A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Music, Matthew Smith has been playing and teaching the guitar professionally since 1995. Besides teaching at his private studio location in Columbia SC, Matthew is also a faculty member at Newberry College where he teaches guitar courses, lessons, and ensembles. Matthew's years of performing and recording experience includes rhythm and lead guitar work in rock, jazz, blues, and country music styles as well as solo and ensemble performances on classical guitar. His flexible teaching style is suited for those wishing to either strum and sing songs, read music, play by ear, understand theory, or all of the above.
Matthew offers lessons that provide a well-rounded and structured approach to not only learning chords and songs, but learning music. Although the skills required to play basic tunes can be learned in just a few lessons, many students continue their playing for years.
Lessons can focus on learning to read music, understanding music theory, improvisation, singing and playing, or even just playing "by ear". As the fundamentals are covered, players are also encouraged to bring in music they wish to learn.
Whatever type of guitar a student may choose to study, Matthew's unique and experienced approach to teaching encourages his students to learn the advantages of combining the techniques of all types of guitars.
Matthew Smith's Guitar Studio is conveniently located just outside of Irmo, SC in Suite 204 of Charles Town Court, 6156 St. Andrews Road (directly across from Deno's and the Seven Oaks Shopping Center) — just minutes from I-26 and downtown Columbia.
Matthew is the sole owner/operator of his studio and is therefore able to offer experienced and professional music instruction at lower rates than most academies and music stores. There are no extra fees, yearly contract, or autodraft requirement, and Matthew's students never receive lessons from a substitute teacher or have to change instructors if they change their lesson time. Additionally, students have direct contact with Matthew, making it easy to manage scheduling conflicts or questions that may arise.
On select days / times, players may pay by-the-lesson without the requirement of weekly attendance or monthly payment.
Students may also take the option of reserving a weekly 30 or 60 minute lesson time each week and paying a flat-rate monthly tuiton.
30 min lesson
60 min lesson
weekly 30 min lessons
weekly 60 min lessons