In this edition of the RGT Guitar Tutor Interview Series, we’re catching up with multi-instrumentalist and Guitar Teacher Campbell Murray, as we discuss his approach to preparing students for exams, dealing with student nerves, and his own experiences as a performer and RGT tutor.

Campbell is a professional guitar and saxophone tutor with over 30 years playing experience under his belt.

Though mainly a rock and pop performer and tutor, teaching his students the guitar styles of David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Slash and Jimi Hendrix, he does work in all styles of modern music.

As well, Campbell teaches students of all ages and with a wide range of musical abilities in his private guitar studio.

You can read more about Campbell, his teaching and performing careers, by visiting the Campbell Murray Homepage.

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

Campbell Murray: I used to see RGT ads in Guitar magazines back in the ‘90s, and I realised that with such strong patronage, and thorough syllabi, that RGT was the path for me to take as a guitar tutor.

I also realised that RGT syllabi and exams would provide encouragement and focus in lessons for both myself and my students.

For these reasons, I am a Registered RGT Guitar Tutor and prepare students for RGT exams in our lessons.

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

Campbell Murray: I think the biggest challenge is stressing the importance of structured, regular practice to students in our lessons.

It’s sometimes difficult for students to learn to practice not what they’re good at, but practice what needs the most improvement.

But when they practice regularly, and work on the difficult material when practicing, they will usually do better when it comes time to take the exam.

RGT: Most students, if not all, deal with nervousness on some level either before or during their exams. How do you address this issue with your students in their lessons?

Campbell Murray: I try to convince students that they’ve worked and prepared hard for the exam, and now it’s time to just go forward and present this hard work to the RGT Examiner.

Also, breathing evenly and not rushing through the material can be very helpful to combat nervousness, as well as counting evenly when performing scales and other technical material.

RGT: As someone who teaches multiple instruments, how do you find that this influences your guitar teaching approach?

Campbell Murray: Playing Alto Sax, I find that although you can’t play chords on saxophone you do need an advanced understanding of chords and harmony in order to solo effectively.

This also lends itself to guitar, which is a chordal instrument, and so I find that is where the two instruments cross over the most.

RGT: Besides teaching, you are also a performer. How do you balance these two sides of your career, and do you find that your teaching influences your playing and vice-versa?

Campbell Murray: As a Guitar Tutor, I strongly appreciate that we are never finished in our study of music, and in being students ourselves.

As I teach my students, I am still learning new material, and applying these principles to my teaching methods, which helps me to continue to develop as both a performer and music educator.

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

Campbell Murray: I know it’s an old cliche, but if you can’t play something slowly, then you can’t play it fast.

So, working with a metronome when preparing students, and getting them to tap their feet in time to the rhythm when playing, can go a long way in developing a strong, musical skill set.

Not a Registered RGT Teacher yet? Visit the Join the RGT Page to find out the great benefits that membership has to offer.