I help creative musicians develop a personalized expertise by optimizing their thinking in practice and performance, integrating their challenges with courageous discipline, and structuring their goals to thrive.
Inspired Contemporary Pianist
A community, academy, and mentorship program for creative musicians who are developing their personalized expertise and an inspired relationship with music.
What changes when we work together
"Peter is an exceptionally thoughtful, sensitive, and deeply musical teacher. Under his guidance, I've not only refined technical aspects of my playing but — perhaps most importantly — overcome mental barriers and bad habits that have inhibited my growth for years."
— Kyle B. semi-pro jazz pianistWays to work together
From free to fully immersive — there's a path for where you are right now.
We Have to Learn How to Learn!
Not sure which path is right?
A free 20-minute connection call with Peter. No pressure — just a conversation about your music and where you want to go, and how I can help.
Book a free call →What Peter's Students Say
"Dr. P is pure genius. I've been playing for over 40 years and I've sat with dozens of piano instructors. Peter is simply the BEST. His ability to delve into the mind of his students, determine their level, and equip them to reach the next level is unparalleled. His keen perception of various genres is extremely impressive, allowing him to understand the composer's intent when performing and re-arranging pieces in different styles and various occasions. I can go on and on--in a nutshell, Dude is a ROCKSTAR!!"
Mike C. — 40+ years playing"I was already a working professional pianist when I came to study with Dr. Stoltzman, and was looking to expand my skillset and refine my craft. Lessons with Peter did all that and more; the exercises that Dr. Stoltzman taught me helped to immediately improve my technique and ear, and through our weekly lessons, I grew tremendously as a musician, composer, and human being. I'm now much more satisfied with my piano playing, am able to make more money doing what I love, and have a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the musical arts. Peter is not only a world-class musician - he is also an incredibly gifted teacher, and has a way of conveying ideas and concepts so that anyone can understand them. I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to study with Dr. Stoltzman - lessons with Peter changed my life forever!"
Mikey S. — professional pianist"Peter has been by far my favorite teacher I have ever had... I do not say that lightly as he has made a bigger impact on my life than I could ever have imagined. He has constantly encouraged me through new ideas and through careful instruction. He has taken my overall understanding of both piano and songwriting to the next level and I will be forever grateful for that. His continuous support has been a drive for me to expand my musical arsenal and create the unique music that I do."
Evan S. - young professional producer
Music Atlas
A revolutionary music learning, creation, and teaching platform. Curated by Human Intelligence. Accesible, Modern, and Affordable. Built for 21st century music students, teachers, and creators — from self-directed learners to entire school districts.
"This will save me so much time! I use the Atlas often — super helpful in my modern band class and music production classes."
— Grant Stringham, Denver North High School
The music
From local to international stages and studios. Son of clarinetist Richard Stoltzman and violinist Lucy Chapman, Peter has forged his own path across jazz and contemporary styles of music as a performer, arranger, and composer.
Current performing projects
"A monster jazz piano player."
— Jack Elliot, Mancini Institute"Sweet and sophisticated. Top shelf!"
— Kenny Werner, Effortless Mastery"Exhilarating and buoyant…his style encompasses all manner of creative takes."
— The Royal Gazette, BermudaWatch & listen
More on YouTube
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Music Bridge
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit using music to address systemic inequity and support community resilience. Modern, trauma-informed, and free to all students. Founded 2020 — Denver, Aurora, and beyond.
"Music Bridge is our commitment to supporting diverse musicians with meaningful employment and resources, fostering curious creativity and caring community for youth, and intentionally addressing systemic barriers to access in modern music education."
Every dollar funds free modern music education for youth who need it most.
Donate to Music Bridge →Schools, organizations, and funders — bring modern music education to your community.
Send a partnership request →
Book Peter
Available for concerts, festivals, masterclasses, clinics, and collaborative recording projects.
"In percussive and strongly rhythmical passages, the forward momentum pours out his hands from his whole body, but he can also play dreamily."
— Boston Globe"A marvelous pianist."
— New York Concert ReviewConcerts, festivals, private events, jazz clubs. From Carnegie Hall to intimate venues. Available as leader and collaborative performer.
For universities, conservatories, workshops, and summer programs. Presented internationally — Japan, Canada, Europe, and across the US.
Full press kit, high-resolution photos, bio, and audio/video available for download.
Download CV →
A life in music,
in service of people.
Stoltzman has performed and recorded with jazz luminaries such as Steve Gadd, Eddie Gomez, Allison Miller, John Ellis, Ron Westray, Yosvanny Terry, Tia Fuller, and many more. He has worked at the highest levels of the industry in virtually every style — from recording contemporary classical music with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, to headlining festivals with the American Music Award-winning funk-rock band The Bomb Squad, recording with drum 'n' bass legend Deantoni Parks, making Hip Hop tracks with Che Pope at Warner Bros., to performing classical and jazz music at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall with his father, and recording original songs with winner of The Voice, Javier Colon.
Peter came to Colorado in 2012 as the head of the piano area at CU Denver, where he also founded the LYNX Music Industry Program. He has been the Co-Director of the Mentor Fellowship teacher training program at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, has led Young Audiences workshops, served as Music Director for Austin's Leadership through the Arts Program, and given masterclasses around the world.
In 2020, Peter began forging new paths, founding Music Bridge — a nonprofit dedicated to modern music education and mentorship. In 2025, he launched Inspired Contemporary Pianist — a community with courses and mentorship programs. And in 2026, he helped launch Music Atlas, a web-based application for creating, learning, and teaching modern music for everyone.
Peter graduated from Berklee College of Music in 1999, earned his Master's Degree in Jazz Composition with a Concentration in Music in Education from New England Conservatory in 2004, and in 2014 completed a Doctorate in Music and Human Learning from the University of Texas. He still calls Denver home, teaching at the University of Denver and performing regularly in the area.
I'm Here to Help You Move Forward
"As a seasoned pro (30+ years), Peter is extremely helpful in helping me achieve the next goal in my playing. Which is, a deeper understanding of the language of Jazz and Improv. He's an extremely knowledgable instructor with great ideas and well organized concepts."
Jonny S. - professional pianist"Peter is fantastic! He is inspiring. He is patient. He quickly diagnoses what issues I’m having with a composition or improvisation and gets me on track for improvement. I always look forward to my lessons — they are a highlight of my week."
Greg A. - semi-pro composer/pianist"Peter has easily been the best piano teacher I've ever had. He cares deeply about inspiring you to be better rather than just teaching and going through the motions. He brought me from a very poor piano player to someone much more confident on my instrument."
Hallie M. - singer/songwriter"It was time and money well spent. I'm a retired band director and developing my jazz piano playing is part of my retirement plan. He's a young master teacher."
Ned A. — retired band director
Peter John Stoltzman
Inspired · Joyful · Piano · Music
Not sure where
to begin? Let's talk.
A free 20-minute connection call. No pressure.
Just a conversation about where you are and where you want to go.
Or write directly to [email protected]