About Us

Peter Perry is a lifelong Maryland resident, and has traveled the world teaching and performing music. He is currently in his thirtieth consecutive year teaching high school instrumental music. As part of his duties, he conducts: Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Marching Band. His ensembles consistently receive critical acclaim on local, state, national, and international levels.

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Education from Shenandoah Conservatory, as well as a Master's Degree in Music Education-Instrumental Conducting Concentration, and a Bachelor of Science Degree-Instrumental Music Education, both from the University of Maryland. While at the University of Maryland, Dr. Perry was awarded the prestigious Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship in Music.

Dr. Perry is a strong advocate for music technology usage in the large ensemble. His doctoral dissertation, "The Effect of Flexible-Practice Computer-Assisted Instruction and Cognitive Style on the Development of Music Performance Skills in High School Instrumental Students," focused on how the practice software, SmartMusic™, and the cognitive styles of field dependence and field independence affect musical performance skill development. His book, Technology Tips for Ensemble Teachers (published by Oxford University Press), is the first text to specifically outline technology use and instructional strategies using technology in the large Ensemble. He frequently lectures and writes about music technology and its use in music and ensemble music instruction.

In 2006, Dr. Perry received a Japan Fulbright fellowship and participated in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. This program annually provided American primary and secondary school teachers and administrators with opportunities for professional development through short-term study visits to Japan. It aimed to increase the understanding of U.S. educators who help shape and educate the next generation. The program was designed to provide educators with first-hand opportunities to experience Japanese culture and education through school visits, interactions with teachers and students, seminars, and home stays. Upon returning to the U.S., participants shared their experiences in Japan with their students, colleagues, and communities in the form of curriculum improvement, development of teaching materials, workshops, and other activities. Dr. Perry was one of four Maryland educators chosen for the November 2006 cycle. He composed an orchestral work highlighting his experiences in Japan that was premiered by his orchestra later that year.

Dr. Perry is an active guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, lecturer, author, composer, and performer. He is past vice president of the Maryland state unit of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE). He is a contributing writer for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Teaching Music Magazine and Music in a Minuet blog, as well as a contributing reviewer for its Music Educators Journal. Dr. Perry has presented sessions at the Maryland Music Educators Conference, Music Teacher's National Association Conference, and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Conference. He has also served as trumpet professor at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland and was on the music education faculty of The Catholic University of America in Washington DC teaching instrumental methods.