Dr. Caniato has taught theory, history, directed studies, and ensembles at Fitchburg State University, MA. As longtime tenured professor he developed specialty courses such as Opera, Music in Film, graduate Conducting and Orchestration, and a Summer Institute. He is also credited with creating a music lesson program, a music technology lab, and a highly successful concert series with masterclasses and lectures. He previously taught graduate and undergraduate courses and ensembles at Boston University, and instrumental lessons at public and private schools.
He gives frequent workshops on his music and that of others, has lectured at Metropolia University-Helsinki, Finland, presented papers at national and international conferences, and has given pre-concert talks for guest artists such as Dominique Eade, Dianne Reeves, and Tierney Sutton. He has served as book proposal reviewer for Oxford University Press, panel reviewer for the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and judge and clinician for Thayer Young Artists Concert (Atlantic Union College), and the Maine Band Directors Concert Band Festival.
His scholarly and teaching work has been recognized with various grants and awards such as Amelia Gallucci-Cirio Endowment and Ruth Butler grants, a Faculty Scholarship/Creative Award, two Leadership Awards, two sabbaticals, and the Student Government Association Faculty of the Year Award from Fitchburg State University.