At Tampa Bay Music Academy, we always strive to partner with teachers who are passionate about both music and teaching, and who have demonstrated exceptional skill in their areas of expertise. That’s why we are so thrilled to introduce our students and their families to our newest woodwind and brass instructor: Alex Ehredt.
Alex is a skilled saxophone performer and teacher with extensive experience teaching students at all levels, from beginners through university level. He has also published fifteen compositions for a variety of solo instruments and ensembles including solo saxophone, solo trombone, saxophone quartet, wind ensemble, and orchestra.
Alex holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa, a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Redlands in California and is currently working on his dissertation (a Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble) for a Doctor of Musical Arts from UW-Madison. He has also completed coursework in music theory pedagogy at the University of Redlands. This coursework included in-depth study of designing and teaching music theory course sequences at the university level. In 2018, he participated in a Composers Workshop at the International Trombone Festival, where his work was featured among a group of select global artists.
As Alex has continued to develop his musical talent and advance his professional career in music, he also places high priority on sharing that legacy with the next generation of musicians.
“I wanted to teach because of the amazing teachers and mentors that have helped me throughout my career,” said Alex. “If it was not for my first private saxophone teacher, Bill Garton, I would never have grown as a musician to the point of being able to attend college as a music major. It has always been my goal to pass his legacy along to my students and help them achieve their musical goals.”
To help our students and their families get to know Alex, we asked him a few questions about his musical journey and experiences.
TBMA: What is your favorite musical memory?
Alex: My favorite musical memory is performing John Corigliano’s Circus Maximus with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Wind Ensemble in 2019. This piece was performed in a shared concert with the University’s Orchestra to celebrate the grand opening of the Hamel Music Center and honor the workers who helped bring the building to life.
Circus Maximus is a 30-minute epic work for an augmented wind ensemble featuring an actual marching band that parades through the audience, as well as portions of the ensembles in an antiphonal setting. One of those antiphonal sections is the saxophone section. We had the unique opportunity to perform from the resonating chamber of the concert hall, hidden out of sight from the audience. Getting to participate in the performance while simultaneously watching the piece unfold from off stage was truly an unforgettable experience.
TBMA: What do you love about teaching?
Alex: I love not only helping students to become better musicians, but also helping them find their musical voice. Music is such a personal experience, and it can only flourish if the individual is passionate about what they are playing or writing. I also enjoy helping students navigate through the expansive and eclectic repertoire to find what styles of music pique their interests.
TBMA: What is your favorite teaching method?
Alex: My favorite teaching method is grounded in fundamentals but also focuses on the individual musical tastes of the student. Once the fundamental groundwork is laid, I allow the student’s musical preferences to dictate the path we take. I have found that forcing a student to follow a predetermined path only leads to a lack of interest in music. On the other hand, if a student is excited about what they are practicing each week then they will continue to grow into the musician that they want to become.
TBMA: When do you recommend starting private music lessons?
Alex: I recommend starting private lessons as soon as a student begins learning an instrument. If the fundamental framework is formed from the start, then the student can begin progressing at an exponential level.
TBMA: What do you enjoy doing outside the music studio?
Alex: When I’m not writing, performing, or teaching I can be found cheering on my Philly sports teams (especially the Flyers) or the University of Wisconsin teams. I am also an avid hockey player and golfer.
TBMA: What brought you to TBMA?
Alex: Getting to be a part of the exceptional faculty at TBMA was one of the main factors that intrigued me. As someone who has taught at various music lesson programs around the country, I can say that the highly qualified faculty at TBMA is one-of-a-kind. Another reason I chose TBMA is to connect with and help grow the music community in the Tampa area.
We’re truly thrilled to welcome Alex to our faculty, and we look forward to sharing his talent and love for music and teaching with our TBMA families.
Welcome to TBMA, Alex!
This is a TBMA original article written for our Tampa Bay Music Academy readership by Susan McClure. If you find it to be helpful, we would love for you to re-post it on your blog. Please contact us first for permission. Visit our website home for information on finding a music teacher in Tampa, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Citrus Park, Westchase, New Port Richey, Lutz, Trinity, Keystone, or Tarpon Springs Florida who offers private piano lessons, guitar lessons, saxophone lessons, voice lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, cello lessons, flute lessons, or music lessons in any other instrument proficiency category. TBMA teachers (piano, guitar, voice, flute, cello, violin, woodwinds, brass, strings, drums, percussion) pride themselves in a reputation for an uncompromising commitment to excellence and special care taken for every student. We remain absolutely committed to providing an outstanding enrollment experience beyond any other in the region. Call us today. We look forward to hearing from you!