Justin Alexander

Percussionist Justin Alexander, D.M., shares his passion for “singing” rhythm and discusses the extraordinary potential of veering from your original plan and letting your interests guide you.This episode also features guest Karen Cubides, a musician, coach and entrepreneur who specializes in helping musicians connect with the calling of their work.---About Justin AlexanderJustin Alexander is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. A dynamic percussionist, he has performed across the U.S. and internationally in Belgium, Australia, Sweden, Costa Rica and The Dominican Republic.Beginning on drum set, Justin’s creative work centers on this instrument, commissioning and performing new works in concert and chamber music while making it central to his teaching. His early affinity for popular and classical music enables fluid movement between genres, reflected in performances with artists like Stephen Vitiello and the GRAMMY-nominated Richmond Symphony.An Aspen Music Festival alum, Justin has performed with The Florida Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Arkansas Symphony and has been principal percussionist at Wintergreen Summer Music Festival since 2015.His recent focus is on non-western percussion traditions, studying Carnatic and Hindustani music with Erode Nagaraj and Shawn Mativetsky. This work led to a 2018 presentation at the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy and a co-authored article in Percussive Notes (2020).A member of the Percussive Arts Society, Justin has presented at PASIC 2014 and 2018, published in Percussive Notes and serves on the PAS World Percussion Committee.He holds a Doctor of Music in Percussion Performance from Florida State University, studying with John W. Parks IV, Blake Tyson and Leon Anderson. He is endorsed by Pearl/Adams, Zildjian, Vic Firth, Grover Pro and Remo.About Karen Cubides Karen Cubides is the passionate and engaging founder and CEO of the Karen Cubides Agency based in Miami, Florida. Her holistic approach to coaching her clients allows her to serve a wide range of well-established musicians and young professionals alike in unique and personal ways. Through her intimate understanding of the relationship between personal growth and professional achievement, Karen builds up the individual, the artist, and the professional within each of her clients as they master goal-setting, lifestyle balance, and the nuances of our evolving industry. Her commitment, care, and creativity have connected her with incredible individuals and organizations across the world. As CEO of KCA and as an avid educator, Karen is a frequent lecturer on arts marketing and branding, appearing at the New England Conservatory, the Colburn School, the Curtis Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music and Boston Conservatory, among other institutions. One of her greatest passions is serving young professionals as they navigate the tumultuous transition from student musician to professional artist. Karen created the Emerging Artists Program within KCA to meet this end. Her unique program allows these musicians to access mentorship, resources and a thriving community of like-minded creatives.--VCUarts Uncharted is recorded in the Community Media Center in the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU. Music by Felipe Leitão. For more information, visit arts.vcu.edu/uncharted.