Peter Retzlaff is best known for his approach to jazz, funk and ensemble-playing. He holds a Masters Degree from Manhattan School of Music, and has studied with such greats as David Garibaldi, Gary Chaffee, John Riley, Ed Soph and Billy Hart.



Peter Retzlaff has performed with Maynard Ferguson, and pianist Kenny Werner as well as Diane Schuur and Greg Osby. He maintains an active private teaching schedule, instructing classes in jazz, funk, rock, reggae, fusion, odd times, reading, rudiments, independence and ensemble performance. Peter has been awarded three grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and was a featured clinician and speaker at the 2003 PASIC Conference.



Topics specialized in, include Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Blues, Funk, Fusion, Early Jazz, Bop Jazz, Contemporary Afro-Cuban, Contemporary Jazz, Big Band, and Chart Reading.