Harper College

Alex Piela

headshot of Alex Piela

Adjunct Faculty in Trumpet

Alex "Al" Piela is a Chicago-based musician whose extensive career spans performance, education, and mentorship. Originally from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Alex holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. At Eastman, he studied under renowned musicians Clay Jenkins, Harold Danko, and Bill Dobbins.

Alex's teaching career is as diverse as his performance repertoire. Currently, he serves as an Applied Trumpet Instructor at Harper College, the Jazz Ensemble Director at Concordia University Chicago, and a Teaching Artist with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.

An accomplished performer, Alex has toured internationally as a featured soloist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, gracing stages across Japan, Canada, and the United States. His performances include prestigious venues such as the Tokyo Cotton Club, Tokyo's Orchard Hall, and Benaroya Hall in Seattle. He has also performed with Adam Neeley, Pharez Whitted, John Patitucci, Andy Martin, Rich Perry, Jim McNeely, Jeff Hirschfield, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, and others.

In addition to his performing and teaching, Alex is actively involved in master classes and clinics, sharing his expertise and passion for jazz with students of all levels. His commitment to music education and performance continues to inspire and influence the next generation of musicians.

Last Updated: 8/29/24