Patrick Hughes

Pat is an accomplished bassist and educator with a career spanning decades of live performances, studio collaborations, and teaching. A graduate of Basstech in London, where he earned the title of “Best Overall Student,” Pat has since built an impressive portfolio of musical accomplishments.

As a performer, Pat has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, playing alongside acclaimed acts such as Hugh Cornwell, former frontman of The Stranglers, and punk-poet John Cooper Clarke. His live experience also includes collaborations with 80s icon Toyah Willcox and critically acclaimed bands such as Headnoise, The Disorientee, and Wanton & Blithe. Pat continues to work with a variety of function bands and contributes to studio projects, including regular session work for Guitar Techniques magazine and collaborations with drum and bass producer Ray Keith.

In addition to his performance career, Pat has been teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford since 2001. Known for his versatility, Pat is skilled in teaching students of all levels, from beginners to degree-level professionals. His expertise encompasses bass performance, stylistic versatility, advanced techniques, transcribing, music theory, and ear training. Pat has also delivered guest lectures at prestigious events and institutions, including the UK Bass Day, Seoul Jazz Academy in South Korea, and leading contemporary music colleges in Tokyo and Niigata, Japan.