Teacher Profile: Alexander Appel

About Alexander Appel

Alexander Appel has obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Music Education degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (his hometown). Alex's primary instrument is viola; however, he plays many other instruments. He studied underneath a handful of professors who are musicians in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. While in Pittsburgh, Alex taught beginning clarinet and trumpet lessons at St. Benedict the Moor School right as the pandemic was just beginning.

Alex has plentiful knowledge of being a student and teacher during times of remote, hybrid, and altered virtual instruction. During his senior year at Duquesne, Alex focused his learning on special education and teaching English language learners. His findings primarily focused on ways to engage all students regardless of ability or aptitude in elementary general music, beginning band, and beginning strings. Throughout his time in Pittsburgh, Alex has also taught many private lessons over seven years to students of all ages. Currently, Alexander Appel is a middle school orchestra teacher in Charles County, MD. He teaches grades 6-8 strings and grades AVID (a college & career readiness program).

Alex also enjoys playing music just as much as teaching. He has played in numerous ensembles varying in style, genre, and set-up. Alex has played in church choirs, contemporary choirs, small chamber groups, large chamber groups, symphony orchestras, jazz bands, flute choir, and pep bands just to name a few. Alex is also very passionate about musicals and pit orchestras. He has played and/or conducted in the pit orchestra for The Addams Family, Young Frankenstein, Spamalot, Big Fish, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and The Wiz. He also performs with the Southern Maryland Concert Band.