Musical Director, Conductor, Pianist, Organist & Educationalist

MA (Cantab.), LRSM, LTCL, ARCO, Dip.ABRSM, PGCE

Alex Aitken is a West End Musical Director, with a national reputation as an outstanding conductor, pianist, organist, writer and educationalist.

Having most recently spent three years as Children’s Musical Director and Cover Conductor on Cameron Mackintosh’s London production of Mary Poppins, Alex continues to maintain an extensive, busy and hugely varied schedule working with a number of the UK’s most eminent musicians, ensembles and organisations, as well as with choral groups and schools around the UK, and as a pianist for auditions and masterclasses in the West End.

 

Alex is now one of the UK’s leading educationalists for Music, and is the author of www.masteringalevelmusic.co.uk, which is used in schools worldwide. In addition to his freelance work, he is also a Musical Director with the National Youth Music Theatre, the Assistant Musical Director at MK Chorale, a coach with the The Oxford and Cambridge Singing School, and accompanist to the The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, Oxford Pro Musica, CBSO Chorus and Youth Chorus, Sing for Pleasure, and The Military Wives Choirs.

Lawrence Michalowski

Associate Musical Director for Disney's The Lion King UK Tour
"When I saw Alex conduct Mary Poppins, I was captivated. His musical direction was pure magic, making every moment unforgettable. Alex is not just a conductor; he's a musical storyteller, who knows how to touch hearts and create memories. What's truly remarkable is his extraordinary talent in working with kids, bringing out the best in young performers and instilling a lifelong love for music."

Chris Poon

Musical Director for Miss Saigon at The Crucible, Sheffield
"You will rarely find a Musical Director whose talents match their attention to detail, encyclopaedic knowledge of music, and love for the material. Look no further than the people who have been under Alex's tutelage to see how infectious his passion is."

Suzzie Vango

Vocal Coach to the CBSO Youth Chorus, and Associate Artist at The University of Warwick
"Alex is a phenomenal musician to work alongside. Not only is he an exceptional pianist, able to tackle anything thrown at him, but he is such a great team player who is happy to work in any environment; with children, adults, professionals and amateurs. His accompanying is sensitive, musical and attentive, and in the rehearsal space he gets the perfect balance between supporting the conductor, and taking the initiative to give musical advice to the singers."

Petula Clark

"The great thing about the show (for me) was the high standard of the music department, and whenever you were there in the pit I felt extra sure! Seeing your face - so much into what was going on - on stage always gave me that extra kick, and I want to thank you for those moments. It would be great to work again with you."

Benjamin Till

Composer
"A genius who leaves no stone left unturned in his quest for sonic perfection. I am literally clueless as to which magical processes he used to teach my show Brass to a group of young people in just five days. He taught them it so they retained it. A staggering achievement which made this composer very very happy."

Stephanie Childress

Assistant Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
"I first met Alex whilst working on National Youth Music Theatre's production of Brass, and could not have wished for a more thoughtful and honest musician. He is everything a Musical Director should be, and truly inspired us to play our hearts out!"

Elliott Ware

Musical Director for Mrs Doubtfire, London
"Alex was wonderful with the children in their auditions. In what could have been a daunting experience for them, he was brilliantly supportive and kind, and they lapped up his terrific humour."

Tom Deering

Musical Supervisor for Standing at the Sky's Edge at the National Theatre
"Alex is the musician's musician - a versatile musical polymath who brings inspiration, detail, and joy to the act of music making."

Dan Ludford-Thomas

Principal Conductor of Vox Humane, Musical Director of The National Children's Choir and Head of Vocal Studies at Dulwich College
"A fantastic accompanist and musician who is highly versatile in many styles, and very skilled at working with choirs of all standards and ages."

Freddie Tapner

CEO and Artistic Director of the London Musical Theatre Orchestra
"A sensational pianist and wonderful leader."
Alex Aitken

About Alex

Alex's fingers playing organ

Watch & Listen

Alex Aitken

Education