The Yamaha Flagship Centre in Tejgaon transformed into a sanctuary for aspiring guitarists and young music-makers yesterday evening, hosting the third edition of the Guitar Masterclass (GMC) Session. Leading the charge was the iconic Miles frontman, Hamin Ahmed, who distilled decades of experience into an unforgettable session for the assembled talent. Organised by Team Alpha, the masterclass was a dynamic blend of deep technical instruction and a rare, intimate look into the maestro's creative process. Following the highly engaging masterclass, Hamin, despite battling recent throat discomfort, graciously gave some of his valuable time to The Daily Star for an exclusive chat on the state of the industry, the digital age's pressures, and the unwavering core of great music.

The masterclass itself was a journey from the basics to the complex realities of modern production. The first half meticulously covered technique, tone shaping, and navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of digital music-making. The second half was a fascinating peek into his personal sanctum, where Hamin broke down the very tools of his trade. from his audio interface and monitoring chain to the processors and plug-ins that define his sound both live and in the studio. He demonstrated how he meticulously builds tone layers and shapes musical texture with compression and reverb, emphasizing why modern guitarists must master both analogue warmth and digital precision. One of the night's loudest highlights was the detailed breakdown of some of Miles' most iconic songs, including "Priyotoma", "Jay Din Jay", "Dhiki Dhiki", and "Hridoyhina", focusing on the emotional texture and chord voicings that shaped them.

When asked about the most significant challenges facing young musicians today, Hamin began with a sharp observation about the current cultural environment: "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 underscored this by pointing out that despite Miles' decades-long career, their primary listening demographic remains the 18–24 age group, a fact he believes proves that strong songwriting continues to outlive trends. The conversation naturally turned to the anxieties fueled by the internet and social media. "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 topic shifted to the rarely discussed, yet urgently critical, business side of music, Hamin's tone grew noticeably serious. "A musician should always be conscious about their rights," he stated firmly. "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 acknowledgment 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."

The most surprising moment came with a question that, by his own admission, no one had ever posed to him: What was the best musical advice he had ever received? He paused, a smile breaking through. "My answer is 'nobody'. Except for my parents, there was no one whose advice I needed to get to where I am today." Hamin concluded the evening with a simple, yet profound, reflection on the single quality a musician truly needs: "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 delivered more than technique; it offered the young musicians present the confidence, clarity, and direction that so often eludes them. Hamin Ahmed left them with a powerful reminder: great music still begins with discipline, self-belief, and an undying love for the craft.