Our rebrand: from Gifted Music School to Peterson School of Music
A fresh look, a name with a legacy, and the same mission as ever.
What to know about our exciting rebrand journey of 2026—and what it means for our school.
The Diana & Joel Peterson School of Music was founded in 2009 by renowned pedagogues Eugene and Vera Watanabe. The school was first named the Gifted Music School (GMS) in homage to Russia's storied state music academies, whose names translate roughly as "gifted" or "special."
Through a generous gift from the Diana & Joel Peterson family, the school welcomes a new era of growth and excellence. Our new name, the Diana & Joel Peterson School of Music, is a tribute to the Petersons' longstanding support of the school and its mission.
While our name is changing, our mission is the same as it has always been: to bring unparalleled music education to all who seek it. Through our three divisions, Conservatory, Academy, and GRIT, we'll continue extending excellent music education to every corner of our community.
You may have questions about the change. Read on for answers, or reach out to info@petersonschoolofmusic.org anytime. We'd love to hear from you.
Special thanks to the Diana and Joel Peterson family, without whom our school and our impact could never be what it is today. Through their support, there will be more music in this world.
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Diana J. Peterson is a devoted philanthropist and lifelong musician. She currently serves as Chairman of the Peterson School of Music in Salt Lake City, championing excellence in music education. Growing up in a family that made music together, she appreciates the way her own parents gifted music to their children and shaped her conviction that musical experiences strengthen individuals and families.
A seasoned nonprofit leader, she is the former Board Chair of CHOICE Humanitarian, a former board member of Lincoln Center Education, a past President of the BYU Alumni Association and a Founder of the Joel and Diana Peterson Family Foundation. Diana’s greatest love will always be her family. She has 7 children, 33 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Her rich family life continues to ground and inspire her commitment to family philanthropy and community impact.
Joel Peterson was Founding Partner and Chairman of Peterson Partners, a Salt Lake City-based investment management firm with $2.5 billion under management.
A recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award and the Robert K. Jaedicke Silver Apple Award, Joel served on the faculty of the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, teaching courses in real estate investment, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Joel was also the former Chairman of the Board of Overseers at the Hoover Institution at Stanford, as well as the former Chairman of the Board at JetBlue Airways and Packsize. He served on more than three dozen boards over the past 45 years, including The Dallas Market Center, Texas Commerce Bank (Dallas), Asurion, Franklin Covey, and MGT Insurance.    
Prior to Stanford Business School and the founding of Peterson Partners, Joel was Chief Executive Officer of Trammell Crow Company, then the world’s largest private commercial real estate development firm. Joel earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, where he was valedictorian and student body president.
He and his wife, Diana, were married for over 50 years with 7 children, 31 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Frequently asked questions
about our rebrand
Why is the school’s name changing?
1
This name change marks the next movement in the school's story. It reflects a tradition shared by many of the world's great music schools—honoring a donor whose generosity helps secure the school's future. Our mission, standards, and teaching stay exactly the same.
Is the school’s mission changing?
2
Our mission remains the same. We'll continue to provide excellent music education for children and families in our community, expanding access regardless of financial means. Our three divisions—Conservatory, Academy, and GRIT—remain our central focus. The school remains a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Will there be schedule, faculty or location changes as a result?
3
No—everything you know stays: the same classes, the same expert faculty, and the same building, the Leon and Karen F. Peterson Building, named for another generous family in our community.
Is the school’s social media account changing?
4
Yes—you can find us on Instagram at @peterson_school_of_music, on Facebook as the Diana & Joel Peterson School of Music, and on YouTube at @psm_utahofficial.
I graduated from GMS, should I now refer to the school differently?
5
Yes—please refer to us as the Diana & Joel Peterson School of Music, or the Peterson School of Music.
Please reach out to Maddie Sosa at msosa@petersonschoolofmusic.org. All school email addresses now use the @petersonschoolofmusic.org domain.