Biography

As soon as he played the first notes of "King of the Road" at age seven, Peter Vantine knew then he would continually be put on the spot to play piano for friends and family members wherever he went. Thankfully, this did not deter him from a career in music (although the hands get pretty tired during the Christmas season).

Born in Massachusetts to photographer Richard Vantine and painter Ruth Vantine, and growing up in a very musical and artistic family, it was inevitable that something would eventually rub off. His first concert experience was at age 8 and he continued to perform regularly during his childhood. He attended the Young Artists' Piano Program at Tanglewood, and upon graduating high school was awarded Musician of the Year.

Peter attended the New England Conservatory of Music his first college year, and later graduated from Berklee College of Music in 1990. While at Berklee he received a film music editing internship with Segue Music in Burbank, California. Within a year from graduation, he joined the staff at the Berklee Film Scoring Department, where he assisted students with independent projects and technical instruction. While on staff at Berklee, Peter gained a great deal of experience working alongside composers David Spear, Michael Rendish, Jon Klein and Department Chairman Don Wilkins.

In 1994, Peter joined The JLR Group, and its division Romeo Music International, as Director of Media developing MIDI and digital audio recordings for various multimedia companies, including Comptons, Grolier Interactive, Mindscape, and Cakewalk. Peter also composed and orchestrated music for live performances during this time, including original music for The Magic of Lyn. Peter eventually partnered with the founders of The JLR Group and formed a new corporation, providing multimedia content for industry leaders such as The Learning Company, Warner Brothers Online, and Paulist Press.

Alongside the near constant music and media work, Peter maintained a steady position as Music Director at the Middleton Congregational Church (since 1988). In 1998, a growing passion for music and ministry led to his forming a new arts and music ministry organization, One Foundation, with its premiere compilation recording The Fourth Day selling over 1000 copies in the first few months. Peter then partnered with music minister Eric Lindahl in forming The Choral Majority gospel choir and band, heading up the music for the 1999 Greater Lawrence Luis Palau Crusade. Peter continued his freelance work, including orchestration for Michael Sweet, lead singer of Christian heavy metal band Stryper.

In subsequent years, Peter continued to produce CDs for One Foundation and other regional and national artists, including Glimpses of the Spirit, Peter's premiere solo recording featuring original compositions for solo piano and other instruments. Peter was awarded the grand prize in the 2001 Young Film Composers Competition, which included the opportunity to write an original score for a silent film. "Camille" was premiered on Turner Classic Movies on February 14th, 2002 as part of a special "Valentine to Valentino" classic film tribute to Rudolph Valentino. It continues to air periodically on TCM.

Peter was ordained by the Middleton Congregational Church as Pastor of Music and Worship in Spring 2002. He continued producing music in a variety of areas, including a theatre production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a second CD featuring his original music in collaboration with soprano vocalist Julie-Ann Aguhob (Simple Song), orchestrations for Stryper's version of the classic Michael W. Smith song "Friends" as well as their latest CD release (Reborn), both of which were international releases, and another 20+ CDs under his belt.

In 2004, Peter embarked on his most ambitious project to date - opening a commercial recording studio. Featuring a Bosendorfer grand piano and years of experience in the studio, his creative output nearly tripled. "The Stoneham Years", as Peter likes to describe it, "were truly wonderful years of musical inspiration. I had the opportunity to work with many amazing artists and musicians and feel blessed for those moments."

After three years in Stoneham, Peter felt the calling to pursue teaching. Thus, the studio was closed and the position as Director of Music at Covenant Christian Academy opened up at what seemed to be a God-appointed moment. Peter has been a teacher/administrator at CCA for almost a year now and directs the choirs, bands and teaches music classes for grades 3-10.

Today, an accomplished producer and award-winning composer, Peter has received acclaim from audiences across the nation for his versatility and evocation of emotion and spirit through music. From choral to rock band, symphonic film music to synth programming, Peter continues to explore the many possibilities in just about every musical style. Peter strives for the highest caliber in both production and musical inventiveness as he truly seeks to “touch the heart”. Building and nurturing relationships through music is vital to Peter and is often captured in the sounds he creates.

Peter is married with two children - a daughter and son - who are all the "lights" of his life. Peter aspires to lead a spiritual life that focuses on God's saving grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. God's Spirit has made a lasting impression on Peter's life and it's his desire to honor God through his music and his life. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)


Vantine Studio

"Vantine Studio" was the name of the Stoneham-based recording studio that Peter operated from 2004-2007. The name was derived not only due to the owner sharing the same name, but more importantly it was done as an homage to the Vantine family legacy in the professional photography industry.

Peter's grandfather, Warren Kay Vantine (originally Vartanian), immigrated from Armenia in the early part of the last century during the Turkish genocide. In the early 1920s he and his brother, Edward, both began photography studios - Warren in Boston, MA and Edward in Rochester, NY (which is still in business today - www.vantine.com).

The family business prospered for over five decades taking on a large percentage of school, wedding and portrait photography. Peter's recalls tagging along with his dad, one of their primary photographers, on many trips to photograph various events (as well as playing in the halls of the old studio on Boylston Street). To this day people still recall having their college photographs taken by Vantine Studio!

The recording stdio featured a 24' x 18' recording space ideal for tracking solo piano performances, piano and vocal performances, small chamber ensembles as well as piano overdubs for any type or style of music.

A 7'4" Bösendorfer Grand Piano was the centerpiece of Vantine Studio. Immaculate in condition, exquisite in sound, this instrument was tuned and maintained on a regular basis. All recording was digital using a Digi002 rig with the latest ProTools software and plug-ins. A wide array of synth/sample gear was also available, including Kurzweil, Yamaha, Korg, Roland, Atmosphere and Kontakt sample software featuring the vast Quantum Leap/East West Platinum Orchestral Library.

Currently, Peter uses much of the same equipment for his own compositions and recordings as well as an occasional arranging or orchestration project.