He auditioned for the National Orchestra trainee section, but failed because of his poor sight-reading, having learned to play by ear.
He played with his own Richard Adams Quartet and flautist Paul Horn at the Wellington International Arts Festival.
Adams' first studio in 1979 was the dome that was built in the garden at Rita Angus' cottage in Wellington before it became a residence for painters.
When he moved to Auckland he rented the Gillies Ave studio that belonged to painter Louise Henderson.
[4] In 2004 Adams was appointed Resident Artist, Chambre Avec Vue, Saignon, France.