Jazz Composer, Trombonist, and Educator
In Fall 2023, Alex Heitlinger will begin his new role as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. Professor Heitlinger joins the faculty after previous teaching positions at Collin College (2019-2023) and Utah Valley University (2015-2019).
Heitlinger's career outside of academia has included extensive work as a professional trombonist. He has shared the stage with many internationally-recognized musicians and bands including frequent collaborations with Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Art Lande. He has appeared on many published recordings including Z Octet (Estrella Music) by pianist/composer Peggy Stern and Play-Doh (Ropeadope Records) by pianist/composer Carmen Sandim.
A three-time ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award winner, Heitlinger’s two full-length albums as a leader strongly feature his work as a composer. Green Light (Synergy Music) and The Daily Life of Uncle Roger each garnered positive reviews from Downbeat, All About Jazz, and other publications. Heitlinger’s third studio album Slush Pump Truck Stop will be released on SteepleChase Records in February, 2024. The album features a selection of original compositions and arrangements for large jazz ensemble featuring trombonist John Fedchock, trumpeter Greg Gisbert, saxophonist Michael Thomas, pianist Carmen Staaf, guitarist Corey Christiansen, and drummer John Riley.
Heitlinger is perhaps best known for creating and releasing the infamous jazz video The Lick, which currently has over 4.5 million views on YouTube and has become a widespread music meme.
Professor Heitlinger holds degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder (B.M. Trombone Performance), the New England Conservatory of Music (M.M. Jazz Composition), and the University of Texas at Austin (D.M.A. Jazz Composition).