Peter Friestedt was born in 1973 and raised in Strömstad, Sweden. He began to play the piano at age 10, and by the time he was 15 years old, Peter had begun to play guitar.

Peter studied at various Music Conservatories in Sweden (Gothenbourg Jazz Academy, Skurup Music Conservatory, and the Haparanda Music Conservatory, where he also taught guitar). In 1998, he decided to continue his studies in the United States at the Los Angeles Music Academy, under the instruction of department head Frank Gambale and his guitar staff.

In Sweden, Peter performed with gospel artist Per-Eric Hallin, jazz-funk giant Nils Landgren, The Buddy Rich Tribute Big Band, as well as his own Peter Friestedt Group.

Peter graduated from the Los Angeles Music Academy in excellent academic standing. He was one of four students, coached by the legendary drummer Ralph Humphrey and LAMA guitar instructor Bill Fowler, who received recognition for first place in the 2000 Cal State Los Angeles University Jazz Competition.

Source: www.peterfriestedt.com