Why did you choose the USC School of Music?  

I chose to go to USC when I heard Joe Eller play an impressive recital. We connected afterwards and he told me that he had a Graduate Assistantship open. I decided to audition and after doing so, was offered the Teaching Assistantship. To study with Professor Eller at a great institution like USC while on a Teaching Assistantship was too good an opportunity to pass up!

What ensembles were you a member of while at USC?

Chamber Ensemble(s); USC Symphony Orchestra; USC Wind Ensemble

What person, course or experience was most influential for you while at the School of Music? 

Without a doubt, Joe Eller has been one of the most influential people in my life. He transformed my clarinet playing by helping me tap into potential I didn't know I had – I now try to do the same with my students.

How has your education at the USC School of Music helped you in your life and career? 

Joe Eller's clarinet lessons and pedagogy class helped define who I am as a player and a teacher. Dr. Hubbert and the Music History Area afforded me the opportunity to teach Music Appreciation at USC which later opened the door to my first adjunct work. My success in academia is due in no small part to the wonderful faculty at USC who have been wonderful mentors, teachers, and friends.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors or activities while attending the School of Music? 

Besides the fantastic clarinet lessons I had with Professor Eller, other standout classes were 20th Century American Music with Dr. Hubbert and Experimental Music with Dr. Fitz Rogers. Also, daily hangs with fellow classmates and friends up the road at Cool Beans Coffee when we needed to recharge will always be a strong association I have with my time at USC.

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates pursuing a music performance or music education career? 

Have patience and perseverance. The music and academic fields are tough. Have faith in yourself and your abilities and the patience to see it through. Also, make yourself as qualified and experienced in as many different areas as possible. You never know what that first job will be or what they will ask you to teach.      

What is one of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from the School of Music in which your education played a role?

Two summers ago I got to be in the auditorium at the conference center in Dublin, Ireland when one of my former students at Valdosta State University won first prize in the International Clarinet Association's Orchestral Audition Competition.  

What is currently playing on repeat on your Spotify/Pandora/Apple Music, etc.?

Besides the always changing playlist of orchestral music, I am working on for the season, I have been enjoying doing a deep dive into Billy Joel's albums after watching the great documentary "And So It Goes."

Do you have any recent career changes, accomplishments, awards, major life events, etc. you would like to share?

I am the newly appointed Assistant Professor of Clarinet at the University of Florida after serving nine years at Valdosta State University!

Learn more about Peter at www.pmgclarinet.com or @pgclarinet on Instagram.