Alex Nicholls is a violin teacher at the Dunkley School of Music.  She discovered her love of music early in childhood through classically trained orchestras, fiddle groups, jazz bands, string quartets, and everything in between. She began learning the violin at eight years old and, throughout her musical education, has expanded her focus to explore different areas of music.

Alex received a bachelor’s degree in violin performance and music composition from George Fox University (2020), where she also studied business and accounting.  She held a position as concertmaster in the George Fox Symphony Orchestra and the George Fox Chamber Strings under the teaching of Dr. Rebekah Hanson and Dr. Dwayne Corbin.  She also received Suzuki Violin and Viola training with the Oregon Suzuki Institute.  Alex received a master’s degree in violin performance at Boise State University under the teaching of Craig Purdy and was a member of the 2020-2022 Boise State Graduate String Quartet.

Since graduating, Alex Nicholls has played with the Boise Philharmonic, Boise Baroque Orchestra, and Opera Idaho.  She also maintains a full private lesson studio and recently accepted a position as a String Music Coach at Cole Valley Christian School.

Alex began her composition studies at George Fox University under the teaching of Dr. Brent Weaver.  Her first major work, Spectrum, juxtaposes a traditional string quartet with computer tracks, recorded voices, and film.  The 2020 “A Show A Change Film Festival” and the 2021 “Conquering Disabilities with Film Festival” featured this multimedia composition.  She has since brought composition into her violin studio– composing melodies and accompaniments for her students.

Now a resident of Boise, Idaho, Alex continues to teach violin, compose, and play in orchestras around the Northwest.  She is excited to expand her violin studio to reach students of all needs and abilities and share her love of music with everyone she teaches.