Alex Zajdel

Alex Zajdel joined the Lansing Symphony Orchestra as a section bassist in 2024. A Michigan native, he made his professional debut performing with the Cleveland Orchestra as a substitute musician and continues to perform regularly as a substitute with Detroit Opera and the Grand Rapids Symphony.

Alex began his studies with Derek Weller before attending Interlochen Arts Academy. He continued his education at the Cleveland Institute of Music under Scott Dixon, where he earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Double Bass Performance and Music Theory. During his time at CIM, Alex received the Beth Pearce Nelson Award for his work in Music Theory. He recently completed his Master of Music degree at Michigan State University under Kevin Brown, where he served as the Graduate Teaching Assistant for double bass and was awarded the university-wide Excellence in Teaching Citation for his exceptional work as an educator.

His background in performance and theory reflects a commitment to both artistry and the study of musical structure and the harmonic principles that shape its development. As an orchestral musician, Alex has performed as a Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he studied with Timothy Pitts, and has also participated in the Domaine Forget International Music Festival.

Alex performs on a double bass made by Aaron Reiley in 2021.