Affiliation: 21st Century Trumpet

Artist's Biography
Trumpeter Alexa Yates leads an active professional life as soloist, clinician and master pedagogue. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, music was her calling early in life leading her to the trumpet at the age of 13. By the age of 19 she was performing regularly with the Louisville Orchestra, Louisville Bach Society, Louisville Ballet and Kentucky Opera as well as summers with the Iroquois Amphitheater and Ashlawn Festivals.

Ms. Yates held the Artist in Residence position at the Lemmensinstituut, (Catholic University Leuven) and lived in Ghent, Belgium for four years. During this residency she broadened her knowledge and skills by studying both music and the physiology of brass playing under the tutelage of Mnr. Leon Petre, a renowned trumpeter (Xenakis) who also possesses a degree in medicine. While in Europe, Ms. Yates performed extensively throughout Vlaanderen with the Vlaamse Opera, Orchestre de Chambre de Wallonie, chamber groups, brass bands and as soloist. She taught students from ages 13 - 24 at the conservatory and also conducted and coached student ensembles.

In the United States and Europe Ms.Yates has performed with symphony orchestras and as a soloist. In addition, she has performed in diverse musical settings including musical theater, pop music, salsa and jazz. She currently performs with The Jazz Trumpet Project (with fellow Bach trumpet artists Pat Harbison and Jim Ketch).

Ms. Yates has presented clinics, conducted and performed at several international and regional conferences of the International Trumpet Guild and National Trumpet Competition. She has presented master classes, lessons and clinics at dozens of colleges and universities in the United States and Europe. She has also worked with brass players at numerous music camps, professional orchestras and workshops. She formerly held the post of Professor of Trumpet at Columbus State University Schwob School of Music in Columbus, Georgia.

Ms. Yates has an international reputation as an embouchure expert and trouble shooter. After extensive training with Gary Radtke of GR Technologies, Ms. Yates established a career as an independent consultant. She is in demand throughout the world conducting private consultations with trumpeters to find the perfect match of mouthpiece to player to instrument. In addition to equipment diagnostics, these consultations also include advice on efficient practice, embouchure efficiency and breathing technique.

Ms. Yates along with colleague Pat Harbison created 21st Century Trumpet, a forward thinking project that encompasses concert performances, clinics, workshops, and online resources for trumpet students, comeback players and professionals. The mission is to encourage new approaches to effective learning and expand concepts of musicianship and creativity.

Ms. Yates holds an M.M. degree in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Barbara Butler and worked extensively with Charles Geyer. Her teachers also include Leon Rapier, James Thompson, Bryan Goff and Leon Petre.

Artist's Influences
Teachers: Leon Rapier, James Thompson, Barbara Butler, Leon Petre.

Influences: Bernard Adelstein, Susan Slaughter, Gilbert Johnson.