Faculty

Surprising is the word that perhaps best describes Grammy® nominated and Downbeat cover artist Thana Alexa, an extraordinarily creative force in music. Her latest album, ONA (self-release, March 2020), which earned her two Grammy® nominations including Best Jazz Vocal Album, was inspired by the cross generational and cross-cultural stories of the immigrant women in her family and evolved into an exploration of the experiences of contemporary women everywhere.

ONA has spawned more female-focused projects: Alexa, together with Grammy® nominated artist, Nicole Zuraitis and bassist, Julia Adamy formed SONICA, a trio that fuses electronics, vocal harmonies, electric bass, keyboards and percussion into their unique original music and arrangements. Alexa also created the project Founding Mothers of Jazz in conjunction with MusicTalks Concerts to honor the history of women in jazz, many who are not historically recognized for their contributions because of their gender.

One of Alexa’s most important and ongoing collaborations has been with her husband, five-time Grammy® winner Antonio Sanchez. Together with his band Migration they have recorded three critically acclaimed albums and toured throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

During the 2020 Coronavirus lockdown, Alexa made headlines as a co-founder of what Rolling Stone called the first “virtual jazz festival” and fundraising initiative, Live From Our Living Rooms. Together with co-founders Owen Broder and Sirintip, the team contracted over 120 artists, raised over $140,000, and helped facilitate grants to over 100 US based musicians in need. Live From Our Living Rooms received attention from Rolling Stone, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the BBC, and more.

BFA in Jazz and Contemporary Music (The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music)

BA in Psychology (Eugene Lang College)