Vocal Lessons
Begin your musical journey at Long & McQuade with private and online Vocal lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are learning to sing for the first time or you already have experience singing, our expert teachers will help you reach your goals in a professional, encouraging environment.
Register NowWhy Choose Long & McQuade for Vocal Lessons?
Train with experienced voice instructors who teach a wide range of styles, from pop and rock to classical and musical theatre. Learn in comfortable studios equipped with professional equipment to support proper technique and build confidence. 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 your goals.
What Vocal Topics Will I Learn?
Singing is a lifelong skill. The areas above show common starting points, but your lessons are personalized to your goals. Whether you want to sing for fun, perform on stage, or prepare for a professional path, private voice lessons give you the tools and guidance to grow at every stage.
Beginner & Intermediate Topics
- Healthy Posture, breathing, and vocal warm-ups
- Matching pitch and singing in tune
- Building vocal range and control
- Introduction to note reading, rhythm, and ear training
- Singing in different styles such as pop, rock, or classical
- Developing tone, dynamics, and phrasing
- Learning songs you enjoy and building performance confidence
- Ensemble and accompaniment work for choir, duets, or small groups
Advanced & Professional Topics
- Expanding vocal range, power, and stamina
- Advanced breathing, resonance, and diction techniques
- Stylistic development across genres such as jazz, musical theatre, R&B, and opera
- Interpretation, expression, and storytelling through song
- Harmony singing, improvisation, and advanced ear training
- Preparing for auditions, exams, recordings, or stage performances
- Microphone technique and stage presence for live performance
- Professional skills for singers pursuing post-secondary studies or careers in music
Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style
Vocal Lessons for Kids
Ages 5-12
What to Expect for Kids Learning to Sing
- Age-appropriate voice lessons that use songs, movement, and fun activities to make learning engaging
- Positive encouragement to build confidence and self-expression
- Focus on pitch, rhythm, breathing, and listening skills
- Option to learn for fun or begin preparing for formal music exams
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and match pitch while developing healthy vocal habits
- Strengthen rhythm, timing, and listening skills
- Improve focus, patience, and memory through regular singing practice
- Gain confidence and stage presence with optional recital and performance opportunities
Vocal Lessons for Teens
Ages 13-18
What to Expect for Teens Learning to Sing
- Personalized song choices in styles like pop, rock, R&B, jazz, or classical
- Preparation for RCM exams, school auditions, or performance opportunities
- Coaching for school choirs, musicals, talent shows, or recording projects
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a strong vocal foundation and personal singing style
- Build confidence, discipline, and focus through regular practice
- Use music as a healthy outlet for stress and self-expression
- Gain a lifelong skill that supports both personal growth and academic success
Vocal Lessons for Adults
Ages 19+
What to Expect for Adults Learning to Sing
- Flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend lesson times
- Sing the music you love from rock, jazz, pop, Broadway, classical & more
- No exams required (unless you want them)
- Lessons focused on personal enjoyment, growth, and relaxation
Learning Outcomes
- Relieve stress and support mental wellness through singing
- Improve coordination, memory, and breathing
- Build a fulfilling hobby that fits your lifestyle and pace
- No pressure, just personal progress and enjoyment
"I've always wanted to learn to sing, but I don't have the voice for it."
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the good news is that everyone has a voice worth developing.
At Long & McQuade, our instructors help students of all ages build healthy vocal habits, confidence, and control. You don't need previous experience or a "perfect" voice to start. With the proper guidance and consistent practice, you'll improve your tone, range, and expression while enjoying the process.
Understanding the Different Styles of Singing
If you're thinking about starting voice lessons, here's a quick overview of the main singing styles you can explore with your teacher. Each one helps students grow different skills while keeping lessons enjoyable and personal.
Classical
Classical singing focuses on strong breath support, precise pitch, and clear tone. It’s often associated with opera and art songs, but the technique also lays a solid foundation for any vocal style. This approach is great for students who want to develop control, range, and a timeless, versatile skill set. Classical training emphasizes projection without microphones and formal expression.
Pop/Contemporary
Pop singing highlights clear, catchy tone and personal expression. Lessons often focus on phrasing, microphone technique, and performing songs that connect with an audience. It’s great for students who want to sing contemporary music they hear on the radio or perform in school talent shows. Pop is more relaxed and geared toward modern performance settings.
Musical Theatre
Musical theatre singing combines vocal technique with acting and stage presence. Lessons often focus on clear diction, strong storytelling, and expressive delivery. This style is great for students who enjoy drama, school plays, or Broadway-style shows. Compared to other musical styles, musical theatre blends singing with performance and character work.
Rock
Rock singing is bold, energetic, and often powerful. Students work on projection, stamina, and using vocal effects safely, such as grit or growl, which works extremely well for heavy metal genres. This style is a good fit for singers who want to front a band or perform high-energy songs. Rock emphasizes raw power and stage charisma.
Jazz
Jazz singing emphasizes improvisation, rhythm, and unique phrasing. Students learn to interpret standards, use scat singing, and play with tone and timing. This style is perfect for those who want to explore creativity and develop their own voice within a song. Jazz is more fluid and encourages individuality in interpretation.
Country
Country singing emphasizes storytelling and clear tone, often with a conversational style. Lessons can cover vocal twang, phrasing, and emotional connection. This style is ideal for students who enjoy folk and country genres or want to perform acoustic, roots-based music. Country places more focus on lyrical storytelling and natural delivery.
"How do I Pick the Right Vocal Teacher?"
Choosing the right voice teacher is one of the most critical steps in your musical journey. At Long & McQuade, we know the best instructor is not only highly skilled but also the right fit for your personality, goals, and learning style.
Whether you're a parent looking for a patient, 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 voice lessons.
Choosing the Right Program at Long & McQuade
Private Vocal Lessons
Private vocal 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 skills and goals. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit practice into busy weeks. Private lessons are suitable starting at age 8.
Online Vocal Lessons
Online vocal lessons at Long & McQuade are one-on-one, with weekly sessions available in 30-, 45-, or 60-minute durations. 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 voice students. For those who want structured milestones and formal recognition of their progress, music exams can be a valuable choice.
In Canada, several exam boards are available for voice students. These programs provide a clear path for skill development in areas such as technique, ear training, and performance.
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 Royal Conservatory of Music is Canada’s leading institution for structured music education and performance assessment. The Royal Conservatory of Music voice program offers graded exams from beginner through advanced levels, with the ability to earn a diploma. Students study classical and contemporary repertoire while developing tone, breath control, ear training, theory, diction, and expressive interpretation. RCM vocal exams are recognized across Canada and can count toward high-school credit in several provinces.
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a UK-based examining body with an international presence, including programs available to Canadian students. ABRSM’s singing exams range from Grade 1 to Grade 8, followed by professional-level diplomas in performance and teaching. The vocal exams focus on vocal tone, breath support, phrasing, and expression, with assessments including songs from different eras, sight singing, and aural tests.
Trinity College London
Trinity College London is a UK-based music education organization with accessible exam options in Canada. Its singing exams range from Initial to Grade 8. Trinity provides options for classical and Musical Theatre singing, allowing students to focus on their preferred style. Assessments emphasize interpretation, stage presence, and vocal technique, making this program an excellent choice for students interested in both traditional and contemporary performance careers.
"How can I be successful in my Vocal 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
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