About
Photo taken by Scott Carter,Boise Baroque Orchestra, Chateau des Fleurs Concert, 2021
Alex Hastings
Through classically-trained orchestras, fiddle groups, jazz bands, string quartets, and everything in between, Alex Hastings discovered her love of music early in her childhood. She started learning violin at eight years old, and throughout her musical education, she has branched out to areas outside of violin playing. She now composes, teaches music lessons, and collaborates with other artists to help make music accessible to everyone. Alex received a master’s degree in violin performance from Boise State University in 2022, where she completed a two-year fellowship with the Boise State Graduate String Quartet. Since graduating, she has played as a substitute member with the Boise Philharmonic, Boise Baroque Orchestra, and Opera Idaho. She also maintains a full private lesson studio and recently accepted a position as String Music Coach at Cole Valley Christian School.
Initiative
Through her experience in teaching and performing music, Alex has witnessed the challenges children face in their education. Whether it be from financial constraints, or from constraints of conditions such as Autism, ADHD, or Dyslexia, many students cannot find a creative program that fits their needs. Through Spectrum Music Studio, Alex plans to seek out opportunities for children with special needs and help provide them with access to music education. Alex welcomes students of all needs and encourages them to discover their creative voice.
Teaching
Alex began teaching violin and viola students during her undergraduate studies at George Fox University. She has taken teacher training in the Suzuki Method, and she plans to continue learning while teaching students of all ages and abilities. She is a certified Suzuki teacher, and she loves sharing the values and techniques instilled in Suzuki students. Whether it be Mozart or Bluegrass, Alex firmly believes that the joys and benefits of music can be brought to any student.
Compositions
Alex began her composition studies at George Fox University under the teaching of Dr. Brent Weaver. Her first major work, Spectrum, juxtaposes a traditional string quartet with the contemporary feel of computer tracks and recorded voices. Alex’s compositional inspiration comes from the ability to mix the ideas of great composers from the past to the new sounds and concepts that have not yet been discovered.
Education
Alex received a Bachelor’s degree in violin performance and music composition from George Fox University (2020), where she also studied business and accounting. She held a position as concertmaster in the George Fox Symphony Orchestra and the George Fox Chamber Strings, under the teaching of Dr. Rebekah Hanson and Dr. Dwayne Corbin. Alex received a master’s degree in violin performance at Boise State University under the teaching of Craig Purdy, and she was a member of the 2020-2022 Boise State Graduate String Quartet.