Piano Lessons

Begin your musical journey at Long & McQuade with private and online Piano lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are picking up the instrument for the first time or you already have experience and want to continue to hone your skills, our expert teachers will help you reach your goals in a professional, encouraging environment.

Why Choose Long & McQuade for Piano Lessons?

Train with experienced Piano instructors who work with both beginners and advanced players, in lesson studios equipped with professional equipment for a comfortable learning experience. Enjoy flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend options that accommodate your schedule. As a trusted name in music education across Canada, Long & McQuade offers a reliable path to achieving your goals.

male child playing the Piano and smiling

What Piano Topics Will I Learn?

Piano is a skill that grows with you over a lifetime. The topics show what many students begin with, but your path can take many directions. Whether your goal is to join a school band, play for fun, or pursue a professional career, Piano lessons provide the foundation to progress to the next stage.

Beginner & Intermediate Topics

Reading music notation and rhythm
Proper posture and hand position
Playing with both hands together
Scales, chords, and simple harmony
Using the pedal for expression
Learning beginner pieces in classical, pop, and jazz
Sight reading and basic ear training
Building confidence in performing short pieces

Advanced & Professional Topics

Mastering advanced repertoire (Chopin, Beethoven, Debussy)
Advanced technique through etudes, scales, and arpeggios
Refining tone, phrasing, and dynamics for interpretation
Complex chord progressions and accompaniment patterns
Improvisation and composition across genres
Preparing for competitions, exams, or professional performance

Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style

Piano Lessons for Kids

Ages 5-12

What to Expect for Kids Learning Piano

Age-appropriate lessons with playful activities
Positive reinforcement to build confidence and coordination
Focus on rhythm, note reading, listening skills and movement
Option to prepare for RCM exams or learn for fun

Learning Outcomes

Ability to read music and identify notes
Develop a regular practice routine
Improve focus, patience, and discipline
Build stage presence with optional recitals

A child playing the piano while his teacher points at the next note to play on the music sheet

Piano Lessons for Teens

Ages 13–18

What to Expect for Teens Learning Piano

Personalized song selections-classical, pop, jazz, or contemporary
RCM exam prep and music theory available
Support for school music programs and auditions

Learning Outcomes

Develop creative independence and musical identity
Build self-confidence and discipline
Reduce stress and anxiety through music
Gain a lifelong skill that supports personal and academic growth

Female teen taking piano lessons with a teacher

Piano Lessons for Adults

Ages 19+

What to Expect for Adults Learning Piano

Flexible scheduling options in evenings, weekends, and daytime
Learn the music you enjoy from rock, pop, funk, classical & more
No exams required (unless you want them)
Lessons focused on personal enjoyment, growth, or relaxation

Learning Outcomes

Relieve stress and boost mental wellness through music
Improve coordination, memory, and creativity
Build a fulfilling hobby that fits your lifestyle and pace
No pressure, just personal progress and enjoyment

two adult women smiling while playing piano together

"I've always wanted to learn, but I don't have a Keyboard."

This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the good news is you don't need to own a Keyboard to start learning.

At Long & McQuade, we make it easy for beginners to get started without the pressure of buying an instrument right away. We offer affordable Keyboard rentals and can help you choose the right model to suit your needs. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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Understanding the Different Types of Piano

If you're about to get your own instrument, here's a breakdown of the main types of pianos and keyboards to help you make the right choice.

Upright Pianos

Upright pianos are traditional acoustic pianos with a rich, resonant tone. They require more space and regular tuning, but they offer a more organic playing experience.

Upright pianos are typically for Intermediate to advanced students who want a classic touch and feel.

Grand Pianos

Grand pianos are concert-style pianos known for their superior sound quality. While they require ample space and investment, they are ideal for high-level players or performance spaces.

Grand Pianos are ideal for advanced students, performers, and those looking for the highest quality tone and touch.

Digital Pianos/Keyboards

Digital pianos are a popular choice for students of all levels. They replicate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano while offering features like volume control, headphone jacks, and built-in rhythms or metronomes.

Digital pianos are grand for intermediate to advanced students who want a classic touch and feel.

"How do I Pick the Right Piano Teacher?"

Choosing the right Piano teacher is one of the most critical steps in your musical journey. At Long & McQuade, we understand that the best instructor is not only highly skilled but also the right fit for your goals, personality, and learning style.

Whether you're looking for an encouraging teacher for your child, a teen interested in pop, classical, or musical theatre, or an adult learner seeking a no-pressure space, Long & McQuade will help you find the perfect teacher for your Piano lessons.

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Choosing the Right Program at Long & McQuade

A teen taking a private piano class with a teacher

Private Piano Lessons

Private piano lessons at Long & McQuade are one-on-one with weekly 30- or 60-minute sessions. Your instructor creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your goals, whether they involve reading, technique, or exam preparation. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit practice into busy weeks. Private lessons are suitable starting at age 8.

A teacher teaching a class of students chords on a piano

Group Piano Lessons

Group piano lessons place 4–8 students (ages 5–9) in a fun, structured class. Students learn keyboard skills through games, songs, and short activities that keep their attention high while building rhythm, note-reading, and coordination. The class builds upon an early music foundation, providing social motivation and positive peer energy.

A woman with an laptop in front of her during a zoom call taking an online piano lesson

Online Piano Lessons

Online piano lessons at Long & McQuade are one-on-one with weekly 30-, 45- or 60-minute sessions. Your instructor creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your skills and goals. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit practice into busy weeks. Online lessons are suitable starting at age 8.

"Should I take any Exams or Tests?"

It really depends on your goals and how you learn best.

Exams are always optional for Piano students. For those who want structured milestones and formal recognition of their progress, music exams can be a valuable choice. In Canada, there are a few main exam boards that Piano students may participate in.

Most Popular Exam Options in Canada

Exams can help students stay motivated, track progress, and gain a sense of achievement. They also provide valuable credentials that can be used for school credit or future opportunities in music.

Not every student needs to pursue exams; some prefer to play for fun or focus on performing. But for those who enjoy having goals, exams are an excellent way to celebrate progress and build confidence.

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM)

The RCM piano program guides students through a well-organized series of levels, starting with the Preparatory stages and moving up through Levels 1 to 10, followed by Associate and Licentiate diplomas. Each stage builds skills in technique, sight-reading, ear training, and musicianship while introducing age-appropriate repertoire. Exams are designed to mark clear milestones, providing students with certificates that track their progress from beginner to advanced performance.

ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)

The ABRSM piano program utilizes an internationally recognized grade system, beginning with Initial Grade and progressing through Grades 1 to 8, with options to continue into diploma-level study. Each grade develops a balance of technical exercises, repertoire, sight-reading, and aural skills. The structured approach helps students see clear goals at every stage, and successful exams are rewarded with certificates that are valued worldwide.

Trinity College London

Trinity piano exams give students a flexible way to grow. Starting at Initial Grade and moving through Grade 8, students choose from a wide range of music, including classical, jazz, and modern styles. This makes the program a good fit for kids who want more choice in what they play. Higher levels also offer diplomas for serious study, and every certificate is internationally respected.

"How can I be successful in my Piano Lessons?"

It's all about being consistent with practice.

The students who grow the most on their musical journey are the ones who practice regularly. Practicing for even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most children are ready to begin piano lessons around age 5, but some may start a little earlier or later, depending on their attention span and interest. Our teachers specialize in working with young beginners and adapt their approach to each child's developmental stage.

Not right away! You can begin lessons and use our free practice rooms at Long & McQuade stores while you explore instrument options. Over time, we recommend students have access to a full-sized (88-key) piano or digital keyboard with weighted keys for effective at-home practice.

Most students start with 30-minute weekly lessons, but we also offer 60-minute options for intermediate and advanced students. Your lesson length depends on your age, focus, and goals.

Yes! Many of our instructors offer online piano lessons using high-quality video platforms. Online lessons are a great option if you prefer the convenience of learning from home without sacrificing personal instruction.

We'll find a teacher based on your goals, availability, age group, and learning style. Whether you're preparing for RCM exams or learning for personal enjoyment, we'll match you with someone who shares your personality and musical interests.

Lesson fees vary based on the teacher's experience and the duration of the lesson. Most 30-minute lessons start at competitive rates. Contact our Lessons Centre and we'll provide options tailored to your needs.

Yes! We offer Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam preparation for students who wish to follow a structured curriculum with formal evaluation. Many of our teachers are RCM-certified or have extensive experience guiding students through successful exam levels.

Not at all! We teach adults of all skill levels—including complete beginners. Our adult students often find piano lessons to be a relaxing, rewarding, and effective way to stay mentally sharp. You're never too old to learn music.

We understand that life gets busy. While we encourage regular attendance for consistent progress, we offer flexible scheduling options and make-up lessons when possible. Please notify our Lessons Coordinator in advance.

Absolutely! Many children begin in group piano to build comfort and basic skills, then transition to private lessons as they grow and become more confident.