For nearly two decades, Peter DiCarlo has established himself in a myriad of worlds. Currently based in Izmir, Turkey, Peter is an accomplished saxophonist with a strong tone and style that is distinctly his own. In addition to his focus on performance and composition, he thrives in the world of music education.

Peter published two albums with Shifting Paradigm Records. ‘The Other Side’ was recorded in Istanbul, Turkey, and published in 2024. This new album presents the powerful vision of Istanbul’s finest jazz musicians, including Uraz Kivaner on piano, Ozan Musluoğlu on double bass and Ferit Odman on drums. His debut album was entitled, “Onward,” and published in 2021. This album featured trumpeter Scott Wendholt, tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, baritone saxophonist Claire Daly, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Tom DiCarlo, percussionist Keisel Jiménez, drummer Chris Parker, and vocalist Jerson Trinidad. ‘Onward’ was chosen as an Editor’s Pick in Downbeat Magazine.

Coming from a musical family, Peter’s first introduction to music was through the piano before eventually moving on to the saxophone at the age of 10. Peter’s father, Joseph, an avocational saxophonist, would often play the saxophone at home when he was growing up. Peter’s father became his inspiration to play the saxophone, and his first teacher. His mother plays the accordion, and his brother Tom is a professional bassist in New York City. 

Peter went to Rutgers University for both undergraduate and graduate studies. At Rutgers, Peter studied with acclaimed saxophonist Ralph Bowen. Peter was tremendously impacted by Bowen since first hearing his OTB recordings. Studying with Ralph “was extremely challenging and rewarding. You had to be ready for anything. Ralph’s approach to teaching was exceptionally methodical, and he zeroed in on your weaknesses. It was a privilege to study with him for so many years,” says DiCarlo. He also had the benefit of performing beside trumpeter Sean Jones, pianist Stanley Cowell, guitarist Vic Juris, bassists Kenny Davis and Mike Richmond, saxophonists Julius Tolentino and Brad Leali during this time. 

Peter had the utmost pleasure of performing with the legendary artist Ray Charles at two benefit concerts while at Rutgers. Portions of one of these concerts can be viewed here: Link

Immediately after completing his graduate studies, Peter began his career as an educator in the Somerset Hills School District in New Jersey for nearly ten years. Since then, he has taught at MEF International School - Izmir, the United Nations International School and the Churchill School in New York City. Peter has published several scholarly articles on woodwind pedagogy and jazz education featured in Tempo Magazine.

While teaching in the Somerset Hills, Peter earned a second masters degree in education from Columbia University’s graduate school of education, Teachers College.

Peter balances his passion for teaching while also maintaining a rigorous practice schedule and continuing to perform. DiCarlo has performed at the Blue Note, Carnegie Hall, Smalls Jazz Club, the Izod Center, Harmony Hall in Fukui, and Ahmed Adnan Saygun Arts Center in Izmir.