Universal Records, Global TV, CBC, CTV, Discovery Television, ABC, History Television, TV Shows such as Saving Faith, Design for Living, The Young and the Restless and Movies for Dreamworks Inc. Neal is in demand as a educator having given countless workshops and masterclasses for Teachers and Students alike for the Durham District, Toronto District and York Region School Boards, Humber College, Jazz School University of Lucerne Switzerland, Royal Danish Academy of Music Copenhagen, Jazz School Basel Switzerland.

Neal's rate is $27/30min Lesson

Pam Wharram - Piano, Theory music lessons in Pickering

pam wharram (Piano, Theory)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

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

Pam started studying piano at age 4 and a half and was on the specialized courses at the RCM starting at age 6. At age 6 she started participating in festivals and concerts across Ontario. She is a highly experienced teacher and holds an ARCT degree in Piano Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), teaching beginner up to level 10 piano, and all levels of Theory. Pam’s father, Frank Wharram, was a national examiner and adjudicator for the RCM, and her mother, Barbara Wharram, is the author of 2 best-selling rudiments theory books, and also worked for the RCM. Pam has performed with the RCM Orchestra and York Symphony Orchestra, and she won the provincial silver medal for 3 consecutive years for highest marks in Ontario and Quebec. Pam loves working with both children and adults! She worked as the Senior Section Director for the East York YMCA Day Camps, as well as North York YMCA. She has additional experience working for the DDSB with special needs children. Her goal as an educator is to help students develop a sense of pride and dedication towards learning. She believes studying music is an excellent way to develop self-esteem through positivity, fun, hard work, and lots of practice! All ages, levels, and styles welcome. Pam teaches online and in-person children with autism, and online and in-person preparation for RCM examinations and competitions.

Pam's rate is $28/30min lesson

Regina Kim - Violin, Piano music lessons in Pickering

regina kim (Violin, Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Sunday

Violinist Regina Kim is a devoted teacher, providing mentorship to students of all levels. Her commitment to education is further underscored by her coaching at the Kincardine Summer Music Festival and her pursuit of professional development, which includes participation in the Jacobs School of Music Retreat for Violin and Viola Teachers at Indiana University and an Advanced Violin Pedagogy Course at the Pro Violin Institute in Germany. Her credentials also include intermediate level RCM piano training and a piano teaching certification. Additionally, Regina has an extensive performance history in both Canada and Korea. Beyond her solo and orchestral work, Ms. Kim is a dedicated chamber musician. Actively involved in the local music community, she has contributed to ensembles such as Music4Life as an assistant concertmaster, Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra, Spirit Orchestra and the North York Concert Orchestra.

Regina's rate is $27/30min Lesson

Ryan Claxton - Drums music lessons in Pickering

ryan claxton (Drums)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Sunday

Ryan is an energetic and creative drum educator that has spent over a decade perfecting his craft. Having studied with the likes of Aaron Edgar, Stephane Chamberland, and others, Ryan has developed a strong pedagogical approach from his time under the tutelage of world class musicians. As a touring musician and session player, he has gained great insight into what it takes to work in a professional band setting, and has picked up many great practice and performance tips along the way. It’s Ryan’s goal to inspire and motivate his students to want to meet and exceed their potential as a drummers, while having the most fun possible in the process!

Ryan's rate is $27/30min lesson

Samantha Forstner - Piano music lessons in Pickering

samantha forstner (Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Thursday, Sunday

Samantha absolutely adores music. Classically trained with an RCM background, she graduated with a music major from University of Toronto with high distinction in 2018, and has been teaching since 2012. Additionally, Samantha has completed a Masters of Teaching at OISE with a specialization in Instrumental Music. She has participated in multiple festivals throughout the years, including Pickering Rotary Festival, the Kiwanis Festival, and has competed provincially. She also accompanied the Maxwell Heights High School choir from 2017-18 and the Ajax High School choir from 2010-14. While being classically influenced, she enjoys both playing and teaching a wide array of genres: pop, indie, rock, jazz, show tunes, etc. You name it, and she can teach it! Samantha always aims to provide an example of empathy and excitement in her lessons, and will do so by inducing positive reinforcement through games, fun note-learning exercises, sight reading exercises, piece repetition and always maintaining a can-do attitude. She believes music to be one of the most connecting, joy-inspiring, beautiful things in the world! It is not only a key element for communication and expression, it is also a means to nurture an individual's voice of creativity. Open to all ages and any level of experience.

Samantha's rate is $27/30min Lesson

Shanna Pavlek - Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano music lessons in Pickering

shanna pavlek (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Friday

Shanna obtained a degree in Jazz Performance from Humber College on the saxophone. She also plays the flute and clarinet, and has RCM training on the piano. She is a multi-instrumentalist who enjoys a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, pop, funk, classical, disco, metal and rock. After graduating, she performed on Carnival Cruise Lines for several years playing with a 10-piece showband, jazz sextet, and a classical trio. Shanna’s goal is for her students to love playing music by instilling confidence, technique, and musicality, as well as having fun!

Shanna's rate is $28/30min Lesson

Tori Ratheeshan - Voice, Piano music lessons in Pickering

tori ratheeshan (Voice, Piano)

Registration Request

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Tori grew up playing viola, veena, and ukulele, but ultimately fell in love with piano and singing, continuing to pursue RCM certification in piano and completing a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance at Queen’s University. Tori has performed in various choirs in Toronto, including the Bach Chamber Youth Choir and VIVA Youth Singers of Toronto, and Queen's University's Choral and Women's Polyhymnia ensembles. She has experience preparing students for RCM examinations and performance opportunities for school musicals and talent shows. With an understanding of the importance of connection and curiosity toward music, Tori prioritizes structured lessons with an encouraging space for experimenting with different styles or genres, from pop to classical and everything in between. Tori promotes artistic growth for musicians of all ages!

Tori's rate is $27/30min Lesson