From the White House to Disney World and everywhere in between, Alex has embraced every opportunity in his musical journey. Like many exceptional teachers, Alex’s path began as a performer. Growing up in Alabama, Alex attended a prestigious choir school. This is where he first showcased his talent in performances at remarkable venues like those mentioned. For high school, Alex pursued his passion further at the Alabama School of Fine Arts as a voice major. There, he received an immersive music education, soaking up everything he could to refine his craft.
In college, Alex shifted his focus to vocal performance and composition. While composition presented challenges, he worked diligently to improve, and the results were worth it. From 2016 to 2021, Alex served as the assistant conductor and composer for the Alabama Choir School. This is the same school that had taught him as a child. He was able to premiere 25 choral pieces with the choir. This was a full-circle moment for him.
Alex’s teaching career began naturally, as a way to earn money post-college. His first studio consisted of just 5-6 students, but a great opportunity came when he was able to teach at a piano summer camp in Vermont. Coincidentally, the camp director was also the head of the piano department at his college. Over the five weeks that he was there, he taught 160 students! This was quite the trial by fire. That experience was a defining moment, helping Alex grow immensely as a teacher.
His teaching journey took him to Seattle, where he refined his methods while managing a full schedule of 60 lessons a week. He later spent a year in Japan teaching English. This was an incredible experience for him, but it also showed him that his passion was teaching music.
Today, Alex teaches with Lessons In Your Home in the D.C. area, a role he sees as the perfect culmination of his experiences. It’s here that he blends his skills and passions to help students grow musically. When I asked about the most rewarding part of teaching, Alex humorously talked about having a selfish sense of pride in watching his students perform a song perfectly. He prioritizes setting clear goals in lessons, though he’s careful not to push too hard for perfection. For Alex, celebrating small victories and practicing patience are key. I think these concepts are all fundamental to us music teachers.
Looking ahead, Alex knows teaching is here to stay. Even during times when life has pulled him away, music education always finds its way back into his life. With a decade of teaching experience under his belt, he continues to perform with various groups and is currently the music director for a D.C.-based political comedy show.
