Peter Lin is a Taiwanese-American trombonist, producer, and educator based in New Jersey/New York City. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and raised in northern New Jersey, Peter played violin and piano before picking up the trombone at 10 years old. His love for music continued, motivating him to pursue a jazz studies degree at the esteemed music programs of William Paterson University (undergraduate) and Rutgers University (graduate). Since then, he has become an integral part of the music scene, performing and sharing the stage with renowned artists including Ron Carter, Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, Charli Persip, Jerry Weldon, Valerie Ponomarev, JD Allen, Josh Evans, and Radam Schwartz. He also spent a considerable amount of time studying with his influences, including trombone masters Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, and Frank Lacy. He continues to perform prolifically as both a leader and sideman at established venues such as Blue Note, Dizzy’s, Birdland, Smalls, Fat Cat, Zinc Bar, and Candlelight Lounge.
In 2018, Peter released his first album, With Respect, which included his arrangements on classic Chinese and Taiwanese folk songs. Featuring Winard Harper on drums as well as James Zollar on trumpet, this album topped at #3 on the NACC Charts and #4 on the RMR Charts. In 2019, he released his second album, New Age Old Ways, which included eight original compositions and features JD Allen on tenor saxophone. Additionally, the album included an original comic book illustrated by Kelly Lin.
Peter continues to promote jazz education, previously holding a prestigious faculty position at Melissa Walker & Christian McBride’s non-profit organization, Jazz House Kids. He teaches lessons, masterclasses, and provides tech consultations on a regular basis. Valuing entrepreneurship, Peter founded Yardbird Entertainment along with his partner Abel Mireles, which has become a leading music production company. He recently produced the first AAPI Jazz Fest held at Rutgers Newark.