Peter Knoll

Peter Knoll – Guitarist | Composer | Educator Winner of GuitarPlayerZen Magazine’s Award (November 2007), Peter Knoll is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer, and educator known for his distinctive voice and masterful improvisation . “Peter is a world-class player, and even better, he has his own unique style and voice, something that rarely one finds.” In 2022, Peter was nominated for Best Composer at the Cannes Shorts Film Festival for his work on the documentary Radio Free Newport, directed by Christopher Braig, with co-composers Braig and Christian Finger. Peter’s collaborations include performances and recordings with iconic artists such as bassist Mark E. Peterson (Cassandra Wilson, Lyle Lovett, Joan Baez), percussionists Hahlil (Roberta Flack), Gerardo Velez (Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Spyro Gyra), Ted Baker (Steely Dan), and Mike D. (Beastie Boys). He has performed at exclusive private events, including a rare invitation by German Countess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis. An in-demand educator, Peter is the founder of www.guitarclasses.nyc and has taught children of music legends such as The Edge (U2), Diana Krall & Elvis Costello, supermodel Helena Christensen, and actor Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead). A testimonial from The Edge’s family praised his “lovely manner, fun spirit, and gift for teaching.” Musical Journey Raised in a small Bavarian farm village, Peter began guitar lessons at age eight and quickly took to playing in bands. After graduating from the Guitar Institute of Munich in 1993, he continued his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating in 1995. He later studied privately with legendary saxophonist/composer Jerry Bergonzi. From 1996 to 2004, Peter lived and performed in Berlin. After winning the U.S. Green Card lottery, he fulfilled his dream of moving to New York. Shortly after arriving, he was hired as a show band and solo guitarist for Princess Cruises, performing under contract for 2½ years. His artistic ventures have included composing for the multimedia literary webzine Mad Hatter’s Review, live scoring silent films by Fritz Lang, and leading experimental solo and ensemble projects. He’s collaborated with sound installation composer Michael J Schumacher, and co-leads the international improvisational quartet Conundrum with Viennese saxophonist Clemens Salesny, touring Europe regularly. In 2014, Peter joined the China tour of the hit Broadway musical Chicago under original conductor Rob Bowman, performing on banjo, ukulele, and mandolin. Discography & Recent Work Peter’s debut album, Certainty Is (2011), features drummer Bill Mead and marks the start of his catalog on his own PUK Records label. Subsequent releases include: In Your Maze (2019) with Breathe-Live, featuring Christopher Braig (flute/sax) and Christian Finger (drums) Guitar tracks for Bad Habits Die Hard (2020), an Italian-French horror comedy by Riccardo Papa, scored by Susan DiBona & Salvatore Sangiovanni Love Is My Soul (2021), a double live album with Mark Peterson (bass) and Andy O'Neill (drums) Inverness – upcoming studio album (2025) Nimbu2 – a duo project with Christian Finger, recorded at Bunker Studios in Brooklyn, released on Bandcamp (2025) Residencies & Tours Peter has completed Artist Residencies in Poschiavo, Switzerland (2016 & 2021) hosted by Cornelia Mueller (uncool.ch), including solo tours in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. He is slated to return for a new European concert, workshop, and residency tour in late 2025 with additional performances at the Jazz Festival in Passau and various venues in Berlin, Austria, and Switzerland.

New York, NY