About The Peterson School of Music
Where excellence meets opportunity.
In addition to being a top-tier music school sending graduates to premier collegiate programs, the Diana & Joel Peterson School of Music is a nonprofit organization—true to the heart of our mission to make an exceptional music education accessible to all.
Not only do we offer an unparalleled education from world-class instructors, but an incredible 72% of our students are on full or partial scholarships. That includes every single one of our Conservatory students, who would pay many thousands per year for similar programming at other institutions, as well as all of our GRIT program students, who receive free after-school music education in lower-income public schools. We believe that just as much as music brings beauty to the world, it also brings opportunity. Children with musical training not only carry a love of music into their lives, but thrive thanks to the skills they develop in learning music. Test scores go up, reading and math skills improve, graduation rates soar, confidence grows, and focusing becomes second nature.
Through three core programs—Academy for all ages and skill levels, Conservatory for top performers pursuing a career in music, and GRIT for kids in underserved schools—we make music with impact that carries far into the future.
Our mission
We nurture artistry, character, and the essential skills that foster a thriving, healthy community. Through exceptional and comprehensive music education, we empower our students to develop not only as musicians but as compassionate, confident leaders who will inspire the world around them.
We believe that excellence in music education should be accessible to every child, regardless of socio-economic background. We are committed to providing world-class instruction and mentorship that unlocks each student’s potential. For over a decade, we have guided young musicians to achieve excellence both on stage and in life, nurturing their creativity, discipline, and resilience. Our students don’t just become skilled musicians—they grow into mentors, leaders, and ambassadors who use their talents to create positive change in the world.
We provide an unparalleled musical experience that shapes the whole person. Through personalized lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities, students develop the tools to excel in every area of their lives, from academics to social engagement. At the Peterson School of Music, we create a foundation for success that goes far beyond music.
Our origin
Our school, originally called Gifted Music School, was founded in 2009 by Eugene and Vera Watanabe, with the vision of making high-quality, comprehensive music education available to children in Utah. Joined by visionary board member Deborah Moench, they set out to build an institution where students could receive world-class training, regardless of financial circumstance. Thanks to generous scholarships and support from our community, that vision quickly became a reality.
Since our founding, our students have consistently excelled, winning top prizes in local and national competitions. Many of our graduates have gone on to attend the nation’s most prestigious music schools, including The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Stanford University, and every major university in Utah. What began as a dream is now a thriving institution, called the Diana and Joel Peterson School of Music, that continues to change lives through the power of music education.
Eugene Watanabe
Co-founder
Dr. Vera Watanabe
Co-founder
Our programs:
Peterson School of Music offers a range of programs that create a seamless pathway from early childhood education through high school graduation. Our integrated curriculum ensures that students grow and develop holistically, gaining the skills and knowledge they need to become tomorrow’s community leaders and engaged citizens. From our foundational preschool music classes to advanced instruction in our Conservatory, every program is designed to inspire and empower students at every stage of their musical journey.
GRIT Program
Free, high-level music education delivered to students in underserved and low-income schools where they otherwise may never have discovered their musical potential.
Academy Program
Providing excellent musical training for students of all levels, ages eight and up, nurturing a lifelong love of music.
Conservatory Program
A scholarshipped, by-audition program training students to perform at a professional level, equipping them to enter the nation’s top music schools.
Meet the team
-
Our team of over 40 music teachers nurture a culture of excellence, achievement, and inspiration. Nearly all have degrees in music, with 76% of the team holding advanced degrees.
-
Founders:
Eugene Watanabe, Co-Founder, Artistic Director
Dr. Vera Oussetskaia Watanabe, Co-FounderExecutive team:
LeeAnn Morgan, Executive Director
Anna Maxwell, Executive Assistant & Corporate SecretaryProgram administration:
Linda Duan, Assistant Artistic Director, Conservatory Director
Dr. Gloria Engle, Preparatory Director
Abby Dreher, Project GRIT Manager
Katherine Baird, Suzuki Program CoordinatorDevelopment team:
Makensie Pratt, Director of Development
Erika Dalton, Giving ManagerStudent Services staff:
Karin Bauer
Joey Calkins
Noel Jacobsen
Anna Maxwell
Joanne RowlandOffice staff
Trent Allen, Finance DirectorArtistic Staff
Shenae Akagi (Anderson), Conservatory Orchestra Coordinator
Katherine Baird, Preparatory Chamber Music Coordinator
Josh Whisenant, Piano Ensemble Assistant
Shelley Astle, Collaborative Pianist -
Diana Peterson, Chair
Dr. Richard Taylor, Vice Chair
Christian Lundberg, Treasurer
Anna Maxwell, Secretary
Eugene Watanabe, Founder
Dr. LeeAnn Morgan, Executive Director
Andre Bueno
Rachael Ivory
Deborah Moench
Barrett Peterson
Karen F. Peterson
Greg Trimble
Stuart Truman
Josh Whisenant
Dr. Scott Epstein
Bree Fotheringham
David Petersen
Where educators, students, and music lovers come together to make an impact greater than any sound.
Gratitude to our many sponsors and supporters
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors and sponsors who make it possible for us to continue helping gifted students achieve their fullest potential by providing them with world-class music education and mentorship.
Awards and recognition
In addition to the multitude of awards and accolades earned by our wonderful students, our school itself has been recognized with prestigious awards including:
Utah Governor’s Award presented at the Governor’s Mansion
Salt Lake City Mayor’s Award for contributions to the arts
Salt Lake County Commission on Youth Award for our impact on young people
These honors reflect our unwavering dedication to providing outstanding music education and creating opportunities for students to thrive.
Careers
Interested in sharing the gift of music in a meaningful, positive environment? See our current postings below. And don’t hesitate to reach out to careers@petersonschoolofmusic.org with questions.
Faculty: General Music Instructor (Guadalupe Center) >
Faculty: Oboe Instructor >
Faculty: Trombone Instructor >
Reach out
Questions about our lessons and programs? We’re here to help. Send us a note at info@petersonschoolofmusic.org, or give us a call at 385.222.7787.