Melodic Stylings x Alexa Tarantino

I tour with my own group, the Alexa Tarantino Quartet, and with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, as well as with Cecile McLorin Salvant. Jazz education is very important to me, so I often build that into my travels and visit universities and high schools along the way. I also run a summer jazz program in Gloucester, Massachusetts called the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop. 

When I was in elementary school my parents took me to see the local high school jazz band play. I saw a young woman play a featured piece on the alto saxophone. I fell in love with the instrument right then and there and decided I wanted to play saxophone for good!

After playing jazz and saxophone quite seriously through high school, when it came time to prepare for college, I knew that nothing else would make me as happy and fulfilled as studying music. I decided to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. I wanted to attend a music conservatory because I wanted the most rigorous and challenging education possible, to become the best player I could be. Eastman changed my life and I am forever grateful for that. Once I finished at Eastman, I moved to New York City to freelance for a while before enrolling at The Juilliard School for my master’s degree, which was another incredibly life-changing experience!

I fell in love with jazz because of the freedom to express yourself creatively. I love how you can express exactly how you’re feeling at any moment. And I love the teamwork and leadership that is involved in playing as part of an ensemble. It’s like a musical sports team! 

I believe education is what gives us the opportunity to reach our full potential. It’s what gives us the ability and freedom to express ourselves and our opinions. And the learning is limitless, especially in jazz and the arts. We are never done being students of music, that is what is so inspiring. I learn just as much from my students as I do from my mentors. 

I have so many amazing mentors whom I am grateful for. There are too many to list! I am truly inspired by anyone who is using their platform or work to help motivate others and bring joy to their communities. That’s why I was so thrilled to find Marcella - the mission to help educate girls across the world is so important to me, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my teacher, mentors and friends believing in me and supporting me. 

There are so many amazing jazz musicians and jazz venues in New York. From Jazz at Lincoln Center to Birdland Jazz Club to the Village Vanguard and beyond. The energy and creativity is palpable. I’ve learned from so many mentors and been inspired by so many colleagues and peers here. I'm inspired daily by the work ethic that surrounds me in New York City. 


Confidence! It’s all about confidence. You have to feel good when you’re about to perform in front of an audience, and it’s hard to feel good if you’re not happy with what you’re wearing or how you’re presenting yourself. Your style choices can also impact your mood/energy. I love wearing my Marcella pieces because they’re elevated and stylish but still comfortable to perform and move in.

I really like to choose classic pieces that work for my body and my lifestyle. Because I travel so much, things need to be comfortable, but they also need to be classic/presentable enough to go from the tour bus or plane to a jazz club, rehearsal or classroom. Over time I’ve figured out what types of fits/styles are most comfortable for me to travel and play saxophone/flute in (ex: certain necklines, sleeves, or fits can be distracting to play/move in and take me out of focus). The longest tour period I’ve done was 7.5 weeks. I did that all in one medium-sized checked bag. It required lots of similar colors/styles that I could mix and match. And everything must be easy to handwash in a hotel room if needed! Wrinkle-free materials are a plus. That’s why everything at Marcella is so amazing for me. Every piece works well together, is comfortable, has a unique edge to it and holds up well in travel and under the stage lights!

My favorite piece from Marcella of all time is the Valerie Dress, which was my wedding dress! When I first started wedding dress shopping, I knew I wanted something classic but with a twist/edge. I also wanted something more minimalist. My mom happened to discover a picture of someone wearing the Valerie Dress by Marcella for their wedding. We had never heard of Marcella but once we found the brand, we never looked back! My mom and I are the same size which is pretty fun, and I get all my style and design inspiration from her since she’s a professional interior designer. The Valerie dress fit me perfectly, and I also wore the Caterina Dress and Ashley Dresses at other events throughout my wedding weekend. I then started ordering lots of other pieces that I could wear in my daily life as a traveling jazz musician on and off stage. So…for my favorite piece of my capsule…I have to say it’s the Zinnia Top, which is basically a “top” version of the Valerie Dress.