Education
He studied education theory and trumpet at the Norwegian Academy of Music (1969-1974) and participated in the University Big Band in Oslo (Chair 1974–1976).
He studied education theory and trumpet at the Norwegian Academy of Music (1969-1974) and participated in the University Big Band in Oslo (Chair 1974–1976).
He resided in Oslo since 1959, and here he played with Einar Iversen (1959), Kristian Bergheim (1959), Arild Wikstrøm, Egil Kapstad and Egil Johansen. Eckhoff collaborated with international jazz greats such as Philosophy Woods/George Russell (1967), Dizzy Gillespie at Kongsberg Jazzfestival (1971), Red Mitchell/Kenny Drew at Norsk Rikskringkasting Radio (1973), Dexter Gordon at Vossajazz (1975), and Horace Parlan (1980/83). Later he has led his own quintet and moved to Nice in France.
He is leading his own Ditlef Eckhoff Quintet on Herr Nilsen Jazz Club in Oslo 2012.