Experienced in a wide range of musical settings, Peter Caruso is noted for his versatility as a guitarist. Since moving to the Seattle area he has performed in most of the area’s great venues. He also keeps a busy teaching schedule and is active with both the Seattle Classic Guitar Society and the Seattle Jazz Guitar Society in promoting community awareness and involvement in guitar music.:
“I’m in love with the Classical guitar as much, if not more, than I am into Jazz. I’m also crazy for Latin American music. I’ve been playing a lot more Brazilian music in recent years and can’t get enough of it! I’m very lucky to have had the opportunity to pursue such diverse styles in the same career. Teaching as much as I do has allowed me the freedom to thoroughly explore all this wonderful music. — and then of course, the Blues and Rock Guitar styles, American Fingerstyle, Flamenco, Country, Folk, etc . . . it never ends!”
I’ve had the honor to record or share the stage with some great musicians, including Natalie Cole, Jiggs Whigham, Roger Williams, Larry Schneider, Rufus Reed, Bill Dobbins, Buddy Catlett, Frank Lacy, Emerald City Mandolin Quartet, members of the Seattle Symphony. I have also been a member of several theater company orchestras, including national productions of Evita and Man of La Mancha.
Education:
University of New Mexico:
Theory/Composition with Scott Wilkinson, Guitar with Hector Garcia.
Arizona State University:
Bachelor of Music – Performance
Jazz arranging and improvisation with Chuck Marohnic, Guitar with Frank Koonce.
Eastman School of Music:
Graduate jazz studies with Bill Dobbins and Raymond Ricker, Guitar with Gene Bertoncini.
Independent Studies or Master Classes:
Joe Pass, David Russell, Jorge Morel, George Sakellariou, David Tanenbaum.
