Francisco Castro Bernhard is a Session Guitarist/Bassist based in London with a musical career of more than 20 years. After finishing his music degree in Germany, his work as a guitarist has led him to perform in numerous countries around the world, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and recently Chile. His career as a musician and instructor has allowed him to share stage with musicians of the calibre of Geoff Britton, drummer of The Wings, the band formed by Paul McCartney when The Beatles disbanded. Projects: Guitarist and freelance composer for film (Adrian Leon) and other projects for Spanish television (Padre Toño) Co-Founder and Guitar Player at Pillbox Jam (Original Project) Guitarist and BVs at Vivid (Corporate Function Band) Guitarist and Bv’s Duo Frame (Corporate Duo) Guitar Teacher and Band Practice teacher at the London Music School Guitarist at Billingual Beats Guitar Teacher at Bruce Music Guitar Teacher at MuseCool Private Guitar Teacher…

Fran Bernhard

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Francisco Castro Bernhard is a Session Guitarist/Bassist based in London with a musical career of more than 20 years. After finishing his music degree in Germany, his work as a guitarist has led him to perform in numerous countries around the world, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and recently Chile. His career as a musician and instructor has allowed him to share stage with musicians of the calibre of Geoff Britton, drummer of The Wings, the band formed by Paul McCartney when The Beatles disbanded. Projects: Guitarist and freelance composer for film (Adrian Leon) and other projects for Spanish television (Padre Toño) Co-Founder and Guitar Player at Pillbox Jam (Original Project) Guitarist and BVs at Vivid (Corporate Function Band) Guitarist and Bv’s Duo Frame (Corporate Duo) Guitar Teacher and Band Practice teacher at the London Music School Guitarist at Billingual Beats Guitar Teacher at Bruce Music Guitar Teacher at MuseCool Private Guitar Teacher…

Available to hire

Francisco Castro Bernhard is a Session Guitarist/Bassist based in London with a musical career of more than 20 years.
After finishing his music degree in Germany, his work as a guitarist has led him to perform in numerous countries around the world, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and recently Chile.
His career as a musician and instructor has allowed him to share stage with musicians of the calibre of Geoff Britton, drummer of The Wings, the band formed by Paul McCartney when The Beatles disbanded.

Projects:
Guitarist and freelance composer for film (Adrian Leon) and other projects for Spanish television (Padre Toño)
Co-Founder and Guitar Player at Pillbox Jam (Original Project)
Guitarist and BVs at Vivid (Corporate Function Band)
Guitarist and Bv’s Duo Frame (Corporate Duo)
Guitar Teacher and Band Practice teacher at the London Music
School
Guitarist at Billingual Beats
Guitar Teacher at Bruce Music Guitar
Teacher at MuseCool
Private Guitar Teacher

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

Guitarist and composer with the band “Pillbox Jam” in London at Pillbox Jam
December 21, 2023 - Present
Pillbox Jam is currently in the studio recording their upcoming EP, a dynamic blend of jazz-funk and groove-driven soul at the RAK studios. The project features special guest drummer Derrick McKenzie of Jamiroquai, whose signature rhythm and energy bring a distinctive edge to the band’s sound. Known for their vibrant live performances and tight musicianship, Pillbox Jam continues to evolve their style, fusing classic funk influences with modern production. This new release marks an exciting chapter in the band’s creative journey, showcasing their commitment to authentic, high-energy music. Watch the Recording reel
Music Technology Teacher at House School and Heathside Prep in London at M-Tech
September 7, 2025 - Present
As an MTech teacher at Devonshire House School and Heathside Prep in London, I teach music and technology, blending practical instrument skills, music theory, and digital music production. I design creative lessons using technology, organize school concerts and events, and support students of all abilities. I collaborate with colleagues on cross-curricular projects, maintain classroom equipment, and participate in school life. My aim is to inspire students’ creativity and ensure they develop both musical and digital skills.
Guitar Masterclass at University Theatre in Concepción, Chile at University Theatre in Concepción
December 20, 2024 - December 22, 2024
In December 2024, I took part in “Jamming South: Dos Masterclasses Imperdibles de Guitarra y Batería” at the University Theatre in Concepción, Chile, alongside drummer Michael Benöhr. In my session, I focused on advanced guitar skills, emphasizing technique, improvisation, and musical expression. Drawing on my experience as a performer and educator across Chile, Spain, Germany, and the UK, I aimed to offer participants a high-level learning opportunity in a live, academic setting.
Guitarist and singer in hotels and entertainment venues in Spain (Ona Sol Hotels) at Ons Sol Hotels
February 21, 2006 - October 17, 2013
Masterclass teacher at the Jazz Festival in Polop, Spain at Jazz Polop
July 13, 2011 - July 14, 2011
Guitarist and freelance composer for film (Adrian Leon) and other projects for spanish television (Padre Toño) at Spanish Television
February 24, 2005 - April 24, 2014
Guitarist and composer with the band “Frequenzy” in Spain at N/A
May 11, 2005 - March 10, 2010

Education

Bachelor in Music Performance at Neue jazzscholl Muenchen e.V
September 2, 2002 - September 21, 2004

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Other
    paper PADRE TOÑO Un home, un compromis, una lluita

    Interpretation of the song “Forastero de los Pobres” for the documentary Padre Toño for Spanish TV.

    paper Pillbox Jam

    Pillbox Jam’s Hackney Road Studios recording session on Spotify is a live, straight‑to‑tape capture of a jazz‑funk quartet putting modern, groove‑heavy arrangements on classic standards in a high‑end East London studio environment.

    Session concept and sound
    The session was recorded at Hackney Road Recording Studios in E2, a studio built around an SSL console, treated rooms and high‑end mics and outboard, designed specifically to capture full bands with clarity and punch. The band chose an old‑school approach: a few microphones, the whole group playing together and recording to tape “like in the old days,” so what you hear on Spotify is essentially a live performance with minimal studio polish. https://www.twine.net/signin

    Band and lineup
    Pillbox Jam was formed in early 2024 by drummer Michael Benöhr and guitarist Francisco Castro Bernhard , after meeting on the corporate band circuit and deciding to collaborate on funk‑infused jazz. For the Hackney Road session they expanded to a small ensemble with horns: guitar, drums, bass, saxophone and often trombone, giving the music a small‑band jazz feel with the power of a funk rhythm section.

    Repertoire and arrangements
    On Spotify, the Hackney Road material appears as individual live singles such as “All Blues (Live at Hackney Road Studios),” “Softly (Live at Hackney Road Studios),” “Naima (Live at Hackney Road Studios)” and “Evening Pill (Live at Hackney Road Studios).” The set mixes modern takes on standards like “All Blues,” “Naima” and “Softly” with the band’s original tune “Evening Pill,” all reworked with tight grooves, extended solos and a blend of jazz harmony and funk backbeat.

    Feel and listening experience
    Because everything was tracked live in one room, the Spotify releases capture audience‑style energy: dynamic interaction, spontaneous solos and the small imperfections that make it feel like a club gig rather than a layered studio project. The studio’s high‑end signal chain keeps the sound clean and full, so you get both the rawness of a jam session and the polish expected from a modern streaming release.