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Biography

Peter Bergin’s love for ragtime reaches back to his formative years in Michigan and the live performances he witnessed there. Passing this love onto others is the foundation of his own performances today which include classic ragtime, novelty piano and vocal renditions of the Great American Songbook. Peter’s mission is to celebrate life through music and stories, and he especially loves sharing the rhythms and the history of ragtime piano. Following a twenty-four year career in software development at many of the brightest companies in Silicon Valley, Peter took a leap of faith and embarked on a full-time career in music - a decision he would make all over again! Today, Peter shares his music in concert halls, community centers and festivals around the country, including the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, West Coast Ragtime Festival, Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Festival in Muscatine, Iowa, and Zehnder's Ragtime Festival in Frankenmuth, Michigan. He has collaborated with a number of celebrated musicians such as Bob Milne, bassist Steve Pikal, and Grammy award-winning percussionist Danny Coots. Peter is a recording artist with a variety of CD's available at www.berginmusic.com. His latest release, Ragtime Collage, is a diverse collection of classic rags and novelties. Playing and singing in the heart of community is the essence of Peter's new life in music. He looks forward to bringing ragtime to audiences everywhere as a testament to America's original popular music.

What People Are Saying...

“What an amazing performance and presentation. Peter’s ability to connect with his audience is second to none. The audience at Tribby Arts Center thoroughly enjoyed not only Peter’s spectacular talent on the piano but also the creative way in which he connected the history of Ragtime music throughout his performance. We will definitely have him back again.”

- Jon High, Programming Manager, Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, Ft. Myers, FL
"Mr. Bergin has graced our stage at the Erickson Center for the Arts and is an absolute delight! His talent reaches beyond being a spectacular pianist, as he engages his audience with an eye catching slideshow, and a wealth of ragtime history. Fun, friendly, and fantastic…Peter Bergin is the complete package for any venue… BRAVO!"

- Rachel Bonacorsi, Event/Operations Manager, Erickson Center for the Arts
"Peter always puts on a great show that delights and educates his audiences. Peter’s mastery of the keyboard and accompanying vocals has the audience singing and tapping along with the great vintage music he brings to our stage. This is the third time Peter has performed for our series, and he never disappoints.
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- Roger Bosse, Sunday Afternoon Live, First Congregational Church, Battle Creek, MI
"...a fine performer...I very much enjoyed Peter Bergin’s style of ragtime."

​- Larry Melton, The Syncopated Times
"A talented pianist...he has created a disc that will rank high on the list."

​- Jack Rummel, Ragtime Music Reviews
"An exceptionally talented musician, both energetic and dynamic, a true artist."

- The Glen Arbor Sun
"Peter Bergin is a talented pianist. Besides his musical prowess, he has a lively and interactive personality that connects with his audience throughout his concert. I would highly recommend Peter for any library looking to provide their patrons with a fun and lively concert."

- Carl Katafiasz
    Head of Adult Services, Livonia Civic Center Library
"Holiday and Ragtime concerts with Peter Bergin are amazing and always draw a crowd.  His vocal and piano skills are unbelievable and get your toes tapping as well as your heart swelling with emotion.  Anytime you hear his name, know that a grand time will be had for all ages.  His smooth, easy listening repertoire, fast, fun, frenzy of fingers gliding on the keyboard, and lyrical voice make listening an art."

- Betsy Myers
    Programming Director, Traverse Area District Library 
"Peter's performance was a rousing success at the Music House Museum and Church in the Hills. Not only was the music superb, but he engaged the audience and put smiles on all our faces. I highly recommend him as a pianist to any audience of any age."

- Dorothy Clore
     Board president, Music House Museum, Acme, MI
     Organist, Church in the Hills, Bellaire, MI
Thank you for all the wonderful concerts you've done at Green Acres of Cadillac. I'm impressed with how well you interact with your audience and how you never repeat the same concert. I love when you play the old ragtime songs on the piano. You make the piano come alive and the audience comes alive too. 

- Heather Lorkowski
    Life Enrichment Coordinator, Green Acres of Cadillac

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