Guitar lessons that keep students inspired and progressing every week.
BA Music graduate Matthew Irvine delivers relaxed, structured 1:1 and duo sessions for adults, teens and younger players. In-person at the Shawlands studio or online, backed up with detailed lesson notes, bespoke arrangements and a modern student portal.
- Experience
- 10+ years performing
- Credentials
- BA Music • Yamaha trained
- Support
- Notes, videos & portal
Session work, theatre pits and private tuition across Glasgow.
University of the West of Scotland graduate with Yamaha education training.
Weekly lesson packs, arrangements and play-alongs tailored to each student.
Studio snapshot
Shawlands • Glasgow
This week
- • Tues 18:00 — Electric focus
- • Wed 19:30 — Songwriting & theory
- • Sat 11:30 — Duo lesson (ages 10 & 11)
Focus areas
- • Confidence-first for beginners
- • Improvisation & phrasing for intermediates
- • Song arranging & performance coaching
Parents say
“Tuesday is guitar day in our house. The notes and encouragement keep both kids practicing with smiles on their faces.”
— Kate, Shawlands
Adapted to you
1:1 & duo lessons for ages 7+ and adults
We start with the music you love: confidence-first for beginners, depth and nuance for experienced players.
Clear structure
Lesson notes, arrangements & curated practice
Every session comes with tailored notes, downloads and short practice goals so progress stays obvious.
Modern support
Secure student portal
Manage bookings, watch personalised videos and track repertoire in one place.
Singer‑songwriter roots, modern coaching.
Matt grew up playing Glasgow venues, touring with indie and folk outfits, and recording guitars for songwriters around the UK. After completing his BA (Hons) Music degree, teaching quickly became a passion — pairing professional know-how with the kind of encouragement every player needs.
Lessons mix technique, creativity and real-world tips: how to arrange songs, nail tricky rhythm parts, improvise solos or simply fall back in love with playing. Parents appreciate the organised notes; adult students love the relaxed, honest feedback.
Highlights
- • BA (Hons) Music • Yamaha trained
- • 10+ years teaching experience
- • Session credits across BBC Scotland & indie releases
Lesson vibe
- • Structured notes & personalised resources
- • Calm studio with space for parents to sit in
- • Flexible scheduling + online options
Half-price taster session — only £16.
The easiest way to see if the studio is the right fit. We’ll chat about goals, play through favourite songs, and create a practice plan you can follow straight away. No commitment, just an hour focused on getting you excited to play.
- •60 minutes in the Shawlands studio or over Zoom.
- •Includes personalised notes and next-step suggestions.
- •Bring your own guitar or borrow one on the day.
What to expect
- • Quick warm-up and tone check
- • Play through songs you enjoy
- • Tailored exercises for the next few weeks
- • Relaxed Q&A about lessons and the portal
Can’t make it in person? We’ll run the same session via Zoom and email your notes after.
Tailored sessions for every stage of your playing
Beginner foundations, intermediate breakthroughs, advanced phrasing and improvisation — delivered with patience, clarity and a sense of fun.
1:1 lessons
Electric or acoustic. We build posture, rhythm, clean chord changes and expressive playing, moving at your pace.
- •Personalised weekly plan
- •Technique + creative application
- •Zoom option when you can’t make it in
Duo & small group
Learn with a friend or sibling. Shared progress keeps motivation high and practice more fun.
- •Balanced guidance for each student
- •Ideal for ages 7+ and family sessions
- •Shared notes, separate progress checks
Advanced coaching
Tackle improvisation, expressive lead playing, theory, songwriting and gig preparation with a working musician.
- •Ear training & fretboard mastery
- •Session-ready technique drills
- •Song arranging & recording support
Also offering beginner piano
Perfect for musical foundations, siblings or anyone exploring a second instrument.
Structure, encouragement and music you actually want to play.
Matthew combines formal training with a relaxed, practical style. Expect a welcoming studio, thoughtful feedback, and lessons that balance technique with creativity.
- 📝Weekly notes summarising goals, technique checks and suggested listening.
- 🎶Custom arrangements, TAB and backing tracks to keep practice purposeful.
- 🤝Friendly environment — parents are welcome to sit in, recordings encouraged.
- 🎯Optional performance coaching, songwriting and exam preparation.
Give lessons that last beyond Christmas morning.
Gift bundles are available in 3-lesson (£70) and 5-lesson (£130) options — ideal for birthdays, graduations and festive surprises. Each voucher comes with a personalised message and flexible scheduling.
- •Beautiful printable PDF or posted card, ready to hand over.
- •Choose electric, acoustic or beginner piano focus.
- •Recipient contacts Matt when they’re ready to start — no pressure on dates.
Gift bundle
Perfect for a creative boost or trying lessons with Matt.
Valid for 12 months • Redeemable in-person or online
Gift bundle
Ideal for building momentum with full notes and planning.
Valid for 12 months • Redeemable in-person or online
Practice smart between lessons.
The secure portal keeps everything in one place—perfect for busy families, travelling professionals and anyone who likes seeing progress at a glance.
Lesson planner & reminders
Book, reschedule or cancel sessions in seconds. Automatic email reminders and a shared calendar keep everyone on track.
Notes, videos & audio all archived
Stream personalised recap videos, download TAB / PDFs, and revisit every lesson’s practice plan from your phone, tablet or laptop.
Interactive tools built in
Chord explorer, scale trainer, progression lab, tuner, metronome and practice timer—designed with students in mind to keep sessions focused and fun.
Progress tracking & messaging
Log repertoire goals, share quick wins and message Matt for mid-week feedback. Parents can have their own view to keep an eye on practice.
Straightforward rates with flexibility built in
First lesson is half price so you can see how it feels. Pay-as-you-go or monthly — whichever keeps things simple.
30 min 1:1
£20
Perfect for young beginners or tight schedules.
Includes
- Lesson recap & practice plan
- Portal access + downloads
60 min 1:1
£32
Most popular — time for technique, repertoire and creative work.
Includes
- Half price first lesson
- Personalised arrangement or track each month
- Flexible rescheduling via portal
60 min duo / group
£20 each
Ideal for siblings, friends or parent & child sessions.
Includes
- Shared lesson notes
- Individual practice goals
- Optional performance projects
In-person lessons at the Shawlands studio. Zoom available when needed. Materials, arrangements and portal access included. Gift vouchers available on request.
What students and parents say
“My son has been learning guitar with Matt for a few months now and really enjoys his lessons. He learns with his best friend and they always practice together before the lesson — it’s great to hear them progress. They are given notes on what they covered to keep track. They really look forward to seeing Matt every week.”
“Matthew has great knowledge and patience when teaching and structured the lessons around exactly what I wanted. I’d recommend him to anyone starting out or looking to develop — his approach suits every level.”
“Our daughter’s confidence has grown each week under Matthew’s tuition. She always looks forward to her Saturday lesson and comes home excited to show us new pieces. We’d thoroughly recommend Matthew if you’re thinking of guitar lessons!”
“Massive improvement in just a few lessons. My son enjoys every session and Matthew’s notes make practice so much easier. He’s a brilliant teacher.”
Answers to common questions
Do you teach absolute beginners? +
Absolutely. We focus on posture, rhythm and confidence from day one, using songs you actually enjoy. Parents are welcome to sit in for younger students.
Where do lessons take place? +
At Matthew’s dedicated home studio in Shawlands (Glasgow Southside). Online lessons via Zoom are available when travel isn’t possible.
What ages do you work with? +
Children aged 7+, teens and adults. Lessons are adjusted to suit learning styles and goals, whether that’s first chords or advanced improvisation.
What’s included in the Student Portal? +
The portal handles bookings, reminders, lesson notes, personalised videos, downloads and progress tracking. Parents or guardians can access the same information.
Do you prepare students for exams? +
Yes — Rockschool, Trinity or ABRSM pathways can be built into lessons, balanced with creative projects so practice stays musical.
Say hello or ask a question
Need scheduling help, want to chat about ongoing lessons or have something you’d like to cover? Drop a message below and Matt will reply within 24 hours.
Prefer WhatsApp? Leave your number above and Matthew will get in touch.
Studio details
Shawlands home studio with comfortable waiting space. Street parking available, close to Pollokshaws East and Crossmyloof stations.
- Phone
- 07527 194302
- Lesson times
- Monday – Sunday, 10:00 – 21:00 • Get in touch for specific slots.
- What to bring
- Instrument (if preferred), notebook. Spare guitars and amps available in the studio.
Gift lessons available
Vouchers for birthdays or special occasions can be arranged with a personalised welcome pack.