Faculty

Profile

Described as “one of the greatest improvising violinists in America today” by virtuoso mandolinist/composer Mike Marshall, Alex Hargreaves is a violinist
equally at home playing traditional bluegrass, modern jazz and everything in between. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Alex has toured with Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Danilo Perez and has performed with many others including Punch Brothers, Sierra Hull, Steve Martin and Kacey Musgraves, appearing on her Saturday Night Live debut. He was a member of the Grammy award-winning Turtle Island Quartet from 2016–2019, appearing on their 2018 release, Bird’s Eye View, and can often be heard playing in the house band on the public radio variety show, Live From Here with Chris Thile. 

At age 17, Alex, along with bassist Paul Kowert (Punch Brothers), teamed with Mike Marshall to form The Big Trio, performing together extensively following the release of their self-titled album in 2009. From 2007–2014, he toured with Grammy-nominated singer/multi-instrumentalist, Sarah Jarosz, appearing on her three critically acclaimed albums, Song Up In Her Head, Follow Me Down and Build Me Up From Bones, as well as being featured on her Grammy-nominated instrumental, Mansinneedof. Alex released his debut album Prelude in 2010, featuring Mike Marshall, Grant Gordy and Paul Kowert, along with special guests Bela Fleck and Noam Pikelny. In reference to Alex’s playing on the album, David Grisman says “[Alex] plays with wit, authority and soulfulness belying his years. In my opinion, he's destined to be one of the fiddle giants of the 21st century.”

Alex was awarded the Jimmy Lyons full tuition scholarship to the Berklee College of Music at the 2010 Monterey Jazz Festival. While studying at Berklee, Alex completed the prestigious Global Jazz Institute, providing him with the opportunity to work one-on-one with artistic director Danilo Perez (Wayne Shorter Quartet), along with countless other jazz legends. During this time, Alex also toured with Perez and recorded on his album, Panama 500. 

Currently on faculty at The New School, Alex is an experienced music educator, having taught at a variety of music camps and workshops including the Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, Swannanoa Gathering, Augusta Heritage, Christian Howes’ Creative Strings Workshop and the Mike Block String Camp. He also teaches privately in Brooklyn and via Skype. With a strong emphasis on ear training, Alex helps his students find their own way of learning and staying inspired, while still respecting the traditions and contributions of those who set the groundwork for the music we play today.

Alex regularly performs and tours with a range of artists including Sam Reider & The Human Hands, The Jacob Jolliff Band, Michael Daves, and also frequently plays around the New York City area as a collaborator, sideman and bandleader.