In this edition of the RGT Guitar Tutor Interview Series, we are catching up with Hampshire guitarist and guitar tutor Adi Hughes.
After picking up the guitar at age 16, Adi went on to study with teacher Robert Chapmen before enrolling in the internationally known program at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.
Upon graduation from ICMP, Adi has kept busy as a performer, teacher and record label owner, as he released his debut EP Departing Sanity on his Flaming Records label in 2013.
We recently caught up with guitar tutor Adi to talk about the importance of Social Media for guitar teachers, his approach to preparing students for RGT exams and more.
You can learn more about Adi by visiting the Adi Hughes Homepage, as well as Adi’s Twitter Page and Adi’s Facebook Page.
******
RGT: How did you become aware of RGT, and why do you chose to encourage your students to take RGT guitar exams?
Adi Hughes: I became aware of RGT a good few years ago when I read an article online by Tony Skinner about how to find a good guitar teacher.
He gave an in-depth analysis of the guitar teachers out there and what skills to look out for, and that was my first introduction to RGT.
I believe the RGT exams are great for two types of students. One type who would like to have an official certified achievement that they can be proud of, and the other who would like to gain UCAS points to study music at degree level in the future.
RGT: What do you find is the biggest challenge when preparing a student for an upcoming RGT exam?
Adi Hughes: There is a lot of information to take on board for an exam and so I find that keeping lessons as regular as possible helps keep people motivated and focused.
The worst thing is when someone misses a lesson and you have to spend the next one catching up.
I try to minimise this as much as possible, and ensure that if someone is going on holiday that their next lesson is confirmed and that they know what they need to do in order to keep fresh during this time away.
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?
Adi Hughes: I treat it the same way as if I am preparing somebody for their first gig. Taking an exam is no different to any other performance, your confidence will show in your playing.
I actively work on a student’s performance technique from an early stage, encouraging them to perform even when they are practising.
If you practise confidence, it will become embedded just like any other technique.
RGT: You are active on Social Media and have a website for your teaching output. How do you find social media and your website has impacted your guitar teaching studio and performance/recording career?
Adi Hughes: Social Media takes up a large proportion of my working time, it is something that I continually strive to build and I am learning new things all the time. Social media has found me a lot of work, and I am having to always adapt to changes in online trends.
One example is YouTube. When I first signed up it was perfectly acceptable to record on a fuzzy camcorder, yet now you are expected to produce to a professional standard video in full HD and high quality audio – it’s hard to keep up.
It’s vital to embrace it though because when people search Google for guitar lessons and the first page of results is full of your YouTube videos, profile pages and website links, you tend to get the call.
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?
Adi Hughes: This has been a bit of a transition for me, as in the past I have been a busy performer, whereas now I am a busy guitar teacher.
Teaching guitar is a real passion for me, and I consider myself as a teacher first and foremost, so I tend to prioritise my efforts on this aspect of my career.
I find that my teaching has more of an influence over my playing than the other way around. I begrudge canceling lessons, so the playing has to be worth my while.
RGT: If you had one piece of advice for other guitar teachers that are preparing students for RGT exams, what would it be?
Adi Hughes: Do you remember your driving test? Well that’s what your student is about to go through in their exam. Anything you can do to help them learn to relax will set them on the right road and give them every chance to succeed.
*****
Not a Registered RGT Guitar Tutor yet? Visit the RGT Tutor Registration Page and register to enjoy exclusive benefits and opportunities.
Hi Adi, just wondering if you have completed any RGT exams yourself?
Hi Homeslice,
I haven’t yet, I kinda skipped it and went straight into full-time music study. It undoubtedly would have helped me if I had, and I quite fancy doing one of the jazz diplomas at some point in the future.
To me that would feel like having a driving instructor who didn’t have a driving license, would you agree?
On the contrary, I studied full time at an advanced level, am fully qualified, and have expert knowledge of the grading curriculum & criteria. Full time study isn’t for everybody though, and the RGT exams offer a great opportunity to get a professionally recognised qualification.
Agree, Adi, not necessary to have passed the exams if playing level and knowledge is at or above that required.
Did you switch focus away from performing to teaching for financial reasons?
What’s your interest in jazz? Me too, about to embark on a (degree) course of jazz study. I think the required level of knowledge surpasses all else….although certain techniques will of course still require seperate study.
Hi Ovets
Its more that my teaching overtook performing time constraint wise, I love performing but with my current diary I would find it hard to commit myself to regular rehearsal / performance. Although the financial element certainly comes into play when you’re asked to give up an evenings lessons to play to an empty pub for £30. So it’s just now and again for now. Jazz is a beautiful form of music that really inspires me, and I’d like to focus it on it a lot more than I have done previously, I find it a very indulgent style to play. Good luck with you’re degree!!!