Biography

Alexa Tarantino (born 1992) hails from West Hartford, Connecticut, and has solidified herself as one of the top young alto players around today. She holds degrees from The Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music, and performs regularly at New York City’s most prominent jazz venues. Tarantino has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and played at Dizzy’s Club with her own quartet. Her affiliations with Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) extend beyond her performing resume, as Tarantino serves on the faculty for their Youth Education Programs. She directs one of JALC’s High School Jazz Academy Big Bands, and works with their Jazz for Young People program, bringing jazz music to New York City Schools. Outside of JALC, Alexa Tarantino co-leads the group LSAT with baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian. Other collaborations include the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Generation Y, and the Cecile McLorin Salvant Quintet. Tarantino’s active performing career has drawn the attention of major jazz outlets, as Downbeat Magazine’s 2020 critic’s poll named her one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019.” Though these accomplishments would be impressive for a seasoned veteran, Tarantino only finished her schooling in 2019, and has barely begun her career. With her passions for education and performing, Alexa Tarantino will make her mark on the jazz world for decades to come.