Alex Paton
About
I am a musician/composer, that specializes in writing music for theater and film, playing live and writing for dance and dance theater, and creating a range of sounds for live events.
At the age of seven I began to play the trumpet with the sole intention of being able to play the imperial march from the Star Wars soundtrack, it wasn't until about a year later with a bit more knowledge of the instrument that I realised the part I had wanted to recreate was in fact played on by a trombone section. Luckily by this point I didn't mind as I had become accustomed to the trumpet and loved to learn in and play in different styles.
As I grew up I also began to play the guitar and became involved in rock and pop groups, I dedicated a lot of my teenage years to playing the guitar and learning how to sing. This opened up a whole new world for me, and since then I have branched out to playing the mandolin, bouzouki, piano, a variety of flutes from various parts of the world (the ney - from Turkey, the quena - from Peru, the whistles - from Ireland).
As a big film lover I always wanted to compose for film, and in my trying to do so I discovered theater and dance on the way, which in turn came to be my main passion in composition. I have since accompanied dance classes and workshops around the world, and composed bespoke music for companies such as Rambert (UK), English National Ballet (UK), Alvin Ailey (USA), Anqa (FR) and more. I have also toured with various companies (Including Hofesh Shechter) using a variety of instruments and styles.
As well as music for other mediums, I also play in a variety of groups from different styles, including Terra Viva, Gypsy Fever, Selkie, and Ailm, which range from Balkan, to Celtic, and even rock styles.
You can hear and see more on my website www.alex-paton.com
Links here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3aBhMszwvmB6rKywy7uqn3?si=1e4f538a51dd4b3f (Alex Paton Music)
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zMtQ82q6s2GnU0nOzW1po?si=DZbZSUsuRUu-Q-vYvdfBVw&dl_branch=1 (Selkie)
https://open.spotify.com/album/6NNFY6hFH4GWzMaibN8Nf2?si=PLcUvJrcR3-g9rLgq31WQw&dl_branch=1 (Terra Viva)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5MmaCo8PXBxs7VkfufnSFY?si=8PJEcW_bQXyId3VpjIsN5g&dl_branch=1 (Gypsy Fever Collective)
For me music is a way of life that is constantly growing and evolving, and has brought me a joy in life that I always am happy to pass on to others wherever possible.
I always teach in a bespoke way, as each student has a different pace, a different way of learning, and very importantly a different goal.
One thing I do always try to provide is a sense of fun. Music is a joy, and of course there are moments of frustration and difficulty as there is with absolutely everything, but I always want to give a feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment.
I always provide a solid knowledge base. I don't like to teach something without explaining why it is like that. For example I would not not teach a chord progression, let's take ii V without explaining the construction of the chords, and why it works like this. This is important as it then gives students the ability, even after a short period of time, to progress independently and begin exploring music in their own way.
SACD (FR)
Musicians Union (UK)
Depending on the instrument, or the subject within music and the level of which the student is already at, I assess where they are and what might be helpful and provide a list of suggested books, or a list of online tools they can utilize (normally for free) to assist in their journey.