Peter Gilli is a saxophonist, clarinetist, teacher, and composer. Bringing a unique presence to the instrument, he has been praised for his melodic lyricism and unorthodox approach. Critics describe his music as “powerful”, “evocative”, and “haunting”. Drawing on influences from jazz to classical and punk, his style is recognizable as entirely his own. He is originally from Providence, RI and currently lives in Toronto.

Peter spent his formative years growing up in the vibrant Providence music scene, which inspired him to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from the University of Rhode Island. He also discovered his love of teaching here at the University’s Community Music Program. After graduating, he worked with students and school music programs throughout the state, building one of the most successful teaching studios in the area and gaining a reputation as a forward-thinking educator. He has taught students ranging from young children to collegiate musicians and music professionals, most recently at several Toronto-area schools including the Classical Music Conservatory, Long and McQuade, and Regent Park School of Music. As a lifelong student himself, Peter has studied with a number of teachers including Wallace Halladay, Jeffrey Leung, Matt Otto, Jared Sims, and David Key.

As a performer, Peter is recognized for his work as the saxophonist fronting post-rock group A Troop of Echoes. Their album The Longest Year on Record, features the band silhouetted against an array of 20 supporting musicians, and its cinematic sound has garnered attention from writers at Exclaim!, PopMatters, and the Huffington Post. Throughout the 2010s he toured regularly, playing across North America at venues like the Trocadero (Philadelphia), the Knitting Factory (NYC) and Exit/In (Nashville), as well as festivals like Brooklyn’s Northside Festival and Providence’s Foo Fest.

Peter has currently paused his teaching and touring schedule in order to pursue a range of projects in research and clinical brain science. He plans to return to the music world in 2023.