Alexander Loosley's Journey in Music Composition & Performance

Alexander Loosley is a 12-year-old, 7th grade homeschooler, and Davidson Young Scholar who lives in Sparks, Nevada.  Alexander’s passion is composing music and he is currently studying music composition (MUS409) at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) School of Music under Dr. James Winn and privately with composer and musician Jeff DePaoli. Alex has written music for three composer’s concerts at UNR’s School of Music, with Dr. James Winn, Dr. Ruth Lenz and members of the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra performing his works. This semester, in addition to music composition, Alexander will begin studying harpsichord with Dr. Winn.

Alexander was recognized by the Reno Pops Orchestra as the youngest artist ever to submit a piece for their composer’s showcase. “Paddington Bear Suite.” his first orchestral piece, was completed at age 11. He is currently working on his second full orchestral work titled “The Sea.” Alexander has also written pieces for chamber orchestra, wind quartet, solo piano, piano and violin duet, as well as a choral piece and an opera.

Alexander has been playing piano for 7 years under the tutelage of Nancy Rodolico. He began studying violin in 2022 with Dr. Ruth Lenz, Reno Philharmonic’s concertmaster. Alexander was a member of the Reno Philharmonic’s Youth Strings Symphonia for the 2023-2024 season, under the direction of Conductor Laurentiu Norocel. At their Spring 2024 concert, the YSS played the Franz Shubert piece “Erlkonig” arranged for string orchestra by Alexander. He was a featured soloist on violin along with fellow violinist Lincoln Robertson. Alexander is now a member of the Reno Philharmonic’s Youth Concert Orchestra for the 2024-2025 season, under the direction of Conductor Dustin Buddish, principal violist for the Reno Philharmonic. Alexander is also currently a member of the LIFT High School worship team at Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks.

Over the past summer, Alexander was privileged to perform with Artown in Reno, Nevada and also with Classical Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada. This coming Christmas season, Alexander is looking forward to performing with Fleur de Strings as their piano accompanist and also with Shamrock Production’s “Siamsa” on violin at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.

Alexander is also the expert contributor to Sierra View Magazine, writing the monthly “Kids Corner” column, focusing on fostering a love of music in children and families.

Awards & Recognition

  • Northern Nevada Music Teacher’s Association

    Piano Festival | MAY 2023
    Superior Rating

    🏆︎

  • Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

    Concerto Competition | NOV 2023
    2nd Place Haydn
    Concerto No. 11 in D Major,
    Movement No. 2 for piano
    🏆︎

  • Nevada Music Teacher’s Association

    Silver State Competition | NOV 2023
    1st place, Haydn
    Concerto No. 11 in D Major
    Movement No. 2 for piano
    🏆︎

  • Music Teachers National Association

    Composition Contest | OCT 2023
    1st place: State of Nevada
    “A Little Party” (Piano)
    2nd place: Southwest Division (NV, CA, & AZ)
    🏆︎ 🏆︎

  • Charleston International Music Composition

    3rd place | Piano)
    with his own composition
    “Nocturne in G Major”
    🏆︎

  • Northern Nevada Music Teacher’s Association

    Piano Festival | MAY 2024
    Superior rating
    perfect score on Theory Exam

    🏆︎

  • Music Teachers National Association

    Composition Contest | OCT 2024
    2nd place: State of Nevada
    “Wind Quartet in Bb”
    🏆︎

  • Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition

    Composition Contest | OCT 2024
    Winner Platinum Prize
    “Wind Quartet in Bb”
    🏆︎

  • Francesca Lebrun International Music Competition

    Composition Contest | OCT 2024
    Winner Creative Innovation Award
    “Wind Quartet in Bb”
    🏆︎

KRNV News 4: A Musical Prodigy with a Bright Future in Composition and Performance

Guided by his teacher Nancy Rodolico, Alexander has been immersed in music since he was five, favoring composers like Schubert and Tchaikovsky. Recognizing his talent, Nancy recommended he enroll in a college-level music composition class at UNR, where he now thrives among seniors. Alexander has composed an opera and a symphony and is learning the violin and flute to enhance his skills.