“Music making is really for life,” says Cape Symphony teaching artist Alex Nelson, a classically trained bassoonist with a degree in Music Education. Her holistic approach to musicianship and teaching does more than just bridge those worlds—it’s about recognizing that every moment, as an instrumentalist, teacher, or student, is full of potential for connection through the power of music.
The bassoon, she reflects, is a popular instrument, yet still unfamiliar to many. “People know the bassoon very well by ear… it’s in cartoons, movies, a comedic instrument in many ways. So folks recognize it, but don’t always know what it looks like.” Students don’t come to the bassoon as early as to other instruments for practical reasons, as well. It’s large and heavy, and takes a certain amount of strength and physical size to play. Very young hands just aren’t big enough yet.
When you’re ready, though, Alex is thrilled to share that Cape Symphony has purchased a high-quality bassoon for loan to students through our Instrument and Instruction Access Program. “It’s a bold and generous choice… such a gift!”
It’s important to Alex to know her students. “Folks come to private lessons for different reasons,” she says, reflecting on her own experiences including everything from “my parents made me” to being deeply emotionally invested in a specific piece of music. “No matter what you’re showing up with, or for, there’s something to be gained in that moment. Are you training to land an orchestra position one day? Or maybe you’re here because it’s so much fun to play duets, to make music with another person.” Whatever brings you to learn, the shared experience is an opportunity. “You’ve got a whole human in front of you,” she says. “Regardless of what they decide about their future, there’s so much potential in every moment, through the experience of performing but also through the learning process.”
Alex believes great teachers should always be growing as musicians, and holds herself to that high standard. “Every time I play, I learn something new... the only way I can convey that to others is if I have that experience... all the frustrations and joys… myself.”
A Cape Cod native and Nauset High School graduate, Alex spent years in Chicago before returning to the Cape. She works in rural public health, which – no coincidence -- is also about connections and relationships. She performs in local ensembles and as a substitute with the Cape Symphony Orchestra.
“Music is literally inside us… it’s our very heartbeat,” she says. “Music making is accessible for any and every person. My hope is that people find ways to see themselves as musicians, and hold on to that… it’s in you, whether it’s playing the bassoon or singing to your children. That’s what I hope for any student. Keep this with you. Keep making music.”
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Alex Nelson is accepting new students at our West Barnstable campus. For more information or to arrange a trial lesson, email
