Meet the Instructor:

AKA - Why is Peter the best?

A man and a woman sitting in a room, each playing a ukulele. The man sits on a leather chair wearing a white shirt and gray shorts. The woman sits on a wooden chair wearing a white top and black shorts. There is a bookshelf, a small guitar case, and a TV in the background.

​Peter P. Cocolla has cultivated a rich and varied career in the music field, marked by both formal education and practical experience. He began his musical journey playing the violin in school symphonies before transitioning to guitar, inspired by witnessing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. His formal studies at the Hartford Conservatory encompassed guitar, piano, violin, voice, and composition, laying a comprehensive foundation for his teaching career.

Beyond his academic background, Peter has been an active performer, serving as the lead guitarist in several bands, including his early group, Elysian Field. His performance experience spans various genres and venues, enriching his teaching with real-world insights.

A group of children are sitting on chairs on a stage, each playing a guitar, with music stands in front of them. An adult, likely a teacher or instructor, is standing in front of them, holding a guitar, leading the class. The stage has a wooden floor and a black curtain backdrop.
Man wearing sunglasses and a black hat playing an electric guitar on stage.

In addition to his performance and teaching credentials, Peter has contributed to the community through benefit concerts, notably participating in a church fundraiser that raised close to half a million dollars for building a new facility offering classes, counseling, and community programs .​

Peter's dedication to music education is further demonstrated by his development of specialized learning systems, such as the New Accelerated Learning System for beginners and the Advanced Learning System for intermediate players, as well as the Insta' Pro Guitar System . These programs reflect his commitment to making music education accessible and effective for students of all levels.​

Credentials:

Man with shoulder-length hair smiling while holding a black electric guitar with flame designs standing in a room.
A woman with wavy hair smiling and holding an electric guitar, wearing a striped shirt, in front of a colorful abstract background.

  • Violin lessons at age 8 through McDonough school program followed by private instruction.

  • Member of school symphonic orchestra and Hartford

  • All City Orchestra at age 12.

  • Self taught on guitar starting in 1964.

  • Lead guitarist for several regional bands from 1964 -1972. The In Crowd, The Deep Bluegh and Elysian Field who enjoyed concert performances with national acts such as Rick Derringer, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, J. Geils and had airplay of original music on local radio.

  • Attended The Hartford Conservatory for two years starting in 1970 studying guitar, piano, violin, voice, music theory, music appreciation, orchestration, rhythm, choir and composition. This is also where Pete began giving guitar lessons as a student teacher.

  • Studied several intense and advanced courses in "Study Technology" in private Academies in CT, Boston and Los Angeles which earned him several certificates as a Specialist in the subjects of teaching and learning itself. He has taught this as both a class instructor and a tutor to children and adults including professionals and teachers. This is definitely one of Pete's distinctions as an instructor which has fostered a learning environment that flows effortlessly from lesson to lesson giving students the rapid results they seek.

  • Lead guitarist and vocalist for The Field Project, 2007 - 2008, performing in local clubs and shows.

  • Played with the JIVE ACES!

So after 30 years of experience, Pete now works with over 50 students per week and has given over 42,000 lessons

Young woman smiling and sitting on a chair while playing a red electric guitar in a room with blue walls and red curtains.