Peter Fennema studied piano from a young age with notable teachers including concert pianist Michel Block (Indiana University), Antoinette Perry (privately), and most recently Dr. Kirill Gliadkovsky (Saddleback College). He began organ lessons at the age of twelve and, as a student of Cherry Rhodes and Ladd Thomas, he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organ performance from the University of Southern California. He was twice named Outstanding Graduate by the faculty of the USC School of Music.

 

Peter is the recipient of numerous organ playing awards and scholarships, including the Martha Farr and Hunter Mead competitions (Pasadena AGO), the Wanda Edmiston Competition (San Diego), the Young Artist Award (LA AGO), the David Lennox Smith Memorial Award, a Los Angeles Rotary scholarship, and several USC scholarships. Peter was one of nine national finalists at the American Guild of Organists (“AGO”) National Competition in Washington, D.C. His recording there of the formidable Octavesetude by Jeanne Demessieux has been broadcast on American Public Media's PIPEDREAMS program several times. He has presented numerous solo concerts and has been a featured organist for the William Hall Chorale and the Carmel Bach Festival. Peter has held positions at several churches in the Los Angeles area, including First Lutheran Church (Glendale), All Saints Episcopal Church (Pasadena), Pasadena Presbyterian Church, St. James Episcopal Church (South Pasadena), and St. Matthias Episcopal Church (Whittier). Most recently, Peter has played regularly at Glendale First United Methodist Church where he has been the exclusive substitute for Dr. Ladd Thomas. Peter was previously organist at Westwood United Methodist Church, a position he held for seven years and has gratefully returned to in 2024.

 

For many years, Peter maintained a parallel career in information technology, focusing primarily on systems for human resources, benefits, and payroll. He has recently transitioned back to full-time music endeavors which include organ playing and piano studies. He also designs and maintains websites and communication materials for non-profit organizations.