Where the Music Begins
Unlock your potential with private guitar lessons tailored just for you. Whatever your age or skill level, our expert teachers will help you reach your goals and find your sound. Start your journey today!
Why Choose Long & McQuade Guitar Lessons?
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Experienced Instructors
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Modern Studios with Quality Equipment
Wide range of schedule times available (evenings, weekends, daytime slots)
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One on One Guitar Lessons
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Individualized Learning Paths
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Trusted Across Canada for Music Education Excellence
From Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam prep to casual learning, our guitar programs adapt to your goals, interests, and pace.
Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style
We believe it’s never too early—or too late—to start learning guitar. Whether you’re a parent signing up your child for beginner guitar lessons, a teen eager to explore songwriting on acoustic or electric guitar, an adult picking up a rewarding new hobby, or a senior looking to keep your mind and fingers nimble, our guitar teachers meet you exactly where you are—helping you build skills and confidence at your own pace.
Guitar Lessons for Kids
Ages 5-12
What to Expect for Kids Learning Guitar
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Age-appropriate lessons
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Positive reinforcement and confidence building
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Focus on rhythm, note reading, listening skills, and movement
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Option to prepare for RCM exams or just learn for fun
Learning Outcomes
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Ability to read music and identify notes
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Develop a regular practice routine
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Improve focus, patience, and discipline
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Build stage presence with optional recitals
Guitar Lessons for Teens
Ages 13-18
What Teens Can Expect:
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Personalized song selections—classical, pop, jazz, or contemporary
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RCM exam prep and music theory available
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Support for school music programs and auditions
Benefits for Teens:
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Develop creative independence
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Build self-confidence and discipline
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Reduce stress and anxiety through music
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Gain a lifelong skill with personal and academic value
Ages 19+
Guitar Lessons for Adults
Approaching Adult Lessons Differently
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Wide range of schedule times available (evenings, weekends, daytime slots)
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Learn the music you love—pop, classical, jazz, film scores & more
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No exams required (unless you want them!)
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Focus on enjoyment, growth, or relaxation
Benefits for Adult Students:
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Relieve stress and boost mental wellness
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Improve coordination, memory, and creativity
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Build a fulfilling hobby at your own pace
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No pressure—just personal progress and enjoyment
"I’ve Always Wanted to Learn, But I Don’t Have a Guitar"
At Long & McQuade, we remove the barriers to starting guitar lessons—no need to buy a guitar before you’re ready. Take advantage of our flexible monthly guitar rentals: try out acoustic or electric guitar and find the perfect fit before you commit to a purchase.
Learn Guitar: What Will I Learn?
Beginner
& Intermediate
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Proper posture, hand position, and warm-up exercises
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Basic chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking
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Reading notes, tabs, and understanding rhythm
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Playing simple melodies and riffs
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Introduction to scales and ear training
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Exploring different styles such as rock, pop, folk, or classical
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Developing tone, dynamics, and clean transitions
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Learning songs you enjoy and building confidence in performance
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Playing with others in duets, ensembles, or bands
Advanced
& Royal Conservatory
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Expanding chord vocabulary, scales, and advanced techniques
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Fingerstyle, improvisation, and soloing across genres
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Stylistic development in rock, jazz, blues, classical, and contemporary music
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Interpretation, phrasing, and musical expression on the guitar
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Harmony, theory application, and advanced ear training
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Preparing for auditions, exams, recordings, or stage performance
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Amplification, effects, and stage presence for live shows
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Professional skills for guitarists pursuing post-secondary studies or careers in music
Guitar is a lifelong skill. The areas above show common paths, but lessons are always tailored to your goals. Whether you want to play for fun, join a band, or prepare for professional opportunities, private guitar lessons give you the skills and guidance to grow at every level.
Understanding the Different Types of Guitar
If you’re thinking about getting your own instrument, here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of guitars to help you make the right choice.
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
Traditional steel‐string acoustic guitar with a warm, resonant tone that projects naturally—no amp required. Ideal for open-chord strumming and fingerstyle.
Solid or semi-hollow body steel-string guitar that needs an amp. Offers a vast tonal palette via pickups and effects—perfect for lead work and rhythm.
Nylon-string guitar with a wider neck and lower string tension. Produces a soft, mellow voice—tailor-made for classical and flamenco.
Key Differences and Qualities
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Unplugged freedom – play anywhere, anytime
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Bright, ringing tone from steel strings
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Medium action balances comfort and tone
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Amp-driven versatility—shape your sound with pedals & amps
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Low action & narrow neck for fast playing
- Sustain-rich tone
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Fingerstyle-friendly—wide fretboard for intricate technique
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Gentle on fingers with nylon strings
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Mellow, intimate voice
Which Guitar is Best for Me?
Perfect for singer-songwriters, campfire jams, and beginners who want a straightforward, amp-free experience. Ideal for folk, country, pop strumming.
Ideal for rock, blues, jazz, metal, funk, and anyone looking to experiment with tone colors, effects, and stage performance.
Suited to students focused on classical repertoire, flamenco, Latin styles, or anyone wanting to develop refined fingerpicking skills.
Getting Started With Drum Books
If you’re looking to start learning drums, or if you’ve just picked up a drum kit and want to explore a little on your own before starting lessons, these books are a great place to begin. They provide a solid foundation for learning and will help you get started on your drumming journey
Recommendations for Beginner Students
The Drumset Musician
(2nd Edition Updated & Expanded) - Mattingly/Morgenstein - Book/Audio Online
Hal Leonard Drumset Method
Hal Leonard Drumset Method: Book 1 - Wylie/Bissonette - Book/Media Online
Hal Leonard Drumset Method
HComplete Edition, Books 1 & 2 - Wylie/Bissonette - Book/Media Online
Simple Songs
The Easiest Easy Drum Songbook Ever - Drum Set - Book
Recommendations for Advanced Students
Alfred Publishing
The Art of Bop Drumming - Riley/Thress - Drum Set - Book/Audio Online
Groove
Studios
Groove Evolution: A Guide for Advanced Drum Students - Creed - Drum Set - Book
Meredith Music Publications
Advanced Duets for Snare Drum - Whaley - Snare Drum Duet - Book/Audio Online
Alfred Publishing
Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer - Chapin - Drum Set - Book/2 CDs
👉 If you’re considering starting lessons, it’s usually best to hold off on buying books until after your first class. Your teacher will help determine the best learning path for your goals and interests, ensuring you get the right materials from the start.
"How do I Pick the Right Guitar Teacher?"
Choosing the right guitar instructor is a pivotal step in your musical journey. At Long & McQuade, we know that the ideal teacher is not only technically accomplished but also a perfect match for your personality, goals, and preferred learning style.
Whether you’re a parent seeking a patient, encouraging coach to spark your child’s passion for guitar, a teen eager to learn rock riffs and improvisation, or an adult learner looking for a supportive, no-pressure environment, we’ll pair you with the guitar teacher who best fits your needs—ensuring you stay motivated and make real progress.
Your Goals
Are you learning for fun, preparing for RCM exams, or returning to guitar after years away? We’ll match you with a teacher who specializes in the style and structure you’re looking for.
Teaching Style
Some students thrive with high-energy, enthusiastic instructors; others prefer a calm and methodical approach. We get to know what kind of teaching motivates you.
Experience Level
All of our teachers are carefully vetted and bring experience from performance, education, or both. Some specialize in beginners, while others have advanced backgrounds in classical, jazz, rock, or contemporary music.
Age Fit
We have guitar teachers who specialize in working with young children, teens, adults, and seniors. We’ll recommend someone who understands how to teach effectively at your stage of life.
"How Can I be Successful in My Guitar Lessons?"
It’s not talent. It’s consistency.
Whether you’re 6 or 65, the students who make the most progress in their guitar journey are the ones who practice regularly—even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.
Consistency
Aim for short, focused practice sessions each day—especially for younger kids. Even 5–15 minutes a day can lead to big results when done consistently.
Create a Dedicated Practice Space
Keep your guitar in a space where you feel comfortable. Whether it’s on a stand or hanging on the wall, make it easy to pick up and start playing. Creating an inviting practice area will help you stay motivated and consistent with your guitar lessons.
Make Practice Part of a Routine
Practice after breakfast, before homework, or after dinner—whenever it feels easiest to build a habit. Consistency is easier when it’s tied to your daily schedule.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
A focused 10 minutes is better than a distracted 30. Break practice into small goals: play a warm-up, review one section of your piece, then try something new.
Choosing the Right Program at Long & McQuade
Private Guitar Lessons
One to One
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Weekly 30, or 60-minute lessons
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Personalized learning plans
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Flexible scheduling
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Suitable for ages 7 to adult
Online Guitar Lessons
One to One
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Weekly 30, 45, or 60-minute lessons
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Personalized learning plans
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Flexible scheduling
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Suitable for ages 7 to adult
