Instruments and Services

Saxophone Lessons | Clarinet Lessons, Keyboard Lessons, Oboe Lessons, Piano Lessons, Recorder Lessons | Artist development, Aural Lessons, Ensemble Coaching, Song Writing Workshops, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, Music And Movement For Under Fives, Online Lessons

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Location

30 Kane Place, Brooklyn, NY

will travel to you please enquire.

Bio

I am an educator, musician, producer, composer, processing and operations specialist passionate about education, music, marketing and operations with experience aiding organizations that provide equitable access to music education for an increasing amount of students. My advocacy for helping communities at the margins of society has equipped me with the grit to commit to changing operations in a way that improves not just output but also morale through being ethical. My background as an independent artist in Seattle and NYC and my experience introducing children to musical instruments have shaped my passion for education both as an educator and as a volunteer doing music for charity. I inspire learning and creativity in students by cultivating an engaging environment for both music and language education. I ensure students do not have distractions in their environment and have access to the materials they need. My experience spans teaching, performing, and music operations, from introducing students to their first notes on saxophone with Seattle JazzEd to organizing benefit concerts and using strategies to increase my output of instruments processed effectively. As an English and Math Tutor at Practice and NIA community schools I focus writing, and phonetics by leveraging my expertise in teaching English to aid the next generation of students in NYC public schools. I also use my experience at NYU to strengthen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts. With a background in music retail through my first job at Kennelly Keys in Lynnwood, WA that fostered my passion for marketing instruments and accessories in the music industry, then across several sectors of entertainment, I am versatile and effective in several different roles in the music retail, marketing and education fields. My academic excellence at NYU Steinhardt studying “Instrumental Performance” and “Jazz Studies” complements my creative and disciplined approach to teaching. I studied with some of the most accomplished music luminaries in entertainment who can personally vouch for my record, like my 3+ year long mentor and piano teacher: actor Michael Wolff and bassist Ron McClure. I thrive at the intersection of creativity and organization. My background in rigorously coordinating performances and my studies has equipped me with strong administrative skills including-but not limited to-scheduling, communication, logistics. Additionally, I have a firm commitment to social justice and have worked in underserved public schools in South Seattle participating in workshops that increased access to music education to low income families. What drives me is helping others grow through music while supporting the behind-the-scenes operations that inspire bold change, whether through advocating for increased resources allocated to music education or using music as a medium of fundraising for humanitarian organizations. I am currently an incredibly versatile educator teaching English, music and math to over 40 students a day across several different groups in elementary schools across different boroughs of NYC. I am excited to discover how my history of service in education and passion for all things marketing and education will allow me to advocate for students and artists and work towards building a better world. 

As both a leader and sideman Alex has collaborated with a wide range of artists in New York City and beyond. As a bandleader, Alex co-founded a fusion and disco ensemble with NYU collaborator Avery Morgan Franks, performing at renowned Greenwich Village venues such as Chelsea Music Hall, The Delancey, Bowery Electric and Heaven Can Wait. He recorded his debut EP, More to Come, at Dolan Studio. In summer of 2023 Alex was lucky to record his second EP, appropriately titled “With my Friends and my Feel” with some of his closest friends that he has known for years in Seattle. They debuted the EP at iconic Seattle venues including the Royal Room and Blue Moon which are situated in historic Seattle neighborhoods. In Summer 2024 Alex appeared on a single with Happy Chems on track “Summer Bloom” out on Spotify in conjunction with performances at venues like the Skylark, Sunset Tavern, Bobs java jive, the Spanish Ballroom, the Jupiter Bar, Tim’s Tavern etc. Alex completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at NYU Steinhardt, Alex is an active performer in New York’s jazz scene. He recently appeared at Rockwood Music Hall and Berlin Under A, where he did a concert raising money for refugees. Alex also performed regularly on a weekly basis with acclaimed jazz guitarist Faton Macula at Arra Café & Wine Bar in Midtown Manhattan. Beyond performance, Alex has used music as a medium for service by performing for the elderly and providing lessons to low income students. He hopes to continue organizing live music fundraisers for those at the margins of society. Alex is actively recording and releasing new projects on streaming platforms. After a long education and a blooming career in music, Alex thanks his instructors at NYU including Alan Ferber, Dave Pietro, Tivon Pennicott, Billy Drewes, Michael Wolff, Ron Mcclure, Brandon Lee, Mike Rodriguez, Tony Moreno and Brad Shepik for their willingness to share knowledge and experiences he couldn’t learn anywhere else. Alex’s most recent live album recorded in Dolan Studios is out now!

Alex is an accomplished musician and educator and is available to teach beginner piano, any level of music theory/ composition lessons in several instrumental contexts, any level oboe lessons, any level sax lessons and beginning/intermediate clarinet and flute lessons.

Teaching Info

Currently as a music educator in NYC public schools even without instruments for the kids at time I:

•  Lead 40-50 minute music lessons daily to provide enrichment to their curriculum and provide the real fundamentals of music class. I used the Kodaly method as developed by one of my favorite orchestral composers Zoltan Kodaly (love dances of galanta). Being able to show students how to use solfege, sing and match pitch are great foundations that will allow us to sing songs like “amazing grace” or even “pizza party” and begin to experiment with harmony as a class. I used supporting materials from “Do Re Mi” in the classic movie “The Sound Of Music) as a starting point to connect entertainment to the foundations of music. After creating a foundation in aural skills I bring in electric pianos and help students use instruments to deepen their knowledge of music from a young age. 

Additionally, in a private lessons environment I can provide up to advanced comprehension of saxophone, oboe, music theory and composition concepts in an appropriate and personal setting. I can also help students, especially those starting out, on piano, clarinet, flute etc.

Students should expect to learn all the fundamental in addition to repertoire they are interested in that aids in their journey as a musician.