University of Rochester

Alumnus Profile

Back to Alumni Journeys Main Page
Alexa Tarantino photo Alexa Tarantino photo

Alexa Tarantino
Organization: Jazz at Lincoln Center
Title: Jazz Saxophone & Woodwind Artist, Composer, and Mentor
Program Graduation: BM, ALP Certificate 2014
Musical Studies: Music Teaching & Learning, Saxophone
Musical Specialties: Chamber Music, Education, Jazz, Large Ensemble
Non-Musical Specialties: Business Owner, Leadership, Technology
Quote: “The Institute for Music Leadership was such a highlight throughout my time at Eastman. I loved my time in the Arts Leadership Program. This program is what led me to start my summer jazz program, Rockport Jazz Workshop. I was able to use my summer ALP internship at the local non-profit, Rockport Music, and eventually pitch the idea of starting this summer workshop. I also interned at Jazz90.1 in Rochester NY and made lasting connections and friendships that have truly brightened my life and career. I am so grateful to Dr. Ricker, Leslie Scatterday, Linda Altpeter, Jim Doser, and all that I connected with during my time at ESM/IML/ALP.”

Bio:

Alexa has appeared with a wide variety of ensembles including the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Cecile McLorin Salvant Quintet and OGRESSE ensembles, Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Generation Y and Big Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and leads the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. Firefly, Alexa’s third record for Posi-Tone Records hit #6 on the JazzWeek charts. Her album, Clarity, landed at #54 for JazzWeek’s Top 100 records of 2020. Tarantino is on faculty for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Youth Programs. She holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and Bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. Alexa is Founder and Director of the Rockport Jazz Workshop in Rockport, Massachusetts and Co-Founder of A Step Ahead Jazz with pianist Steven Feifke. In February 2021, Alexa launched her new virtual community-style jazz education platform, The Alexa Approach.