About:

© 2026

© 2026

My music searches for anemoia, the feeling of nostalgia for a place or time you've never experienced. I strongly believe in the expressive power of simplicity.

My musical origins are in 1980s film scores, electronic music, midwest emo, mathrock, 1970s Chinese pop, minimalism.

I write pedagogical music for Red Leaf Pianoworks and Hal Leonard, score films and documentaries, and compose electro-acoustic concert music.

Experience

Assistant Professor of Music (NTT)

Pierce College

2019-present

Teaches composition, piano, and music theory, and coordinates the college's composition and keyboard area. Designs curriculum and mentors students in both performance and original composition.

Assistant Professor of Music (NTT)

Pierce College

2019-present

Teaches composition, piano, and music theory, and coordinates the college's composition and keyboard area. Designs curriculum and mentors students in both performance and original composition.

Chair of Composition and Music Production

Pasadena Conservatory

2017-present

Leads the Composition, Theory, and Music Production department, overseeing curriculum, faculty, and program development. Teaches composition and production while shaping the department's long-term direction.

Chair of Composition and Music Production

Pasadena Conservatory

2017-present

Leads the Composition, Theory, and Music Production department, overseeing curriculum, faculty, and program development. Teaches composition and production while shaping the department's long-term direction.

Composer

Red Leaf Pianoworks

2026-present

Composes solo and ensemble albums and anthologies. Works with other composers on marketing and organizational strategy, and presents RLP's work at conferences across North America.

Composer

Red Leaf Pianoworks

2026-present

Composes solo and ensemble albums and anthologies. Works with other composers on marketing and organizational strategy, and presents RLP's work at conferences across North America.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music

Occidental College

2021-2026

Taught undergraduate courses in composition, theory, and piano within a liberal-arts music program, advising students across performance and composition.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music

Occidental College

2021-2026

Taught undergraduate courses in composition, theory, and piano within a liberal-arts music program, advising students across performance and composition.

Music Director

ZAG Animation

2019-2021

Directed music for the studio's animated series and films, overseeing composition, arranging, and recording for broadcast and streaming productions.

Music Director

ZAG Animation

2019-2021

Directed music for the studio's animated series and films, overseeing composition, arranging, and recording for broadcast and streaming productions.

Education

Doctor of Musical Arts

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Advisors: Stewart Gordon (piano), Chris Rozé (composition/theory), Larry Livingston (conducting), Ken Foster (Arts Leadership)

Doctor of Musical Arts

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Advisors: Stewart Gordon (piano), Chris Rozé (composition/theory), Larry Livingston (conducting), Ken Foster (Arts Leadership)

Master of Music

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Advisors: Stewart Gordon (piano), Chris Rozé (composition/theory), Larry Livingston (conducting), Ken Foster (Arts Leadership)

Master of Music

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Advisors: Stewart Gordon (piano), Chris Rozé (composition/theory), Larry Livingston (conducting), Ken Foster (Arts Leadership)

Bachelor of Music

New England Conservatory

Boston, Massachusetts

Advisors: Randall Hodgkinson, Stephen Drury (piano), Charles Peltz (conducting), Tanya Kalmonovich (Entreprenurial Musicianship), Michael Gandolfi (composition)

Bachelor of Music

New England Conservatory

Boston, Massachusetts

Advisors: Randall Hodgkinson, Stephen Drury (piano), Charles Peltz (conducting), Tanya Kalmonovich (Entreprenurial Musicianship), Michael Gandolfi (composition)

Years of experience

12+

Concert Works

40+

Film Scores

15

Industry awards

6

Recent Achievements

2026

CD Album Released

Sheva Records

2026

Composer Fellowship

SoundBox Ventures

2026

5 Piano Collections

Red Leaf Pianoworks

2025

Award for Teaching Excellence

Occidental College

2025

Original Music Published

Hal Leonard

© 2026 Alexander Zhu All rights reserved

© 2026 Alexander Zhu All rights reserved

© 2026 Alexander Zhu All rights reserved