Strandtown Music Academy

Guitar / Drums / Piano / Singing

lessons and music classes in East Belfast

Or request more info

Tailored lessons from expert tutors

We teach…

✔ Kids (7+)

✔ Adults

✔ COMPLETE Beginners

✔ Intermediate & advanced

✔ Grades 1-8 (or just learn for fun!)

✔ Guitar, Drums, Piano & Singing

✔ All styles. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Classical

We offer…

✔ 1-1 lessons

✔ Group classes

✔ Jam sessions

✔ FREE workshops

✔ FREE open mic nights

✔ Flexible plans to suit all budgets

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  • Everyone can play music. It’s just a matter of finding the right approach. We specialise in student-centred teaching, working closely with our students to identify their goals and learning styles.

    At Strandtown Music Academy, learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. We offer all students regular opportunities to play live by hosting FREE open mic nights every month and end-of-term showcase performances. All students are welcome to attend and play regardless of their level.

  • Your first lesson is super laid-back - you don’t even need to have an instrument!

    1. We’ll begin with a chat about your experience, preferred styles and any goals you have

    2. Then we’ll do some playing! You can use our instruments or bring your own.

    3. If you enjoyed your lesson and decide to continue, we’ll develop a bespoke plan for you going forward

    Lessons are 30 minutes weekly or fortnightly and are divided into terms. See full term dates here.

  • 30 minute lesson = £20

    Trial lessons can be paid for on the day of the lesson (cash or card). If you decide to continue, lessons are paid monthly and can be cancelled at any time.

    We try to be as flexible as possible to accommodate all budgets. Lessons can either be weekly or fortnightly, depending on your schedule/budget.

    Discount: families with 2 or more members taking weekly lessons will receive a 10% discount.

    Group class = click for more info

    Occasionally, we can offer FREE children & young people's workshops through grant funding or simply by our tutors generously giving their time. Please get in touch to register your interest and we'll let you know when they start.

  • "My daughter and myself have been getting guitar lessons from Gary for a while now. He is the best around, putting my daughter through her grades and helping a late learner like myself. You can get no better teacher than Gary who can help you with technique, theory and also has a great, fun, relaxed way of teaching."

    David B (guitar student)

  • Gary is both an amazing musician and an excellent teacher, my son absolutely adores his lessons. Really highly recommend."

    Tammie R

  • "I’ve been studying with Gary for a couple of years now and wish I’d met him sooner! My playing has improved so much due to his excellent teaching. He has the ability to break things down so they’re easy to understand and teaches you how to actually apply them into your own playing no matter what style of music you’re in to. He’s patient, a good laugh and a nicer fella you couldn’t meet. I always look forward to lessons and if you’re looking to improve your guitar skills I’d recommend him to anyone!"

    Paul M

  • "Gary has been teaching me Guitar for about 1 year. I am 3 years into my Guitar journey.....I wish I had taken proper lessons earlier. He mixes theory with learning the songs you want to learn which has really helped my progress. I would recommend Gary to anyone who wants a great tutor. He is patient, enthusiastic and makes the lessons fun...oh and he can seriously play the Guitar.....which is an inspiration when you are learning."

    Lawrence F

  • "Been seeing Gary for about 3 years now, couldn’t recommend enough. Great teacher who has helped me immensely with my playing, as well as confidence, and providing opportunities to play in front of others!"

    Jonny D

  • "I've been with Gary now for over 3 years, he brought back my love for music after dropping it a few years prior. Ive came on leaps and bounds thanks to him, and couldn't recommend him enough!!! Cheers Gary!!"

    Conn D

  • "I've been doing guitar lessons with Gary for a while now and there's no better man for the job. He has helped me tremendously and has identified my strengths and weaknesses with the aim of helping me improve in all areas of my playing. Lesson content is always changing which means it never becomes boring. Gary is always pushing me to do better, encouraging me and providing support whenever it's needed. I've done things I never thought I'd do, I went from a shy beginner to playing at open mic nights and played a few gigs for fun. My guitar lessons are a highlight of my week and something I really enjoy. Time is well managed and the price is great value. A bonus is I've also made a few friends along the way. Id highly recommend him as a tutor to anyone wanting to begin playing or to anyone looking to improve their skills."

    Stephen M

  • "I started guitar lessons from scratch at the start of 2023 with Gary. At the age of 48 it wasn’t easy, and I’m no natural talent! Gary’s patience, guidance and positive attitude have kept me at it, and I’m frankly amazed at what I can now play and perform. He’s a great teacher, coach and general all round guy….and I recommend him for anyone at any stage of their musical journey. Philip"

    Philip W

  • "I was in a bit if a rut with my guitar playing so decided to start taking lessons with Gary about a year ago. I'm extremely happy with the progress I've made not only in terms of my guitar technique, application of theory and overall repertoire, but also in my wider understanding of music as a whole. Couldn't ask for a better teacher, highly recommend."

    Jonny S

FAQs

  • Currently we teach guitar (acoustic and electric), bass guitar, drums, piano and singing. Let us know if you’d like to learn something else and we’ll see if we can accommodate in the future!

  • We teach both adults and children (7+)

  • Our lessons are £20 for 30 minutes

  • We understand that life can get in the way so we try to be as flexible as possible. Students can cancel up to 24hrs before their scheduled lesson and receive a lesson credit. This credit can be used for a make up lesson or can be taken off your bill for the upcoming month.

    Lesson credits are limited to 1 per term (approx 12 weeks). Any further cancellations within the same term will be billed as normal.

  • You can pay for your first trial lesson on the day of the lesson by card or cash. If you then decide to continue, lessons are paid monthly in advance. You will receive a link to pay via email each month.

  • Of course! …as long as there are slots available. If no slots are available, we can add you to our waiting list.

  • Students attending in the evening should have no issue parking on the Belmont Road right outside the studio. During the afternoon you can park on the residential streets behind the studio if the Belmont Road is busy.

  • Yes! All of our tutors are trained to help students from the very start of their journey. We have instruments you can use while you’re here

  • All of our tutors have a music degree and/or grade 8 in their main instrument. They also all have further postgraduate training from our director, Dr Gary Lutton, who has over 15 years of experience teaching music at the highest level. All tutors have up-to-date Access NI checks and undergo regular safeguarding training.

  • We can accommodate students of any style up to grade 8. Beyond that, please get in touch to see if we can match you with a suitable tutor

Visit us at 34a Belmont Road

 

Get in touch