Download as PDF: Neil Alexander CV

 

Curriculum Vitae

Neil Alexander

Musician: 

Professional experience: composition, performance, production, musical direction for independent acoustic and electric ensembles, dance and theater; proficient with all types of acoustic and electronic keyboards, synthesizers, sampling & sound manipulating equipment and software. Extensive knowledge of M.I.D.I. and music software; audio engineer with experience in studio recording and live sound.

Awards:

2015: Individual Artist of the Year, Orange County Arts Council

Grants:

2020: NYSCA Decentralization Grant/Arts Mid Hudson 

Project: “Convergence: Series A” composition in 5 movements for mixed octet. Live streamed and free outdoor performance by the X Ensembe.

2017: Newburgh Last Saturdays/Orange County Arts Grant

Project: Hidden Windows, Inner Landscapes: Live performance exploration of community with music, choreography and live video projection

2010: Orange County Arts Grant

Project: Waves across the Pond Emerging Music in the Tides of Technology.

2009: Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Mini-Grant –

Project: Neil Alexander and Nail present a 400-Year Musical Journey

2003: Arts Community Grants of Orange County / NYSCA:

Project: Community Arts For Peace Project (CAPP)

2002: Community Arts For Peace Project (CAPP)

Project: Premier of “Newburgh: An Urban Romance”

1987: Meet The Composer

Project: Sandra Stratton and Soundance

Notable Performances:

2021

Night Flight Music Live (Online) “Convergence: Series A” (World Premiere)

An online performance (April 30th) and live outdoor concert (July 18th), made possible by funding from Arts Mid Hudson.

2019

Neil Alexander & NAIL 20th anniversary tour (11 dates)

Multiple performances including a special July show at the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon NY featuring multiple special guests.

2018

Dusklit Interactive Art Festival Sugarloaf NY “Sunset Variations”

A world premiere of new site-specific composition written for an outdoor performance at sunset featuring a 9 pice ensemble. Improvising Performers with wireless microphones play while traversing a 50 yard field to reach the stage at the moment of sunset to play written material. Performed by the X Ensemble.

2017

Newburgh NY: “Inner Landscapes, Hidden Windows” – outdoor multimedia performance featuring choreography by Ophra Wolfe, video by Cody Rounds and original music, utilizing samples of dialog taken from the community and elements of sound design.

MoMA NYC: “Robert Rauschenberg among Friends: Dante among Friends” – special performance celebrating Rauschenberg’s “34 Illustrations on Dante’s Inferno” featuring newly commissioned works by poets Kevin Young and Robin Costa Lewis with music by Carman Moore’s Sky Music Ensemble. 

2016

Ritz Theater Newburgh NY: “X Ensemble” – Premiered new 11 Piece ensemble performing original compositions alongside arrangements of classical and contemporary repertoire in a variety of styles. Ensemble featured saxophone, bass drums percussion, flute and String Quartet in addition to multiple keyboard instruments and computer. Program included works by Beethoven, Gershwin, and N. Alexander.

2016:

David Rubenstien Atrium at Lincoln Center, NYC – Musical Director & keyboards for  “Beyond Belief” CD Release Show by hip-hop artist Decora; arranged music for and led rehearsals for 8 piece ensemble

2016:

Alchemical Theater, NYC: Played piano with George Brandon’s Blue Unity Orchestra.

2015:

Hudson Room Newburgh NY – Musical Director & keyboards for  “Bread and Oats” CD Release Show by hip-hop artist Decora; wrote arrangements and led rehearsals for 13 piece band including 8 voice choir

2014

Falcon Marlboro NY: “Joe Zawinul Birthday Tribute concert” – performance celebrating the life & music of jazz musician Joe Zawinul, with selections from his entire career. Arranged all music for, rehearsed and conducted 13 piece ensemble including 4 hors and 3 vocalists. 

Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater New York NY: Performed “The Rite of Spring” on solo piano for performances of “In Violent Circles: The Rite of Spring” for Jonathan Riedel and Riedel Dance Theater.

2013

San Pedro, CA; New York NY, Beacon NY: “100 Years Of Spring” – Solo piano performance series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky’s “Le Scre Du Printemps” (The Rite Of Spring) in both traditional and non-traditional performance spaces (i.e. Farm Markets etc.). Program included additional works by Gershwin, Bartok, N. Alexander, Jazz Standards & Improvisations.

2012 – 2014

Harrisburg/Lancaster/Philadelphia PA: “100 Years Of Spring” – Solo piano performance series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky’s “Le Scre Du Printemps” (The Rite Of Spring) in both traditional and non-traditional performance spaces (i.e. Farm Markets etc.). Program included additional works by Gershwin, Bartok, N. Alexander, Jazz Standards & Improvisations.

2009

Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh NY: “Hudson/Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration” – Neil Alexander & NAIL presets a 400 Year Musical Journey, featuring the music of Bach, Beethoven, Duke Ellington, Hank Williams Jr, Charlie Parker, The Beatles and original compositions.

2008

DIA Beacon, Beacon NY: “Art Along the Hudson” – outdoor performance featuring original and traditional music

2007

BB Kings Blues Club New York, NY: MOOGFEST 2007 – Neil Alexander & NAIL featured Performer with Adam Holzman, Thomas Dolby, Gershon Kingsly, Herb Deutsch, Jordan Rudess, Spiraling, Xenovibes, etc.

Huntington, NY: 75th Birthday Celebration of life and music of Herb Deutsch (composer, educator). Co-organizer; Leader of house band (NAIL). Inter Media Arts Center Theater

2006

Woodstock, NY: CD Release-Neil Alexander & NAIL “Tugging At The Infinite” 

2002

Howland Cultural Center Beacon NY: Premier of personal transcription of Sacre Du Printemps for Solo Piano-

Howland Cultural Center

1996

Nyack, NY: CD Release-Neil Alexander “Alone At Last”.

1995

Purchase, NY: “Le Sacre du Printemps” for 2 pianos with Pianist Roberto Pace-

Purchase Dance Corps’ production of Paul Taylor’s “The Rehearsal.”

1985

Montreal, Canada International Festival of Mime with the Adaptors Movement Theater Co-composer, musical director, conductor and sound design.

New York, NY: Lincoln Center Jazz Series Out-of-Doors-Gunther Hampel Quartet.

1984

New York, NY: “Le Sacre du Printemps” for 2 pianos with Brad Kaus-NYU

1982

Brooklyn, NY: Guest performer at faculty concert–Brooklyn Conservatory of Music

Composer

1978 – Present: 

Compositions for dance, theater, sound design, and music performance leading to the creation of over 250 works for small ensembles (1 – 15 members) and/or electronic performance in the following styles:

  • 20th Century Classical, 
  • Minimalist, 
  • Ambient, 
  • Electronica, 
  • Musique Concrete, 
  • Jazz, 
  • Rock, 
  • Progressive Rock, 
  • Pop, 
  • Funk

As Performer

1973 – Present: 

Many different music styles and contexts: solo, duo, trio, small group, chamber, piano duo, electronics, jazz, big band, musical theater pit, dance ensemble and solo accompaniment, singer/songwriter, clinic, master class, etc.

Solo

2014 – Present: Ongoing Solo Electronic Music performances at Kutztown, Philadelphia, Princeton, Boulder CO and New York State festivals and events such as the Northeast Electro-Music Festival. 

2012-2014

2013 – present: Ongoing solo electronic and experimental performances at the Electro-Music Festival Northeast and satellite events and venues.

2006 – present: Live electronic musical score for silent films: Aleta: Queen Of Mars, Noseferatu, Phantom of the Opera, many others.

2004 – present: “Nail Jung” Electronica Project-Solo performances built around laptop computer generated music i.e. loop, sample and radical audio manipulation. 

2002 – present:

Premiered new transcription of Stravinsky’s “Rite Of Spring” for solo piano

Performances often includes lecture on the structure, history and sources of the work, as well as additional works by Bartok, Ives, Gershwin, and Cage (prepared piano). etc.

1977 – present:

Acoustic and/or electronic, free improvisation, jazz standard repertoire, modern classical, avant-garde. 

As A Group Leader

1997 – Present:

Neil Alexander & NAIL– 3-5 piece experimental electric jazz group playing primarily Neil’s compositions. Extensive use of sample sound effects, live MIDI control of synthesizers, custom programming etc. Composed, arranged, and conducted a variety of original material and jazz standard repertoire. Released three self produced CDs. International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE); Chamber Music America (CMA).

2014 – Present

Mr Gone (co-leader with Peter Furlan) – repertory ensemble performing the collected works of Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, especially the music of Weather Report, the Mwandishi band and the Headhunters.

2014 – Present

Thunderhead Organ Trio (co-leader with Joe Gil) – classic “organ trio” lineup performing original music and select jazz standard and progressive rock repertoire

2007 – 2013

Red Slider – Improvisational duo with drummer Ray Levier focusing on drum ‘n’ bass, electronica, funk and ambient

2000 – 2007:

Inner Music Ensemble -Live ambient music ensemble of primarily improvised music; Instrumentation includes synthesizers, acoustic and electric guitars, loops, kit drum, traditional/tribal/electronic percussion, sound effects, and manipulative audio devices. Festival and private performance. Self Produced CD “One” release in 2002.

1987 – present:

Neil Alexander  (trio/quartet/quintet)-small group focus on standard jazz repertoire and Neil’s Compositions in both Acoustic and Electric settings. 

1978-1981; 1986-1994

A. Animal – Power trio performing progressive Rock music composed by group members, as well as compositions by John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Tony Williams, Jan Hammer, Bill Bruford, Robert Fripp, Led Zepplin, etc. CD “Overhaul” released 2001.

1985 – 1988:

General Disturbance-Jazz/rock/funk group playing small clubs in NY. Original material and Jazz funk/fusion repertoire.

1982 – 1985:

Solid Juice-Soul/jazz group playing small clubs in NY. Original material and jazz standard repertoire


As a Group Sideman

2015 Present:

“Piktor’s Metamorphosis” – performing “classic Jazz-rock fusion” feat. the music of Stanley Clarke, Jan Hammer, Mahavishnu Orchestra, David Sancious, Pat Metheny and many others

2013 – Present: 

Peter Furlan Project – original compositions and arrangements by Peter Furlan. Local performances,

2008 – present:

Mahavishnu Project-High Energy jazz-fusion led by Drummer Gregg Bendian recreating and expanding on John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra era compositions & releases. Ongoing performances.

2007 – 2009:

MBA (Meyer/Burnham/Alexander)-Experimental trio, with Bob Meyer (drums) and Charlie Burnham (violin). Free jazz, improvised serial music, ambient and electronica.

1996 – 2006:

The Machine: International touring New York based Pink Floyd tribute band. Designed and set up custom keyboard layout; programmed and organized sounds; performed all keyboard parts including overdubs on original recordings and additional guitar parts (on keyboards). On site equipment troubleshooting and repair. Performed on live and studio CD’s/DVD Extensive national & international touring including moderate-large clubs, concert halls and festivals such as Bonaroo.

1983 – 1984:

Gunther Hampel “Time is Now”-Small group performances in NY City at the Knitting Factory, Lincoln Center Outdoor Jazz series, etc. synthesizers and other keyboards.

Additional groups, performances and/or recordings:

Jazz/ Improvisational/Funk 

Alexander/Dziuba/Kopec/Sharp, Red Slider, Marvin Bu-ga-lu Smith Trio, Virginia Dare, Charles Haynes, Ray Levier, Bob Meyer, Tal Ross

September Project: The Heart of Jazz, Judi Silvano, George Brandon, Robert Kopec Quartet, Fred Jacobs Quartet, Big Bang Jazz Gang, Joe Gil & The Trio Of Terror, Premik & Friends (the Light Riders), Effort Mastery Ensemble,

Pop/rock/alternative/Reggae-Dancehall/Soul/Blues

Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane), Mick & The Maelstrom, Olive & The Branch, Big Fun, Mirror, Frank O’ The Mountain, DBR, Paul Roach & The Young Lions, Scott Weis Band, The Flying Obersons, etc. Ongoing freelance work. 

Spoken word with music/Pit band

Chainsaw Bear (composed; engineered & produced recording)

Howard Killik / Linda Ducci (musical theater; music direction and choreography)

Ongoing live performances with poet Mona Toscano Pashke, others

Guest Performer with School groups:

Bergen Youth Jazz Ensemble; Goshen Middle School Jazz Band; Rockland Youth Jazz Ensemble (2004 – Present)

RECORDING DISCOGRAPHY:

Self Produced and/or As Leader

1987: Neil Alexander: Alexander’s Imbalance (produced/engineered)

1990: A. Animal: Overhaul (co- produced)

1996: Neil Alexander: Alone At Last (produced/engineered)

1999: NAIL: Bent (produced)

2000: Inner Music Ensemble: ONE (produced/engineered)

2002: Alexander/Dziuba/Kopec/Sharp: Insert Jazz Here (produced)

2003: NAIL: Galvanized (produced)

2004: N. Alexander: Newburgh–An Urban Romance/

2004: N. Alexander & Erik Lawrence: 4 Nocturnes (produced)

2006: Logical Oscillator: Downelectro (produced/engineered)

2007: Neil Alexander & NAIL: Tugging At The Infinite (produced)

2008:            MBA: Planetarium Music (The Montrose Sessions) (produced/engineered)

2012:            Darn That Dream: Solo Piano Vol. 1 (recorded/produced/engineered)

2015:            Soft Invaders: Live solo electronic Performance (mastered)

2018:            Darn That Dream Live in LA: Solo Piano Vol. 2 (produced)

2018:            Neil Alexander & NAIL: Live at eh Blue Note, NYC (produced)

2019:            Nail Jung: “Overview Effect” (composed/performed/produced)

2020:            Neil Alexander: “Solos/Duos/Trios” (composed/performed/produced)

2020:            Nail Jung: “Check Your Vibration” (composed/performed/produced)

2020:            Neil Alexander/Chris Pasin/Bob Meyer: Live at the Hopper House

2021:            Neil Alexander: “The Valley of Hidden Dreams” (composed/performed/produced)

 

Additional Titles

1986: Tal Ross: a.k.a. Detrimental Vasoline/Giant Shirley

1995: Mirror: Reflections

1995: The Best of Virginia Dare: Quail’s Eggs And Caviar

1996: 4Front: Gravity

1997: Frank ‘O the Mountain: Radioactive Squid Pizza

1997: The Machine: Live In NY

1998: The Machine: Softly Spoken Magic Spells

2001: The Machine: Where We Came In

2002: Chainsaw Bear: Stories from the Hudson (produced/engineered)

2002: The Machine: Till We Meet Again

2005: Paul Roach and the Young Lions:

2006: The Machine: Unplugged

2008: George Brandon & Blue Unity Orchestra

2010: Steve Lawson/Neil Alexander: Hidden Windows

2011: Legoland Empire: Guard The Point

2013: Legoland Empire: Solar Particles

2014: Bread and Oats: Decora

2015: Beyond Belief: Decora

2019 Peter Furlan Project “Between the Lines” (performed/Coproduced)

2020: Rez Abbasi “Django Shift” 

Dance and Theater:

1982 – Present:

Composer/accompanist – multiple works focusing on live performance in all styles and techniques, utilizing piano, percussion, synthesizers, computers, etc. 

1992-2019:

SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, including performing Paul Taylor’s “Le Sacre Du Printemps” (“The Rehearsal”) with Purchase Dance Corps (1994). Composition and performance for BFA, MFA student projects. Organize and produce Conservatory musician’s concert.

2011-2013:

Jonathan Reidel & Dancers (Jon Riedel, dir.) Rehearsed & Performed self transcribed solo piano version of “Sacre Du Printemps” with dancers; performed at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance and at the Alvin Ailey School NYC.

2005 – 2007:

Vassar College Dance Program. Accompanist for dance classes

2005 – present:

Kaatsbaan International Dance Center: accompanist for “Ballet Xtreme” summer program, ongoing

2004 – 2009:

Lane & Co. (Lane Gifford, dir.) Composition, arrangement and performance for various productions and performances include NY Fringe Festival

2000

Doug Varone and Dancers – Summer intensive, Purchase College

1994:

Centerfield Productions-Music director for “Comfortably Numb”, theatrical production based on “The Wall” by Pink Floyd. Rehearsed musicians and actors. Conducted arranged and performed 2nd Keys in Pit Orchestra. Performances at SUNY Binghamton, Suffern NY, Bristol PA Produced by Neil Berg.

1983 – 1986:

Kaleidoscope Dance Company- Touring internationally; Grades 1- 8 children’s dance education program.

 

1982 – 1987:

Adaptors Movement Theater-Internationally touring avant-garde mime company. Co–composed (with Saxophonist Charles Haynes) 2 full length Off-Broadway shows. Musical Director and Keyboardist with live band. Created and operated extensive sound effect library. Engineered Live sound system (including Lavilier microphones and video feeds) from stage

1982 – present:

Freelance Dance accompanist for-Lenore Lattimer; Sarah Stackhouse; Donald Byrd; Majorie Pierces; Laura Brittian; Cindy Scarborough; Joy Kellerman; Laura Housman; Lenny Williams; Jim Moore; Judy Schwartz; Sara Hauser; Kevin Wynn; Larry Clark; Roseanna Seravali; Gayle Young; Bert Terborgh; Stephanie Tooman; Ted Kivit; Alaine Haubert; Martine Van Hammel; Pascal Riouelt; Richard Cook; Meta Spaniardi; Megan Williams; many others.

Dance accompanist at Clarke Center; New York University; Joy Of Movement; Broadway Rhythm; Kaatsbaan International Dance Center; Sarah Lawrence College; Marymount College; Manhattanville College; Hunter College; Vassar College; Jose Limon Company; Donald Byrd Company.

Composition for Choreographers

2017 Ophra Wolfe (individual artist)

2017 Beth McKee Elliot (Haven Movement Company)

2014 Larry Clark (SUNY Faculty)

2013 Molly Posterl (SUNY Faculty)

2012 Larry Clark (SUNY Faculty)

2011 Kevin Wynn (SUNY Faculty)

2009 Phina Pippia (SUNY BFA Student)

2008 Larry Clark (SUNY Faculty), Lane Gifford, Cori Kresgi (SUNY BFA Student)

2007 Kevin Wynn (SUNY Faculty)

2006 Lindsey Fitzmorris (SUNY BFA Student)

2005 Kate Scott (SUNY BFA Student)

2004-2009 Lane Gifford 

1993 Simona Cipriani (SUNY BFA Student)

1984 – 1986 Sandra Stratton / Soundance (Composer in Residence)

1983 – 1987 Adaptors Movement Theater (Tony Brown/Kari Margolis)

1984 – 1985 Allison Jolly

1982 Wendy Garton 

LECTURING /TEACHING:

2015 – Present

Individualized Private Instruction: Ableton LIVE Software platform

2016 – Present

Multi Week workshops in Electronic Music Production at Space Create, Newburgh NY

2016 – 2017

Two 6 week Workshop series for the Hudson Valley Music Collective, New Paltz NY

2013 – 2016

“Wired Wednesdays” free once a month class in electronic music production, Newburgh Free Library Newburgh NY.

2011

Thelonius Monk Institute: created curriculum and taught 4 hour course in history and current performances practices of Jazz Fusion. Topics included musical analysis, composition, transcription and performance. 

2011

Orange County Arts Council – Master Class in Social Media for artist promotion

2008 – 2009

Lagond Music School – Master classes & Workshops in Looping, with both hardware & Software

2008

Orange County Arts Council – taught class in fundamentals of digital audio recording.

2007

Alto Music-Synthesizer programming clinic focusing on synthesis types and effects processing

2006 – 2012:

Hofstra University- Guest Lecturer, “History of Electronic Music” taught by Professor Herb Deutsch

1998 – Present:

Individualized Private Instruction-Intermediate to advanced private instruction, piano technique, jazz harmony, studio production, synthesizer programming, and music production. Students include Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz scholarship recipients

2002:

Series of lecture demonstrations in Music Technology for Performance

1995:

Purchase College Music Conservatory-Music performance technology lecture demonstration and master class focusing on performance applications and techniques of modern musical equipment, performance setups, special tricks, and combining techniques to achieve desired results.

1996:

NAMM Convention, Anaheim CA- Product demonstration for Aquila Technologies at winter NAMM. 

1994:

Purchase College Music Conservatory- Lecture demonstration and master class on history, design and operation of analog synthesizers and their evolution into modern music making machines. Hands on exploration using a variety of equipment and synthesis techniques i.e. patch cord synthesis, MIDI, drum machines, etc.

 

1991:

Nyack High School- Lecture demonstration and master class “Joy Of Music” focusing on composition, arranging, and performance. Selected guest artists.

PRODUCTION/ADMINISTRATIVE:

Concert Production

2011:

Newburgh, NY: Newburgh Bay Mashup Concert – Organized & coordinated 4 hour mini-music festival featuring 12 performers for Newburgh Free Library. Created House Band. musicians performance schedule, sound, and stage. Performed as part of house band.

2010:

Newburgh, NY: Curated “Weird Wednesdays” , an experimental music series at the Wherehouse Restaurant. Coordinated performer schedule. Documented with audio & video.

2009:

Newburgh, NY: Neil Alexander and Nail present a 400-Year Musical Journey- 

Part of The Hudson-Champlain Quadricentennial celebration. Organized venue, program, musicians, staging, and sound. Composed and arranged music including new works. Rehearsed and conducted ensemble.

2007:

Newburgh, NY: Newburgh Summer Arts Festival Concert Series- Produced 3 Newburgh Arts & Cultural Association concerts. Organized budget, musicians performance schedule, sound, and stage. Performed in 2 engineered sound for one.

1996 – present:

Purchase, NY: Created “Conservatory of Dance Semi Annual Musician’s Concert, a performance by the musicians of the SUNY Purchase Conservatory Of Dance. Coordinated performer schedules & technical details, made programs, etc. 

1994:

Tappan NY: Route 303 Awareness Event-Produce all day family music festival. Organized musicians, performance schedule, sound, stage, and advertisement.

1986: New York, NY: Cuando – Produced and performed in 3 band concert.