Born in Newark, New Jersey, Peter Adams started studying the guitar at the age of eleven. Continuing his studies of guitar and piano throughout high school, he also played in a variety of blues and rock bands and began a lifelong interest in jazz. Kenny Burrell, Jim Hall and Joe Pass were some of the first jazz musicians to influence his development. Peter spent four years in the music department at Seton Hall University and did another year of post grad study. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Concentration in Music and graduating Cum Laude, he was the first person to receive the “Gold Medal for special achievement in Music and Art". During that time, he began studying with the renowned guitarist Harry Leahey, and studied Classical guitar as well. After the completion of studies at Seton Hall, he began a lifelong pursuit of Jazz as a performer and teacher. In addition to Harry Leahey, time was also spent studying with the brilliant guitarists Vic Juris, Pat Martino and Jimmy Pondor.
Peter’s focus has been performances in New York’s tri-state area. He has performed at most of the New Jersey Jazz clubs including Trumpets, Verve, Shanghai Jazz, The Crossroads, Gulliver’s, The Cornerstone Lounge and Café D’Angelico, as well some Manhattan venues. Peter has also performed at various outdoor Jazz concerts, including the PSE&G Summer Concert series, The Newark Museum and others.
The primary focus of Peter's musical presentation has always been divided into two areas, solo guitar and ensemble work. Peter has worked or recorded with Frank Lillie, Jim Pellegrino, Mike Logan, Rick Crane, Alan Namery, Frank Grasso, the late Lenny Argese and many others.
Musical education at the Adams Guitar Studio has also been a significant part of Peter’s career. His philosophy of music education has been eloquently expressed by Ralph Waldo Emerson's idea that ” Knowledge exists to be imparted”.
