Wellington
Saxophone Lessons | Clarinet Lessons, Flute Lessons | Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
Hello! I am a woodwind player working in Wellington, and am always keen to welcome new students. I have been teaching at schools around Wellington for the past few years, primary and secondary, as well as teaching private students of all ages. I enjoy working with people to realise their goals in music and to get the most joy possible out of it.
Alex Trask is a saxophonist, composer, and woodwind player based in Pōneke. He is a staple of the jazz scene and performs in many genres with his own groups. Alex has performed nationwide, appearing at the Wellington Jazz Festival and the National Jazz Festival many times. In February 2023 he completed a successful North Island tour with a trio, on which his upcoming album on Thelonious Records was recorded. Alex is a prolific composer, releasing his first live album, ‘Live at the Jam Factory’, in 2022, which featured original swing music and bebop hits. Since recording this Alex has developed a new sound in his compositions, blending folk melodies with free jazz aesthetics. This music was first presented on the tour. Alex is also an accomplished clarinettist and flautist, performing regularly on these instruments. His flute playing can be heard on the Gallery Orchestra recording with Tāmira Pūoro, and his clarinet playing features on ‘Live at the Jam Factory’. As a saxophonist, Alex is a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force band, and is often seen playing with the Rodger Fox Big Band. Other notable groups Alex has played with include Gallery Orchestra, Wellington Youth Orchestra, Wellington City Symphonic band, and many big bands around Wellington. Alex holds a BMus in Jazz Performance from the New Zealand School of Music, where he also studied classical saxophone and clarinet.
Teaching Info
My style of teaching is based upon the student’s individual goals and aspirations as a musician. As well as helping people achieve individual goals, I offer structured fundamental training on the instrument that will set the student up for any musical occasion. For beginners this means developing fundamental skills on the instrument and building good habits from the start, with room to explore the student’s own passions as they progress.