In today’s installment of the RGT Guitar Tutor Interview Series, we are sitting down with performer and Aberdeen RGT Guitar Tutor David Inkster.

One of North East Scotland’s busiest guitar tutors, David has taken qualifications in both theory and performance, and is currently preparing to sit his ALCM Guitar Teaching Diploma as he continues his development as a tutor and student of the instrument.

When not teaching, David is a member of The Limit, with whom he performs regularly throughout the North East as the guitarist in one of Scotland’s most popular function bands.

We recently caught up with Dave to talk about exam preparation tips, his own study towards the ALCM Teaching Diploma and how he has managed to achieve a 100% pass rate for his students entering RGT exams.

To learn more about Dave, his teaching and performing careers, visit the Guitar Tutor David Inkster Homepage and Dave’s Twitter Page.

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RGT: How did you become aware of RGT, and why do you chose to encourage your students to take RGT guitar exams?

David Inkster: I think I initially came across RGT via the website when looking into exams for my contemporary guitar students.

I was keen to offer my students the opportunity to take guitar grades that related to the kind of music that they enjoyed.

I do encourage students to sit exams, as I think personal achievement is a good thing and should be somehow celebrated and recognised with guitar students.

Achieving a grade takes a little bit of commitment and practice, but the payoff is reaching a higher level of playing as well as the confidence that comes from having set a goal and met it, and, of course students also like getting the certificate.

RGT: What do you find is the biggest challenge when preparing a student for an upcoming RGT exam?

David Inkster: Practice. Many students, particularly the younger ones, seem to live very busy lives these days.

I remember a former student who would appear for his guitar lesson in his football boots, and in the last minute swap the guitar for a tennis racket and head off for tennis coaching.

Then there is the instant gratification of social media and the X box among other distractions.

I encourage students to keep faith in their goal, and to make good on it by following a simple practice schedule, I have a printed exam practice chart that I fill out with them each week during their lessons.

I also try and be balanced and realistic about it, for many students the guitar is a hobby that could quickly become an ex-hobby If I make it a chore.

The only students I have sitting exams are the ones who have chosen that goal. If students prefer not to do grades, that’s fine too. It’s all ok.

RGT: You are currently preparing to take the ALCM Guitar Teaching Diploma in the coming year. Why do you find that it is important to continue your own education as you grow as both a player and teacher?

David Inkster: I’ve been keen to sit one of the RGT diplomas since they came out, and attended a seminar in London a couple of years ago to find out more about them.

I already have qualifications in performance and music theory, and the teaching diploma would be recognition of experience gained, as well as providing an opportunity to enhance and develop my teaching skills.

I’m currently doing some background reading for the dissertation part of the exam, and learning loads already.

My desire to learn and improve as a musician gives me the energy to help other people on their musical path. So, although a bit of a cliche, I hope I will always be learning and to always be a student.

RGT: Right now you teach students in their own homes, rather than in a central location. How has this type of teaching challenged you and what are some of the benefits that you see working remotely in the student’s homes?

David Inkster: The biggest challenge for me is geographical, as I live in a rural area and visit different areas on different days, it means a lot of driving around every day.

This can be difficult in winter especially, and you also have to be organised, plan lessons well, and take lesson materials with you.

The benefits for students include the security of learning in an environment they are comfortable in, and the benefit for parents is not having to make the car run to and from the guitar lesson.

RGT: You have achieved a 100% pass rate for your students that have entered RGT exams. Is there any one reason you feel that your students have been so successful?

David Inkster: I trust my judgement in terms of knowing If a student has reached the point of being able to pass an exam comfortably.

I try to communicate as much as I can with students and parents, letting them know truthfully how they are getting on and what still needs work.

I’d have to say that If I feel someone isn’t making progress with preparing for a grade I’m  honest with them about it.

I also promote buying decent equipment from the very beginning, as that helps enormously.

Occasionally I’ve advised a student to postpone an exam until the following session If I feel they need a little more time.

RGT: If you had one piece of advice for other guitar teachers that are preparing students for RGT exams, what would it be?

David Inkster: One piece of advice? Don’t lose sight of the student. Make sure they are with you, and keep checking in with them as things can change over time.

Encourage students to choose their own goals, and do your best to help them achieve those goals over time.

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