Podcast Summary: Speaking Soundly – Episode Featuring Alexa Tarantino
Podcast Information:
- Title: Speaking Soundly
- Host/Author: Artful Narratives Media
- Description: Your ticket to backstage conversations with world-renowned musicians. Join MET Opera Principal Trumpet David Kraus for candid and compelling discussions with today’s top performers as they speak about their creative process and lives as artists.
- Episode: Alexa Tarantino
- Release Date: March 18, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Speaking Soundly, host David Kraus delves deep into the life and career of Alexa Tarantino, a trailblazing saxophonist, composer, and educator. Tarantino recently made history as the first female full-time member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. The conversation explores her journey, creative processes, and the broader impact of her work in the jazz community.
Breaking Barriers: Alexa’s Historic Appointment
Timestamp [00:00 - 04:14]
The episode opens with David Kraus congratulating Alexa Tarantino on her groundbreaking appointment to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Tarantino humbly attributes her success to the incredible women who paved the way for her.
Alexa Tarantino [01:31]: "I appreciate the use of the word trailblazer, but I think there are so many incredible people that I was so fortunate to be around. Just so many incredible contributions from women in the field, and I'm very grateful to take a full-time seat at the table."
Early Inspirations and Musical Beginnings
Timestamp [04:14 - 07:48]
Tarantino reflects on her early inspirations, particularly Erica Von Kleist, who she credits for igniting her passion for the saxophone during her elementary school years. She shares anecdotes about her initial interactions with the instrument and her unwavering dedication from a young age.
Alexa Tarantino [05:06]: "I saw a young woman stand up and play saxophone. I'm pretty sure it was a ballad feature, if I remember correctly. And I just sort of tugged on my mom's jacket and said, that's what I want to do."
Her commitment is evident as she recounts her parents' decision to personally chauffeur her to early morning rehearsals to ensure she arrived prepared and on time.
Joining the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Timestamp [07:48 - 11:22]
The conversation shifts to Tarantino's remarkable anecdote about stepping in to play with Earth, Wind & Fire while she was an undergraduate at the Eastman School of Music. This serendipitous encounter underscores her fearless approach to opportunities and her dedication to expressing gratitude.
Alexa Tarantino [11:13]: "I just introduced myself. I just said, hi, I’m Alexa Tarantino, and I love your music... And he said, what do you play? And I said, I play saxophone. He said, soundcheck's at 4:30. Like, come by."
The Art of Improvisation and Composition
Timestamp [13:50 - 16:17]
Tarantino discusses the nuances of improvisation, a skill often regarded as a "superpower" in jazz. She demystifies the process, emphasizing that improvisation is accessible to anyone willing to engage in continuous learning and self-expression.
Alexa Tarantino [14:13]: "Anybody can do it. No, truly, 100%. Anybody can do it. It's not a superpower, I promise."
Transitioning to composition, Tarantino explains how it differs from improvisation. For her, composing involves making definitive decisions and committing to her creative vision, which she views as a vital exercise in artistic discipline.
Collaboration and Communication in Music
Timestamp [16:17 - 19:34]
Highlighting her collaborative spirit, Tarantino shares insights into the seamless communication required when playing in a small combo or a large ensemble like the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. She likens this connection to athletes performing as a unified team, emphasizing the electric and sacred nature of these musical interactions.
Alexa Tarantino [17:41]: "It's amazing. It's electric and it's... better than real life in that respect."
Her approachable and agreeable personality fosters a positive environment, essential for effective collaboration both on stage and behind the scenes.
Music Education: Teaching and Learning
Timestamp [19:34 - 21:54]
As a faculty member at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s music education program, Tarantino discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching music. She believes the hardest aspect to teach is instilling self-belief and the resilience to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
Alexa Tarantino [19:52]: "The hardest thing to teach is getting somebody to believe in themselves and the potential for what is to come, and that making mistakes in the immediacy is part of the process, trusting that process."
Tarantino emphasizes that music education goes beyond technical skills, fostering essential life qualities such as communication, empathy, and teamwork.
Personal Reflections and Impact of a Musical Life
Timestamp [21:54 - 23:24]
Reflecting on her lifelong dedication to music, Tarantino expresses profound gratitude for the supportive jazz community that has nurtured her growth. She acknowledges the unforeseen journey from being an audience member to becoming a member of the ensemble she once admired.
Alexa Tarantino [22:19]: "I'm just grateful, so grateful to be a part of this community that has warmly welcomed me and challenged me and supported me."
Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, seemingly unattainable dreams can be realized.
Conclusion
Timestamp [23:24 - End]
David Kraus wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to support the podcast and tease the next episode featuring Grammy Award-winning virtuoso Comanche player Kehan Calhor. The conversation with Alexa Tarantino not only highlights her impressive achievements but also offers valuable insights into the dedication and passion required to excel in the world of jazz.
Notable Quotes:
- Alexa Tarantino [01:31]: "I appreciate the use of the word trailblazer, but I think there are so many incredible people that I was so fortunate to be around."
- Alexa Tarantino [05:06]: "That's what I want to do."
- Alexa Tarantino [11:13]: "I appreciate that you said it was fearless, but truly, I just was like, I was just trying to say thank you."
- Alexa Tarantino [14:13]: "Anybody can do it. No, truly, 100%. Anybody can do it."
- Alexa Tarantino [19:52]: "The hardest thing to teach is getting somebody to believe in themselves and the potential for what is to come."
- Alexa Tarantino [22:19]: "I'm just grateful, so grateful to be a part of this community that has warmly welcomed me and challenged me and supported me."
This episode of Speaking Soundly offers a comprehensive and inspiring look into Alexa Tarantino’s journey, celebrating her contributions to jazz and her role as a mentor and educator. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or someone seeking motivation from a successful artist's story, this episode provides valuable lessons on perseverance, collaboration, and the transformative power of music.