Alex Melzer

Alex Melzer is a multi-talented educator and performer with a profound sense of appreciation for music in all forms. He recently earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Southern California, where he has also completed his Masters degree in Trombone Performance. Prior to moving to LA in 2017, Alex studied at Oberlin Conservatory for his Bachelor’s degree in Trombone Performance.

As a freelance trombonist, Alex is an active performer in a wide variety of musical styles varying from orchestral to commercial. He has performed with Iranian artist MOEIN at the Greek Theater and Peacock Theater, and he has also performed as a substitute with numerous local orchestras including Downey Symphony, Peninsula Symphony, LA Jewish Symphony, and California Young Artists Symphony. Additionally, Alex has subbed with Southern California Brass Consortium, Cali Brass, and he has been a member of the pit orchestra for several productions with Torrance Theater Company.

Alex is currently in his fourth year as a Teaching Artist at the Hollywood site for Harmony Project, where he teaches Intro, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Low Brass group classes. He has experience instructing all stages of learning trombone, ranging from his students' very first notes all the way to preparing for college and orchestral auditions. He is beginning to develop a library of custom arrangements for his students that is slowly growing into a unique collection of low brass music for learners of all ages.

Alex uses a student-centered approach to find the intrinsic motivation that drives each of his students. Individualized lesson plans are designed to emphasize fundamentals of creating a beautiful sound, while leaving room for his students to have their own agency in musical decision-making. By establishing an environment where students feel welcomed and accepted, Alex challenges his students to the limits of their musical abilities on any given day. He hopes to leave his students with a greater sense of self-efficacy, foundations of psychological flow through music making, and a mirrored passion for the performing arts.

For more information on Alex Melzer’s studio availability, please inquire at Ethos Music Academy.