Picking up the guitar in 1994, and teaching since 2003, Philip 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, he became a Peripatetic Tutor for ESSEX MUSIC SERVICES (which included vetting by the Criminal Records Bureau). In the first term alone, he was v
isiting ten schools across Essex, seeing some eighty pupils weekly; this was in addition to his private practice, serving students across Essex and Suffolk. He has 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. Philip went on to be the Peripatetic Guitar and Bass Tutor at SAMUEL WARD ACADEMY for over four years. But it's not all theory, as Philip has been striding the live stage for many years; indeed, his 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, he not only played, but sang & wrote as well. Along with covers bands work, Philip has also collaborated with and depped for bands on an ad hoc basis, lending him exposure to different styles, and the experience of playing to audiences of all sizes in locations across the country. Please check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PhilOckelford
As well as our SoundCloud channel:
https://soundcloud.com/philockelford
