Alex Navarro is a highly accomplished pianist, composer, arranger, music director, and educator, recognized for his versatility across genres and his extensive work with major artists and organizations. Hailing from Houston, Texas, he currently serves as president of the American Federation of Musicians, Houston Local 65-699, and an adjunct faculty at Los College of Music. He is also the pianist for the Houston Ballet Academy.
Navarro’s musical journey began in childhood, inspired by his mother who bought him a small keyboard at age 7. He started lessons with his church pianist in Sugar Land, Texas, and by age 11, he became the church’s pianist. At Elsik High School in Alief, he immersed himself in all available music activities, including choir, jazz band, musical theater, and handbell choir.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music (Jazz Studies) from the University of North Texas and a Master’s in Music (Film Scoring) from New York University. At NYU, he received the Elmer Bernstein Award of Excellence in Film Scoring and served as a teaching assistant for the NYU Songwriters Forum under Glenn Frey of the Eagles.
Navarro’s career accelerated in Los Angeles, where he became widely known as the music director and pianist for Engelbert Humperdinck from 2007 to present. His collaborations have been vast and include performing and recording with a diverse roster of artists such as:
Navarro has also played with orchestras such as the Prague Philharmonic, BBC Radio Orchestra, Newark Symphony, and Omaha Symphony. His work shines through collaborations with legendary producers including Phil Ramone and Clive Davis.
Navarro has released at least four independent albums:
His debut album, Closer Than You Think, is an eight-track collection showcasing a blend of classical, pop, jazz, Latin, and African influences, with a focus on organic instrumentation and live recording techniques. Navarro’s playing and arrangements are featured on two Grammy-nominated albums and two RIAA-certified gold records. He has composed and recorded music for commercial clients such as Wal-Mart and Ford, as well as for independent films and documentaries.
Navarro is a dedicated educator, having directed the Jazz Singers at Sante Fe High School and managed the Arts Alive Music Academy in Orange County, CA. Currently, he maintains a private teaching studio, focusing on piano and arranging. In addition, he is adjunct faculty at Los College of Music and the resident music supervisor for Theatre Under The Stars in Houston.
Known for his expressive arranging and musical textures, Navarro prioritizes making music breathe over saturation. Influenced by his early experiences as a church pianist and his Peruvian heritage, his compositions often include Latin elements, and he adeptly traverses jazz, pop, and classical music realms.
Navarro's performances have taken him internationally, appearing in venues from Japan to Lima, Peru, participating in its renowned Jazz Festival. A passionate advocate for musicians’ rights, his leadership roles within the American Federation of Musicians emphasize professional standards for music professionals in Houston and beyond.
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