Phil Bywater has had an extensive career as an educator, administrator, and music performer.
From 2014-2023, Phil led the Music Theory department at Collarts (the Australian College of the Arts). From July 2021-May 2023, he also ran Collarts’ pioneering Online Music Performance degree and diploma programmes.
He has lectured at Melbourne University, the University of Tasmania, AIM (the Australian Institute of Music), and JMC Academy.
After nearly 30 years, Phil returned to his hometown of Hobart, Tasmania in 2021. He is now available for lessons in saxophone, flute and clarinet, improvisation and music theory.
Prior to his tertiary appointments, Phil taught Classroom and Instrumental Music at Preshil School, Kew VIC from 2001-2011.
Phil was a key member of the board of the Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival from 2005-2009, and was a board member, curator and publicist for the Make It Up Club improvised music series from 2004-2007.
Phil led the bands Phil Bywater’s Buried Treasure (2000-2004), Fallingwater Trio (2004-2011), and Big Fela Afrobeat Orchestra (2004-2021). He is a key member of the bands Hexfarm (1993-1997 and since 2022), Bart Willoughby Band (since 2006), Blaktivism House Band (since 2021) and formerly of Bomba (1998-2002), and Adam Simmons Toy Band (2000-2008).
Academic writing available here
Masters of Music Performance by Research 2011
Graduate Diploma of Education 2008
Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (Higher Education) 2018
Bachelor of Music 1998
Victorian Institute of Teaching and Tasmanian Teacher Registration Board full registration
Working with Vulnerable people certified
Accredited Victorian Arts Centre teaching artist
Avid Sibelius trained instructor