Philip James Ockelford

Playing for over twenty years, and teaching for twelve, I studied at the Guitar Institute of Technology in London under acoustic maestro ERIC ROCHE. This proved an invaluable experience, not only for learning to play, but also how to teach. In 2003, I became a Peripatetic Tutor for ESSEX MUSIC SERVICES (which included vetting by the Criminal Records Bureau). In the first term alone, I was visiting ten schools across Essex, seeing some eighty pupils weekly; this was in addition to my private practice, serving students across Essex and Suffolk. I have also worked in the private school sector, serving as Peripatetic Guitar Tutor at ST MARGARET'S PREPARATORY SCHOOL, teaching electric, bass, and classical guitar, as well as successfully running the School Rock Band. Most recently, I have been the Peripatetic Guitar and Bass Tutor at SAMUEL WARD ACADEMY. But it's not all theory, as I've been striding the live stage for many years; indeed, my first live band performance was to an audience of over two thousand, with the gig being webcast around the world. In original bands, such as Last Minute, and Rocket, I not only played, but sang & wrote as well. Along with covers bands work, I've also collaborated with and depped for bands on an ad hoc basis, lending me exposure to different styles, and the experience of playing to audiences of all sizes in locations across the country. All of this means that I'm no stranger to the recording studio, something I've supplemented with continuing studies of recording & production, both with time spent at the London Centre for Contemporary Music, and privately. I currently find myself doing an increasing amount of session work, whether it's reproducing something specific, or being asked to improvise.