As a jazz composer-arranger, Pete is a dynamo.   Pete has written music for his own projects as well as being commissioned to write for many well-known jazz artists and schools. Some of these include Dave Liebman, the University Of Miami (Florida), The Westchester Jazz Orchestra, Charles McPherson and the New Jersey City University Jazz Ensemble, as well as receiving grants from such organizations as the National Endowment for the Arts.

He writes for his own big band, “The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra”. The group has performed live at such NYC clubs as The Blue Note, The Jazz Gallery, and Iridium. Its debut CD “First Flight” was released nation-wide in 2007 on Summit records to much critical acclaim and radio play. Pete’s arrangement of “Smile” from the CD was officially nominated in 2008 for a GRAMMY award. And his most recent CD "Strength in Numbers" received TWO GRAMMY nomination;  Best Instrumental or A Capella Arrangement for “Beautiful Dreamer” AND Best Instrumental Arrangement With Vocals for “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?” Many of his charts are available for purchase through Kendor Music (pro-level arrangements) and Smart Chart Music (student-level arrangements), as well as directly from Pete. His music is performed by high school,  college, and professional big bands across the country, as well as in Europe.