Music Business program head Armand Petri inducted into Buffalo Music Hall of Fame

SUNY Fredonia Music Business Professor Armand Petri (center) performs at the 30th annual Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Induction Gala on Oct. 4. Petri was one of 10 new members among the Class of 2012, joining the hall’s nearly 250 members. (Photo courtesy of Elmer Ploetz.)

Producer, engineer, composer and musician Armand Petri, head of the SUNY Fredonia's Music Business program, was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame on Oct. 4.

Mr. Petri was one of 12 people (and only two non-performers) inducted at a ceremony and celebration held at the Tralf Music Hall in downtown Buffalo at the organization’s 30th annual Induction Gala. 

The event has welcomed artists and industry professionals such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Ani DiFranco, Brian McKnight, JoAnn Falletta, Willie Nile, Spyro Gyra, the Colored Music Club, Billy Sheehan, Grover Washington Jr. and Rick James among its nearly 250 honorees over the years.

Petri has over 25 years of experience in the music industry, encompassing fields of artist management, record and video production, and live sound. Working with artists such as the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, and Sixpence None the Richer, Petri’s accolades include several gold and platinum records, a Dove Award, and song placement in television and film.

Petri holds an M.A. in Arts Management from the University at Buffalo. At SUNY Fredonia, he has designed a unique program that gives students the opportunity to learn about the industry both in the classroom and outside academia through internships. He combines his passion for music industry with his desire to educate, leading students into the future of the music industry.

"This year's class is once again exceptional," said Rick Mathews, president of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. "It is truly a privilege to recognize and pay tribute to the outstanding talent of these incredible individuals as we prepare to induct them into Buffalo's coveted Music Hall of Fame."

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is open to “all those with a local connection, such as being born or raised in the Western New York region or made major contributions to their musical career while in the area,” according to the organization’s website.