Professional development for composers.
Expand your career. Save years of trial and error.
Does navigating the professional music world feel intimidating or confusing, but you don’t know where to go for help?
Would you benefit from regular one-on-one, personalized career guidance and feedback?
Do you have a project you dream of and don’t know where or how to start?
Are you feeling stuck creatively or professionally and want to explore possible solutions?
I offer a flexible, client-centered range of consulting services, from general feedback to intensive and dedicated coaching, designed to jumpstart your career and launch your work into the world.
I pride myself on thorough and compassionate attention to your work and your goals. Whether you compose for orchestra or ocarina, perform electronic music, are starting a podcast, or figuring out a new life plan, I’m here to help you find your footing.
Before working with Alex I’d worked with other coaches and participated in various programs. While they were helpful to a degree, they seemed to be focused on helping performers and did not address some of the key issues specific to composers. The fact that Alex is a seasoned and successful composer led me to think that she would understand my situation better and would be able to relate to me on a deeper level and I was right.
Throughout our work together Alex was professional, cordial, attentive to my needs and on point with her advice. Beyond that, being able to discuss the vicissitudes of a composer’s plight with someone who understands the issues intimately was priceless.
I have just launched my professional website, which Alex designed while guiding me when it came to gathering and creating the necessary materials for it and I am already feeling the positive effect of my increased web presence and reach. Alex has prompted me and helped me to register my works with ASCAP; I credit her with helping me to establish a mindset of a professional composer—I was more of an aspirant before working with her.
If you’re a composer with questions about how to navigate the industry, Alex has the answers.
— Maxim Samarov, Composer & Conductor
This “Combo Plate” coaching & consulting experience includes any or all of the following options:
Composer Street Smarts: Career guidance tailored to your specific goals, addressing topics such as:
- Royalties (ASCAP/BMI)
- Generating performances & commissions
- Networking / Relationship building
- Developing income streams
- Contracts & negotiation
- Self-publishing
- Finance for the self-employed
Written and Verbal Communication Skills:
- Writing professional emails
- Effective writing for grant applications and proposals
- Optimizing artist statements / biographies / resumes / website copy
- Working on a collaborative project or with a partner
- Managing rehearsals of your music
Digital Media Training:
- Audio recording / editing / mixing
- Website evaluation / feedback
- Organizing professional materials (scores, media, etc.)
- Preparing media for online presentation (audio samples, photos, video)
Any/all of these services may also be combined with composition lessons.
My doctoral program was sorely lacking in any practical training on what “being a composer” actually looks like, so I jumped at the opportunity to learn from Alex. Working with her has been an absolute pleasure and one I can’t recommend highly enough! Because she is both extremely knowledgeable and extremely approachable, I felt comfortable asking for her advice on a wide variety of topics.
After working with Alex, I have a better understanding of how to continue developing my composition career and more confident that I can do so successfully.
— Dave Molk, composer, writer, producer
Why work with me?
I am an award-winning self-published composer with over 25 years of experience. I compose commissioned works for major symphony orchestras, symphonic bands, professional chamber ensembles, solo performers, and electronic music. I’ve collaborated with choreographers, animators, and visual artists. My music is recorded on multiple albums and is performed across the U.S. and internationally. I have residencies with colleges, universities, and music festivals. I regularly serve as a panelist for composition competitions and granting organizations. I have an incredible community of musicians who I love working with.
I also have decades of experience in audio production, digital media, and teaching/training for organizations including National Public Radio and New Music USA. I have managed projects and people, and my superpowers include troubleshooting, simplifying processes, and connecting people to assistance and resources that are impactful for their professional lives.
For many years I struggled to create a sustainable, balanced, and joyful musical life. Now I love helping composers put systems in place to successfully navigate the changing musical world and do the work that lights them up!
In a few hours, I can teach you what it took me decades to learn
(and what many composers never figure out).
It has been a joy to work with Alex! As a person shifting from the performer side of a performer/composer career to that of a composer, I was in need of coaching on how to put myself forward in a different capacity. Alex showed me how to organize my pre-existing scores and position them for maximum accessibility and usability, and helped me get started with ASCAP. She also helped me reimagine my website so it looks more composerly. I am so grateful for Alex’s richness as a composer and artist, as well as a highly organized coach.
— Heather Bentley, Composer, Violist
Here are a few client success stories to give you an idea of
what we can accomplish together:
- A consortium project that attracted 60 members
- A revamped website that quadrupled sheet music sales and helped generate three new commissions within weeks
- A multi-year collaborative project between a composer and a major museum
- Renewed enthusiasm and satisfaction for creative work, more confidence, more income, and more opportunities.
Working together would be a great fit for you if you are…
- Looking for focused support bringing a specific project to fruition, fine-tuning working methods, or jump-starting your work and career.
- Searching for tools and techniques to help navigate the fast-changing musical world.
- Wanting to pivot and change your work or career.
- Feeling stuck and need solutions.
- Invested in traveling your path rather than following the herd.
- Ready to let go of limiting beliefs and ways of thinking.
Alexandra has a really good sense about people. Through her coaching I learned to express my authentic self in my online and written communications, allowing people to see the type of composer I actually am.
Alexandra also offered me lots of challenges to grow and take myself out of my comfort zone. They were perfect little nudges to edge me out of my complacency.
She has a great knowledge of living composers, and offered lots of excellent examples of their works. Alexandra’s expertise is relevant to the type of creative world we are working in today!
I highly recommend taking Alexandra on as a coach—particularly if you are looking for help in the entrepreneurial/business side of composition. This side of the work is so important, but is so overlooked in post-secondary education.
Oh, and she is a wonderful human being! That alone makes the time spent worthwhile.
— Kendra Harder, Composer, Arranger, Guitarist
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE:
3- or 6-Month Private Coaching Package
Typically includes (per month):
- Three 1:1 60-minute Zoom coaching calls
- Email and text support
- Learning resources & tools, accountability, and cheerleading!
- Personalized listening/reading/watching recommendations
- Career guidance tailored to your specific needs
The investment for extended private coaching starts at $1500. (Payment plan available)
You will receive a free 30-minute introductory call to identify your goals and ensure that working together will be a productive experience for you.
Mini Coaching Package
Typically includes:
- Three 1:1 60-minute Zoom coaching calls over 4-6 weeks
- Learning resources & tools, accountability, and cheerleading!
- Career guidance tailored to your specific needs
Fee: $500 (Payment plan available)
You will receive a free 30-minute introductory call to identify your goals and ensure that working together will be a productive experience for you.
Private Consultation (60 minutes)
Have questions or a situation you want to discuss? I’m here to help!
Schedule and pay by clicking the button below.
Fee: $150
With life taking more and more time away from composing, I found myself in a professional rut. I was no longer working on the projects that sustained me creatively and professionally. Working with Alex was the boost I needed to start investing time in me. She gave me the courage and the confidence to put myself out there again. It’s not easy to do, and it helps to have someone like Alex in your corner.
— Michael Rickelton, composer