Meet Philip Castang the new boss of Newham Academy of Music.

He has a 20 year background spanning the commercial music industry, music education and festival management and has worked with artists ranging from Alaap, Talvin Singh, Ringo Starr, Robert Plant and Maxi Priest.

In is time he has also promoted concerts by major artists including Patti Smith, Rufus Wainwright and Van Morrison. and cofounded the educational charity, the International Guitar Foundation.

Of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, he said the Plaistow-based Academy has a long history “in providing young people with exceptional opportunities to learn, play and create”.