Born in New York City, his father composed symphonies and opera. Peter learned to play the piano by the age of two, and by age seven he was taking structured classes. He picked up guitar and bass during his teen years, and began writing and singing while attending Harvard.

After college, Getty formed the band Virgin-Whore Complex with friend and roommate Charlie Fulton. Formed in Boston, the band featured keyboards, a viola, and boy/girl pop harmonies. When they moved to California, they worked with producer Scott Matthews, who pushed the trio to experiment with new styles, including more west coast surf music sounds.

The band released several LPs in the mid to late 90's, of which Peter Getty was the primary songwriter. The work was received well by critics, but the band eventually split ways to pursue other professions. Getty formed Emperor Norton, a boutique record label, which worked with artists like Ugly Duckling, Fantastic Plastic Machine, and Ladytron, among others.

Lately Getty fosters young musicians at the Sherman House, his San Francisco home. He has helped along a number of successful bands, lessening the financial burden of housing while on tour and helping to promote their music. He continues to play the piano and guitar, as well as the ukulele and drums.