Peter Dobai
Waltons New School of Music Faculty
Saxophone • Clarinet • Recorder
Hailing from Slovakia, Peter started music study at the age of ten, beginning with clarinet and recorder and then going on to classical oboe as an undergraduate at Bratislava State Conservatory. After completing his studies at the Conservatory with an honours degree, Peter decided to concentrate on the saxophone, with a particular focus on jazz. Since there was no jazz school in Slovakia, he came to Dublin and earned an honours BA in Jazz Performance from Newpark Music Centre. Peter went on to receive a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama – and while there he was exposed, through direct tuition and masterclasses, to such jazz luminaries as David Liebman, Steve Coleman, David Binney and Lionel Loueke. Peter has been very active on the Irish and international jazz scene with his own band Kavorka, and he has also performed with several Irish groups, including the Conor Guilfoyle Octet, Umbra, and the Dublin Gospel Choir. He also works as a session musician and arranger, collaborating with such groups as The Stunning, The Friendly Fires, Superfly and The Swing Cats. Peter has extensive experience teaching saxophone, clarinet and recorder to students of all ages – and at all skill levels – in both Slovakia and Ireland.
‘Teaching is an exciting process, and it has taught me a tremendous amount not only about music but about life in general. Every student requires a unique approach, and I really enjoy finding out what works best for each of them.’
Meet Your Teacher
Peter talks about his background and teaching and plays ‘Doxy’ by the great jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.
a comprehensive music centre in the heart of Dublin.