Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style
Why Choose Long & McQuade for Voice Lessons
- Experienced voice instructors who teach all styles and levels
- Comfortable studios with professional equipment for learning and practice
- Flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend options
- A trusted name in music education across Canada
Where the Music Begins
Unlock your potential with voice 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!
As Young as Ages 8-12
Vocal Lessons for Kids
What to Expect for Kids Learning Voice
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Age-appropriate voice lessons that use songs, movement, and fun activities to make learning engaging
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Positive encouragement to build confidence and self-expression
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Focus on pitch, rhythm, breathing, and listening skills
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Options to learn just for fun or begin preparing for formal music exams
Learning Outcomes
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Recognize and match pitch while developing healthy vocal habits
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Strengthen rhythm, timing, and listening skills
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Improve focus, patience, and memory through regular singing practice
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Gain confidence and stage presence with optional recital and performance opportunities
Ages 13-18
Vocal Lessons for Teens
What Teens Can Expect:
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Personalized song choices in styles like pop, rock, R&B, jazz, or classical
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Preparation for RCM exams, school auditions, or performance opportunities
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Coaching for school choirs, musicals, talent shows, or recording projects
Benefits for Teens:
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Develop a strong vocal foundation and personal singing style
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Build confidence, discipline, and focus through regular practice
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Use music as a healthy outlet for stress and self-expression
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Gain a lifelong skill that supports both personal growth and academic success
Vocal lessons for
Adults & Seniors
All Ages 19+
Approaching Adult Lessons Differently
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Flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend lesson times
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Sing the music you love—pop, rock, jazz, classical, Broadway, or even film soundtracks
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No exams required (unless you choose that as a personal goal)
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Lessons focused on enjoyment, self-improvement, and relaxation
Benefits for Adult Students:
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Relieve stress and support mental wellness through singing
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Strengthen memory, focus, breathing, and creativity
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Develop a rewarding hobby that fits your lifestyle and pace
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Build confidence and self-expression in a supportive environment
Learn Vocals: What Will You Study?
Beginner
& Intermediate
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Healthy posture, breathing, and vocal warm-ups
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Matching pitch and singing in tune
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Building vocal range and control
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Introduction to note reading, rhythm, and ear training
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Singing in different styles such as pop, rock, or classical
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Developing tone, dynamics, and phrasing
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Learning songs you enjoy and building performance confidence
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Ensemble and accompaniment work for choir, duets, or small groups
Advanced
& Royal Conservatory
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Expanding vocal range, power, and stamina
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Advanced breathing, resonance, and diction techniques
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Stylistic development across genres such as jazz, musical theatre, R&B, and opera
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Interpretation, expression, and storytelling through song
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Harmony singing, improvisation, and advanced ear training
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Preparing for auditions, exams, recordings, or stage performances
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Microphone technique and stage presence for live performance
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Professional skills for singers pursuing post-secondary studies or careers in music
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.
“I’ve Always Wanted to Learn, But I Don’t Know If I Have the Voice for It”
This is one of the most common concerns we hear—and the good news is: 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 right guidance and consistent practice, you’ll improve your tone, range, and expression while enjoying the process of making music.
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
Pop/Contemporary
Musical Theatre
Classical training builds strong vocal technique, posture, and breath control. It’s great for students preparing for exams, choirs, or formal studies in music. This style focuses on clarity, tone, and healthy vocal habits that benefit all singers.
Popular with students of all ages, pop and contemporary singing focuses on expression, style, and performance. Lessons include microphone technique, stage presence, and learning songs you enjoy—from current hits to timeless favorites.
Musical theatre combines singing, acting, and storytelling. Students learn how to project their voice, interpret lyrics, and perform with confidence on stage. This style is ideal for auditions, school musicals, or anyone who loves Broadway.
Key Differences & Qualities
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Builds vocal strength, breath control, and long-term technique
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Focuses on tone quality, clarity, and healthy vocal habits
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Provides a strong foundation for all other singing styles
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Emphasizes personal style, expression, and stage presence
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Covers microphone technique and performance skills
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Allows students to learn the songs they enjoy, from current hits to classics
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Combines singing with acting and storytelling
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Builds projection, diction, and interpretation skills
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Prepares students for school musicals, auditions, or stage performance
Which Style is Best for Me?
Students who want structured training, exam preparation, choir work, or future post-secondary music studies.
Singers of all ages who want flexibility, fun lessons, and the chance to develop their own unique sound.
Performers who love Broadway, want to shine on stage, and enjoy blending music with drama.
Getting Started With Voice Books
If you’re looking to start learning voice, or if you’d like to explore singing on your own before beginning private lessons, these books are a great place to start. They introduce the basics of vocal technique, breathing, and pitch, giving you a strong foundation to build on as you begin your singing journey.
Recommendations for Beginner Students
Hal
Leonard
Sightsinging: The Complete Method for Singers - Campbell - Vocal - Book
Joan B
Heels
Sight Singing For Success, Volume 1 (Grades 1-5) - Heels - Book
Frederick Harris Music Company
RCM Preparatory Voice Repertoire, 2019 Edition - Voice - Book
Frederick Harris Music Company
RCM Voice Repertoire Level 1, 2019 Edition - Voice - Book
Recommendations for Advanced Students
Hal
Leonard
26 Italian Songs and Arias - Paton - Medium High Voice - Book
Baerenreiter Verlag
Concert Arias For Soprano - Mozart - Soprano/Piano Vocal Score
Music Minus
One
La La Land: 6 Selections from the Hit Movie - Pasek/Paul/Hurwitz - Vocal - Book/Audio Online
Frederick Harris Music Company
RCM Voice Vocalises Level 5-8, 2019 Edition - Voice - Book
👉 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 Voice Teacher?"
Choosing the right voice teacher is one of the most important steps in your musical journey. At Long & McQuade Richmond Hill, 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 supportive, no-pressure space—we’ll help you find the perfect match for your voice lessons.
"How Can I be Successful in My Vocal Lessons?"
It’s not about having a “natural gift.” It’s about consistency.
Whether you’re 5 or 45, the singers who grow the most are the ones who practice regularly, even if it’s only for a few minutes each day.
"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, there are several exam boards available for voice students, including the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). These programs provide a clear path for skill development in areas such as technique, ear training, and performance.
Most Popular Exam Options in Canada
RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music)
The RCM is one of the most recognized music education systems in Canada. Their voice exams cover technique, repertoire, sight-singing, ear training, and musicianship. Students progress through graded levels and earn certificates that are widely respected across the country.
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
ABRSM is a UK-based program also offered in Canada. Like the RCM, it provides structured grade levels and exams in voice. ABRSM places strong emphasis on musicality, listening skills, and well-rounded performance ability.
Trinity College London
Trinity is another UK-based exam board with vocal programs worldwide, including Canada. Trinity is popular with singers who want flexibility and variety. Exams include technical exercises, repertoire, and options for contemporary styles, making it a good fit for students interested in both classical and modern singing.
Why Take Exams?
🎓 Exams in voice can help students stay motivated, track progress, and feel a real sense of achievement. They also provide valuable credentials that may count toward school credit or support future opportunities in music.
👉 Not every student needs to pursue exams—many prefer to sing for enjoyment or focus on performing. But for those who like having milestones to reach, exams offer a structured way to celebrate progress and build confidence.
