Alex Upton

Alex Upton is a Memphis-based saxophonist, composer, and educator with a deep passion for musics both old and new. Alex is a nationally awarded soloist that has performed and recorded with artists such as Rahsaan Barber, Rachel Therrien, Ted Ludwig, Baron Tymas, Stephen Anderson, and James Sexton.  

 

Alex holds numerous accolades as a saxophonist; in 2022, they were awarded first prize in the North American Saxophone Alliance's National Jazz Artist competition, open to saxophonists across the continent under age 27 and the most prestigious of its kind. In 2023, Alex was featured as a soloist at the 2023 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference, where they premiered the Cold Chicken Suite, a commissioned suite for soloist and large jazz ensemble by Nine-time Grammy Award winning bassist and composer Christian McBride. Alex maintains an active presence as a performer in the southeast, where their playing has been featured in prestigious venues including the Crosstown Arts Green Room, Alfred's on Beale, Durham's Sharp Nine Gallery, and Raleigh's Bond Brothers East. Alex's voice as a composer is featured on their latest album release "Portraits of a Silent Moment", as well as the Summit Records label via the 360 Jazz Initiative ensemble.

​

Alex holds a master's degree in jazz and studio music from the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis, where they served as part-time instructor and saxophone graduate assistant. Alex received their bachelor's degree in music performance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they were awarded the prestigious full-ride Kenan Music Scholarship. 

​

When not performing or composing, Alex maintains an active role as a music educator.  Alex has served as instructor of record for Jazz Combo I, Jazz Combo II, and Jazz Improvisation II at the University of Memphis. In addition to maintaining a private studio, they have additionally served on faculty for both the John Coltrane jazz workshop and the UNC Summer Jazz Workshop. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mTVFcoZESpNylCSYy56l3