Alex Mak
Alex is a guitarist, composer, and educator originally from Toronto, Canada. Shapeshifting between genres, instruments, and roles, his work reflects a unique musical upbringing with diverse experiences.
Alex started learning piano at age four. Raised on a steady diet of classic rock, he picked up guitar, bass, and drums. Double bass was next, which he learned to attend a high school arts program. The experience was an eye-opener.
Playing with symphony orchestras expanded his ears and sight reading ability. He also discovered composition, jazz, and the avant garde. By the end of high school, Alex was set on pursuing a life in music.
Alex attended Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, studying with teachers including Bruce Bartlett, David Tronzo, and David Fiuczynski. He graduated summa cum laude in 2022 with a BA in Guitar Performance and Contemporary
Writing & Production. On Professor Tronzo’s recommendation, he recorded numerous student film scoring sessions. He also held clinics on composing for electric guitar.
At Berklee, Alex performed in many Signature Series concerts and the 2022 commencement concert where he also arranged. He received the Guitar Department’s William Leavitt scholarship, Achievement Award, and the Concert Department’s Hyatt award.
Alex loves teaching students of all ages and abilities. His teaching separates musical and stylistic elements while equally valuing both. Alex develops individual lesson plans for each student based on their goals, often encouraging a holistic perspective to music.
“As a teacher, I think it’s such a privilege to guide the musical lives of my students! I want to keep their spark alive, helping them on their unique paths. Whether you want to learn that song you love, or write one of your own, we’ll get there together!”