Alexa Tarantino
“Alexa is a one-woman wrecking crew, an indomitable force for expression, education, and absolute excellence.” — Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Award-winning jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator Alexa Tarantino is known for her “lovely, ardent way of improvising” and “sharply plotted but gracefully unencumbered straight-ahead jazz compositions” (The New York Times). Recognized as one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019” by JazzTimes Critics’ Poll and nominated as a “Rising Star - Alto Saxophone” by DownBeat Magazine’s 2020 Critics’ Poll, Tarantino’s dynamic artistry shines both on stage and in the classroom.
Tarantino performs as a leader and sidewoman in diverse ensembles including the Cecile McLorin Salvant Quintet and OGRESSE Ensemble, Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Generation Y, LSAT (co-led with baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian), Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, and Sherrie Maricle & the DIVA Jazz Orchestra.
Her third Posi-Tone album, Firefly (2021), showcases her evolving compositional voice and multi-instrumental virtuosity, notably in the evocative Moment In Time suite. Previous releases Clarity (2019) and Winds of Change (2018) received critical acclaim and strong radio support.
A dedicated educator, Alexa is on faculty for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Youth Programs and serves as a clinician at schools, festivals, and workshops nationwide. She holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. Alexa is also Founder and Director of the Rockport Jazz Workshop in Massachusetts and Co-Founder of A Step Ahead Jazz with pianist Steven Feifke.
“Alexa is a one-woman wrecking crew, an indomitable force for expression, education, and absolute excellence.” — Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Award-winning jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator Alexa Tarantino is known for her “lovely, ardent way of improvising” and “sharply plotted but gracefully unencumbered straight-ahead jazz compositions” (The New York Times). Recognized as one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019” by JazzTimes Critics’ Poll and nominated as a “Rising Star - Alto Saxophone” by DownBeat Magazine’s 2020 Critics’ Poll, Tarantino’s dynamic artistry shines both on stage and in the classroom.
Tarantino performs as a leader and sidewoman in diverse ensembles including the Cecile McLorin Salvant Quintet and OGRESSE Ensemble, Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Generation Y, LSAT (co-led with baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian), Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, and Sherrie Maricle & the DIVA Jazz Orchestra.
Her third Posi-Tone album, Firefly (2021), showcases her evolving compositional voice and multi-instrumental virtuosity, notably in the evocative Moment In Time suite. Previous releases Clarity (2019) and Winds of Change (2018) received critical acclaim and strong radio support.
A dedicated educator, Alexa is on faculty for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Youth Programs and serves as a clinician at schools, festivals, and workshops nationwide. She holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. Alexa is also Founder and Director of the Rockport Jazz Workshop in Massachusetts and Co-Founder of A Step Ahead Jazz with pianist Steven Feifke.