First lesson half price

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.

Glasgow Southside studio Online lessons available Student portal included

Trusted by Glasgow families, adult learners and complete beginners. Most enquiries get a reply within 24 hours.

Experience
10+ years performing

Session work, theatre pits and private tuition across Glasgow.

Credentials
BA Music • Yamaha trained

University of the West of Scotland graduate with Yamaha education training.

Start here

Try a focused first lesson, then leave with a plan.

£17.50 taster
1

Tell Matt what you want to play

Songs, styles, confidence blocks, exam goals or a total beginner start point.

2

Play through a relaxed first session

Technique, rhythm, tone and musical ideas are shaped around the player.

3

Get clear next steps

You leave with notes, practice direction and a simple route into regular lessons.

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
Matthew Irvine performing on guitar

Half-price taster session — only £17.50.

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

01 A quick warm-up and tone check so the lesson starts comfortably.
02 A practical look at songs, rhythm, technique or confidence goals.
03 A short practice plan and next-step suggestions to take away.

Can't make it in person? The same session can run over Zoom, with notes emailed after.

Structure, encouragement and music you actually want to play.

  • 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.
  • Lesson planner & reminders with easy rescheduling and calendar updates.
  • Notes, videos, audio and PDFs archived after each lesson so nothing gets lost.
Inside the Shawlands teaching studio
Shawlands studio • relaxed, parent-friendly • Zoom option when needed

Give lessons that turn into a real habit, not a one-day gift.

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.

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 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.

Pick up song-ready tabs arranged by Matt.

Browse printable guitar tabs and lesson resources with short previews, clear level labels and secure checkout. Useful between lessons, or as a standalone study pack.

Been trying to learn for years, but still feel like it has not clicked?

A lot of students arrive after months or years of scattered YouTube videos, half-finished songs, old lesson notes and no clear route forward. The problem usually is not effort. It is a lack of structure, feedback and consistency.

Matt helps you work out what is actually holding you back, then builds a realistic plan around your level, your music taste and the time you genuinely have to practise.

Too much advice

Cut through conflicting YouTube methods and focus on what matters for your playing right now.

No clear routine

Turn vague practice into simple weekly targets, short exercises and songs that keep you moving.

Songs never feel finished

Tidy up timing, chord changes, tone and confidence so pieces start sounding musical.

Motivation drops off

Stay accountable with lesson notes, resources and a plan that is challenging without feeling impossible.

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.”

— Kate Swanson

“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.”

— John Duffy

“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!”

— Emma Jamieson

“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.”

— Lynsey McMillan

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 to jump straight in? Book a half-price taster lesson here.

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.