Take Five With Peter Douskalis

Meet Peter Douskalis:

Peter Douskalis is a guitarist from the Washington DC area now living in New York City. He specializes in many aspects of the guitar such as jazz, classical, rock, and world. Peter currently teaches at the New York City Guitar School.



In 2009, Douskalis released his second album, The Dance of the Sea. A solo jazz guitar record and Peter's first as a solo artist, the CD is featured on the independent Shenandoah record label.

Instrument(s):

Guitar.

Teachers and/or influences?

I have studied with internationally acclaimed guitarist Michael Fath and former Airmen of Note guitarist Rick Whitehead.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

...in elementary school. That's when I got really involved in music making both with drums and with guitar. By the time I reached the 10th grade in high school it was a done deal, music was all I wanted to do.

Your sound and approach to music:

My latest release, and first as a leader, is a solo jazz guitar CD. I want to honor the tradition of solo jazz guitar while also reflecting my influences as human with the sounds of music I have heard growing up. My approach is to fuse all of my influences from many genres of music into one style.

Your teaching approach:

I use a paraxial approach to music education. The philosophy is simple: If you want to play music, you have to play music. I like to keep my students engaged in music-making for the entirety of their studies. I tailor music instruction to all levels of ability. Progressive instruction includes technique, repertoire, and music theory incorporated into lessons based on the level of the student.

Favorite venue:

My favorite venue would have to be Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia. I had my first CD release show there, with my guitar duo, Peter and Alex. The venue has great acoustics, a great stage, great engineers, and great owners. I also had the chance to open for blues guitarist Johnny A and Michael Fath at Jammin' Java.

The first Jazz album I bought was:

The first jazz album I bought was Midnight Blue by Jimmy Bruno. Great album.

By Day:

I currently teach private lessons and classes at the New York City Guitar School. I am also training to become a public school music teacher in New York City.

Photo Credit

Barbara Berry, courtesy of Peter Douskalis.