Pickering (Store)

chris chiasson (Guitar, Bass Guitar)

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

darren white (Guitar, Ukulele)

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)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

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)

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)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, 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

genian higgins (Piano, Voice)

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

jay mcilwain (Drums)

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)

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 $28/30min lesson

jerry ko (Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday

Jerry is a teacher, composer, arranger, and performer who aims to spread the joy of creating and listening to music. He completed his Master’s in jazz composition at the nationally renowned University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in May 2023, and his BA in Music (First Class Honours) at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, where he was the recipient of the Prof. Jack O'Donnell Scholarship (2020). In addition to jazz, Jerry also plays rock/hard rock, pop, and classical. Some of his favorite bands are Coldplay, Green Day, Maroon 5, Linkin Park, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. His classical guitar study included ABRSM Level 3, and he teaches up to RCM level 8. As an educator, Jerry enjoys working with students with diverse interests and backgrounds, and he loves connecting with both young kids and adults through music. Working as a graduate assistant at UNC, he helped students in jazz and arranging courses, and to prepare for events in the jazz department. Jerry is also an award-winning composer. His pieces have been recognized by the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC), where he presented at the New Music Workshop Symposium in May 2022, and the first online New Music Workshop in October 2022. His arrangement of “The Scientist” by Coldplay has been recognized by the Downbeat Student Awards in 2023. His compositions and arrangements were regularly featured in concerts by the top big band, studio orchestras, and vocal jazz ensembles. In addition to the guitar, Jerry is also a classical pianist whose musical passion is to create unique sounds using the language of jazz and Western classical music!

Jerry’s rate is $28/30min lesson

jonathan maynard (Saxophone, Flute)

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, flute, 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

liam lachmansingh (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Saturday

Liam is a dedicated educator of piano, theory, and composition. He is an honours graduate of York University's Music Program, where he specialized in Jazz and Gospel Music. Additionally, he has strong experience in Classical piano, and preparing and guiding students through RCM levels and exams. Liam enjoys teaching his students how to read, play by ear, and compose their own music in a variety of genres, including pop, RnB, and rock. With a background in studio work, he encourages and supports students to explore the possibilities of recording their music, whether it be improvisation or writing their own arrangements. Outside of his role as a piano instructor, Liam also teaches bass guitar and plays for All People's Church located in Brampton. Above all, Liam believes music should be fun and seeks to inspire his students, both young kids and adults, by helping them pursue their own musical journey!

Liam's rate is $27/30min lesson

michael miller (Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Songwriting)

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)

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

nelly chan (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday

Nelly is a passionate instructor with over 25 years of experience. She is Certified as an Advanced RCM Piano Teacher, and has completed RCM Rudiments and Harmony, The Associated Board of the Royal school of Music (ABRSM) Grade 8 Piano and Theory, and The Advanced Diploma in the Art of Piano Teaching & Performance (including Theory and History) at the Chinese University in Hong Kong (equivalent to ARCT). Nelly encourages her students to attend competitions and exams to develop their musical potential and confidence! Her students have received first prize awards in the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival in 2021, and 120+ marks in ABRSM exams (merit and distinction). Nelly has taught students ranging in age from 3 to 70+. She hopes her students will make music an enjoyable part of their lives! Lessons can be given in English and Cantonese.

Nelly's rate is $28/30min lesson

pam wharram (Piano, Theory)

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)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Sunday

Violinist Regina Kim is a devoted teacher, and Honours graduate of the Wilfrid Laurier Music Education program, 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 $28/30min Lesson

ryan claxton (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Sunday

Ryan is a passionate educator and accomplished session drummer known for his metal drumming and dynamic style across various genres. He teaches both in-person and virtual students, providing comprehensive drumming education tailored to each student’s needs.

His career as a session drummer has allowed him to tour across Canada, the US, and Europe, perform on TV via Global, and CHCH, have his music on the radio, and open for major acts such as Monster Truck, The Sheepdogs, Theory of a Deadman, Emmure, Periphery, and more.

His extensive professional experience allows him to lead students of all ages on a path to success in the music industry, by developing the necessary skills and confidence for any situation.

Ryan’s passion for drumming education fuels his dedication to help drummers of all levels achieve their goals, while having the most fun in the process.

Ryan proudly endorses Los Cabos Drumsticks, Vratim shoes, Cympad, Sweet Spot Clutches, Kbrakes, and Sledgepad.

Ryan's rate is $27/30min lesson

samantha forstner (Piano)

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 $28/30min Lesson

shanna pavlek (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Friday

Shanna obtained a degree in Jazz Performance from Humber College on the saxophone. She also enjoys teaching 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

steve bravatti (Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Saturday

Steve’s main instruments are acoustic guitar, classical guitar, and electric guitar. He studied classical guitar at York University, and graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours degree. Steve enjoys singing, performing, and songwriting. He’s interested in a wide range of styles such as rock, punk, ska, reggae, and classical. With over 10 years of teaching experience with students of all ages, Steve takes a well-rounded approach and shows students the different ways they can learn to play and understand music. He has helped many students prepare for RCM classical guitar exams and other performances. He’s also interested in music subcultures and how music relates to people’s lived experiences. Steve enjoys teaching and seeing people connect with music that speaks to them, and is excited to teach students how to play the songs that they love and introduce them to new songs & sounds!

Steve's rate is $27/30min lesson

sümeyra tanil (Violin, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Friday

Sümeyra's musical journey began at age 7 with piano, followed by violin at age 9. Currently pursuing a degree in Violin Performance & Composition at York University, she anticipates graduating in 2025. Meanwhile, she has had the privilege of working closely with Mark Skazinetsky (associate concertmaster at TSO) for 4 years and continues to refine her craft under his mentorship. Currently, she is the principal second violinist in the York Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the UofT Philharmonic Orchestra, Philadelphia International Music Festival Orchestra, and several orchestras in Turkey and Bosnia. Since 2019, Sümeyra has passionately taught violin, aiming to instill her love for music in her students. Her musical interests span Western classical, pop, Turkish classical, and Balkan.

Sümeyra's rate is $27/30min lesson

tori ratheeshan (Voice, Piano)

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