Peter is a guitarist, composer and an avid music educator currently living in Western Massachusetts. Born in New York City, he spent most of his life growing up in South Florida. He has been performing traditional jazz and contemporary original music with various groups on the Florida music scene for many years. As an eclectic guitarist, he’s had the privilege of performing and recording with many renowned jazz artists such as Wayne Shorter, John Patitucci, Dave Weckl, Jaco Pastorius, Othello Molineau, Robert Thomas Jr., blues legend Bo Diddley, “Toots” Thielemans, Anthony Jackson, Tom Brechlein and vocalist Ben Vareen, just to name a few.

Peter knew from his early childhood that music was his calling. He was first drawn to the early Motown recordings and the progressive rock of the 60′s. He devoured the music of his youth and then – like millions of other American teens of the 60′s – he saw a live performance by the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, thus adding to his growing list of influences.

For a young up-and-coming musician, the 60′s was a unique time period for gaining insight and inspiration from a plethora of innovating artists. He recalls, “As a young guitarist, hearing and seeing the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Cream perform on stage was a real high point for me.” Little did he know then, that the jazz idiom was waiting for him in the not too distant horizon of his musical journey.

As a youth, while growing up in a South Florida orphanage, Peter was primarily self-taught. At the time, he didn’t have the privilege of taking private music lessons. He simply learned the basics by listening and closely observing others play.

Peter’s entire musical perspective dramatically changed when at the age of 15, a school counselor took him to see and hear Andre Segovia perform in concert. Just imagine an impressionable teen seeing the maestro Segovia for the first time; It was a life-changing event for him. He was invited backstage to meet the master classical guitarist, whereupon Segovia shook his hand and asked, “So you like playing the guitar? Well then… you must always practice, work hard, and follow your dreams.” Hearing those encouraging words directly from Segovia always resonated in Peter’s entire persona. For a brief time after that encounter, he continued to explore other classical artists such as Christopher Parkening, flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya and composer Igor Stravinsky, all of whom he saw perform live.

During his sophomore year in high school, Peter was invited to his first jazz concert featuring the Dave Brubeck Quartet. It was at this concert that he came face to face with the art of jazz improvisation. He was mesmerized by the ability of the players to communicate to each other with such proficiency and ease, not to mention how they took a tune and stretched it to no end.

Still in the early stages of his musical development, Peter began to explore the vast array of jazz giants. Some of his most notable influences were jazz giants Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Jim Hall, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker, Joe Diorio, Weather Report, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett, just to name a few.

After a long season of self-discipline in guitar technique and music theory, he decided it was time to enhance his knowledge of jazz harmony. “I was introduced to one of South Florida’s guitar legends, Bob Whitlock by  my close friend and guitar extraordinaire Randy Bernsen.” Peter feels very fortunate and privileged to have studied with Bob, who he considers to be a master of song and jazz standards.

In 1974, Peter signed up with Vincent Bredice, author of the renowned “Guitar Improv” book. It was through the counsel of Mr. Bredice that he enrolled at Miami Dade College as a Jazz Performance Major. He also minored in Cello , which broadened his musical palette all the more. Peter acquired a real passion for classical composers and their music after several years of performing as a cellist in the college orchestra and the Broward Community Symphony. He continued his guitar studies with classical guitarist Lou Mowad while pursuing his music education and graduated in 1978.

As a passionate player, composer and respected educator, he stands among the elite players of traditional and contemporary jazz. He has absorbed a lifetime of real-deal experiences during his musical career. Peter is currently based out of Amherst, Ma. where he is exploring new avenues for spreading his own musical signature.