Alexa Massey is a dynamic performer and educator, with more than 25 years of performance experience and over 12 years of teaching experience.

Career Highlights

Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy 2011-2012, 4.0 GPA

My graduate coursework focused on music teaching methods and child psychology & development. While enrolled in the Suzuki Pedagogy program at the University of Denver I studied under Suzuki Master Teacher Carol Tarr, and volunteered with the Suzuki Program in Denver/ Denver Talent Education. My time at DU helped me hone my passion for teaching and my love of sharing music with others. 

Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, 2006-2010, 3.93 GPA

I majored in Cello with a minor in Voice at the University of colorado. While at CU, I played with the CU Symphony and CU Chamber Orchestras, and also studied piano, music composition & music technology. I performed in various world music ensembles and took advanced coursework in Music History. An active member of the Pendulum New Music series, I performed on numerous world-premiers of local composer’s works. I also took coursework in Spanish and Russian, and various world literature courses.

In December of 2010, I graduated with Highest Honors from CU Boulder, with a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance. During my studies, I received CU’s highest funding, a full-ride scholarship from the Frank & Gina Day Scholarship.

While at CU I studied with internationally acclaimed cellist Judith Glyde of the Manhattan String Quartet, and András Fejér of the Takács Quartet.

As a teenager, I was fortunate enough the study with nationally recognized Suzuki teacher, Mr. Rodney Farrar.  I saw the power of the Suzuki method, and was inspired to become a professional musician and teacher myself.  Seeing him teach beginning to advanced techniques in group class inspired me to pass on a style of teaching which incorporates child psychology and development, mastery of technique broken down as efficiently as possible, along with a legacy of humor, love, self-esteem building, and joy.

While at Rocky Mountain High school, I was fortunate enough to work with Dr. James McNeal (Orchestra). I performed with the Rocky Mountain Symphony and the Rocky Mountain Chamber Ensemble at various competitions and honors performances as principal cello. While at Rocky Mountain High school, my string quartet and my piano trio received the utmost support from Dr. McNeal, who not only spent countless coaching hours but also created/organized numerous performance opportunities for us.

While at RMHS, I participated in musical theater productions, and the top vocal ensembles. Both my orchestra and choir went on to place at state-wide competitions. I was selected for the top groups at All-State Orchestra and Weekend For Strings all three years, and was first-stand cello in the top group at All-State by my Junior year.

From 2004-2006, I participated year-round in the Denver Young Artists Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Adam Flatt, which was ranked in the top 5 Youth Orchestras in the United States. Through DYAO I was able to perform numerous times at Boetcher Concert Hall, performed at the premiere of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and met several internationally known concert performers and conductors.

From 2002-2004, I was an Apprentice Cellist in the New Artists Philharmonic, a training orchestra based on the model of the New World Symphony. I worked closely with the conductor, Alan Scott, currently the Music Director of the Helena Symphony.

As a beginning cellist, I studied with Lisa Eakins, of the Fort Collins Symphony. Under her guidance, Cello went from a passing phase to a life calling. Her patience, humor, and technique lit a fire in me, and I will always be grateful to her.

Voice

My love of performing started early in life.  I began taking classes in musical theater by age 7, voice lessons by age 11, and dance lessons from ages 10-14. I minored in Opera at CU Boulder, and was the Music Director at Fort Collins Children’s Theater’s summer workshop from 2007-2010. I’ve studied Jazz, Opera, Musical Theater, and folk music with numerous teachers throughout Colorado and have even sung with a Mariachi band as well as a Klezmer trio. My primary voice teacher locally was Susan Rogers, and my primary voice teachers while at CU Boulder were Christine Scheetz, DMA, and Sarah Davidson, DMA.