Peter Lutkin

At age thirteen he began formal music training, studying organ with Clarence Eddy, piano with Regina Watson, and theory with Frederick Grant Gleason.

In 1881 he traveled to Berlin to study with Oscar Ralf (1881–1964) (sv), rl August Haupt]] (1810–1891), and Woldemar Bargiel (1828–1897).

In 1918, the honor society Pi Kappa Lambda (ΠΚΛ) was established at Northwestern University, and the Greek letters chosen were based on Lutkin's name.

He wrote at least thirty hymn tunes, numerous songs for children, and sixty-five choral anthems, some of which remain in print today.

Generations of choristers likely were first introduced to his choral music through his benediction setting, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, with its famous concluding sevenfold amen.

He wrote several books including a history of the Northwestern School of Music.He married, on October 27, 1885, Nancy Lelah Carmen (1861–1949).

Lutkin died on December 27, 1931, aged 73, at his son's home in Evanston, Illinois, after suffering a heart attack.