At 6:30pm yesterday, the Yamaha Flagship Centre in Tejgaon transformed into a hub of creative energy as aspiring guitarists and young music-makers gathered for the third edition of the Guitar Masterclass (GMC) Session. Leading the programme was none other than Miles frontman Hamin Ahmed, who brought with him decades of experience and an instinctive understanding of what it means to make music in a rapidly shifting industry.

Organised by Team Alpha, the session combined hands-on learning with live demonstrations and practical insights into professional guitar-playing and music production. In the first half, Hamin walked participants through technique, tone shaping and the rapidly evolving world of digital music-making.

The second half shifted into a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at his personal studio setup. Hamin broke down the tools he depends on — from his audio interface and monitoring chain to the processors and plug-ins he uses on stage and in the studio. He demonstrated how he builds tone layers, shapes dynamics with compression and reverb, and why modern guitarists must understand both analogue warmth and digital precision.

One of the highlights of GMC Session 03 was Hamin's detailed breakdown of some of his most iconic songs— "Priyotoma", "Jay Din Jay", "Dhiki Dhiki" and "Hridoyhina". Each segment focused on the musical decisions, chord voicings and emotional texture that shaped the songs. 

The session also featured an intimate performance segment, where Hamin played renditions of his personal favourites.

This was followed by an open Q/A, offering young musicians the chance to ask about technique, career pathways, gear choices, vocal care and navigating Bangladesh's modern music industry.

Despite recent throat discomfort, Hamin completed the full-day schedule—including giving a little of his valuable time talking to The Daily Star.

When asked about the challenges faced by young musicians, Hamin began with an observation about the cultural moment:

"The society today is disposable. Longevity and relevance are getting lost so soon due to the never-ending flow of content. But even then, what matters is a great song."

He pointed out that despite decades of work, Miles' primary listening demographic remains 18–24, which, he said, proves that strong songwriting continues to outlive trends.

On the insecurities fuelled by the internet, he added:

"Social media is making people insecure. A person thinks he has done good but then he sees someone better and questions his own abilities. But that is the kind of thought that should be changed. They should focus more on honing their skills instead of comparing themselves with others on the internet."

When the conversation shifted toward the business side of music, Hamin's tone hardened; this was a topic he feels musicians rarely discuss, yet urgently need to.

"A musician should always be conscious about their rights," he said. "He needs to be strict enough so that he can ensure that whenever his songs are played even once, he gets the royalty for it."

He offered a candid acknowledgement that many artists, especially young ones, are ill-equipped for the legal and financial realities of the industry.

"A musician is not a businessman. So it is normal for them to not be aware about it. Or get someone who knows the in and out. But it is important that they approach this smartly."

When asked about the best musical advice he ever received, he paused — then smiled:

"No one has asked me this question before. But I like it. My answer is 'nobody'. Except for my parents, there was no one whose advice I needed to get to where I am today."

He reflected on what truly matters for a musician: "I believe any musician needs only one thing — love for music. As long as he is passionate enough to do whatever it takes for music, he needs nothing else. That was it for me."

By the end of the evening, GMC Session 03 had done more than teach technique — it offered young musicians the confidence, clarity and direction they often struggle to find. Hamin Ahmed left participants with a reminder that great music still begins with discipline, self-belief and an undying love for the craft.