My name is Ben Sielaff and this is my story…

I was born in Ipswich in 1986 two months earlier than expected. After spending considerable time sick I ended up surviving this near death experience thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses in this fine country. My next step was to spend my early childhood (and from what I’m told considerable part of my primary school years!) being a brat and just some generalised terrorising of my parents.

I attended Walloon State School and West Moreton Anglican College in my primary years and Ipswich Grammar School for high school. It was at IGS where I found my passion for music and in particular, the guitar. I ended up buying my first guitar cause Mum didn’t want me to play a “rock” instrument! Although I have a great appreciation and respect for classical musicians (in particular Mozart and Beethoven), the image of a guitarist with long hair centre stage always attracted me more than sitting in an orchestra pit!

Throughout my school life I was involved in many bands including ‘Expedition: Pie’, ‘Between the Lines’, ‘Phasechanger’, ‘Ben & I’ and ‘Shortlist’. The bands entered various Battle of the Bands competitions throughout Ipswich and surrounding areas taking away several awards including two first places, one third place and two best guitarist awards. Although music has been my love and passion in life, I found enough time to keep my grades above water, achieving an OP grade of 1.

After school finished I decided to attend the University of Queensland to study pharmacy. During this period I also joined a rock covers band called ‘Dirty Sanchez’, which played gigs as far north as Bundaberg and as far west as Roma. After previously playing in originals-only bands previously, ‘Dirty Sanchez’ really opened up my eyes to the world of covers bands.

After spending two years studying pharmacy I decided I’d rather not have my profession based on the saying “see your doctor”. Rather, I decided to follow my nose and pursue my love for music and become an educator. At the moment I study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in music and mathematics at the University of Queensland with the hope to one day become a teacher.

In the meantime I tutor guitar and mathematics in Ipswich and surrounding areas. I have approximately 15 students that I teach privately. Teaching guitar and mathematics has confirmed my love for helping people understand the wonders of these fields. I hope to expand my student base in the years to come and set up a small teaching studio at home.

During the past year I have also teamed up with vocalist/song writer Kirsti Falconer to form an acoustic duo ‘Scorpio’. Kirsti and I also have a 4 piece rock band ‘Scorpio and the Tidy Guys’ with drummer Nick Martin and bass player Cam Seargant. For information on gigs and bookings see ‘upcoming gigs’ and ‘news’ sections!

            Influences

            Dream Theater
            Neal Morse 
            Kirsti Falconer
            Jeff Buckley
            Pink Floyd
            Pink
            Maroon 5
            Symphony X
            John Petrucci
            Joe Satriani
            Red Hot Chili Peppers
            Wes Montgomery