My name is Alex and I am available as a tutor in trumpet, beginning piano, music theory, ear training and general music.
Musical studies began early for me when my Godmother, a church organist and piano teacher, started me on piano at age 4. Not only did she teach me piano, but took me to wide variety of concerts including regular visits to the symphony, musicals and sitting in the choir loft at church. There was no pressure to be involved in music, but the nurturing environment made me want to take part in it. From that point, my interest in music would evolve into a deep love that spread to many facets of the art. At age 10, I started trumpet in the school band. At age 14, I discovered jazz, after being strongly rooted in the more traditional classical and church music. By the end of high school, I decided to pursue music as career and went on to obtain a Jazz degree at the University of North Florida. I then studied with trumpet great Jon Faddis at Purchase College, where I received my MM in Jazz Studies in May 2009.
Since the beginning of my musical training, I have been fortunate to have some amazing teachers and mentors. From my Godmother to my current teacher Jon Faddis, I am always touched by the generosity and dedication they have in what they do. I have had many teachers in between that have shared that same quality. Now, as a teacher myself, I would like to pass on music in the same way that they have for me. I think that by maintaining that spirit, I can be a valuable asset in any educational environment.
As a performer I have been fortunate to perform throughout the USA, Europe and Asia with a wide range of musicians. From performing with funk trombonist Fred Wesley, to singing Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion, to jazz drumming legend Jimmy Cobb, I believe there is beauty in all music if done well and with sincerity. I maintain a varied calendar that has included jazz, classical, pop, church music (singing in choir), musicals, children’s music, and much more. As a composer, my work has been performed in major venues such as the Kennedy Center and recorded by jazz piano master Kenny Barron. An avid arranger, I have arranged for concert band, chamber ensembles, big band, and my own nine piece ensemble, The Jazz Conceptions Orchestra. In addition to maintaining a private studio, I have taught in various settings, from Jazz at Lincoln Center to community workshops with one of my musical mentors in Savannah, Georgia. I think many of these experiences and my success are a tribute to the great teachers that instilled the knowledge and values I carry with me. These things and more are what I will carry with me into a classroom.
I have been very fortunate to have a great combination of sound mentorship and valuable opportunity and experience. I have grown up realizing the direct correlation between those things and have always valued great teachers. This has inspired me to be the educator I am and strive to be. By embodying the generosity, encouragement, and expertise of those that taught me, I am confident in my ability as an educator and mentor.
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