Alex Ventling (1994) is a Swiss/New Zealand pianist, composer, film-maker and teacher based in Trondheim, Norway. Alex has established his personal sound as an active contemporary musician through his sophisticated, yet organic compositions and playing style. His attention to detail and tasteful decisions continue to nourish a sensitive expression through the instrument. “Music from a creative mind with extraordinary, multifaceted ideas.“ Jazzthetik Magazine (DE)

Alex leads his own projects (Alex Ventling Wavemakers, The View, and KOHERU) and is involved in various Norwegian and European projects, having performed internationally in Europe, Asia and Oceania in main jazz clubs and festivals with notable musicians like Hayden Chisholm, Sissel Vera Pettersen, Tuva Halse, etc. Alex has composed commissioned works such as the ‘Kōkako Suite’ for the Trondheim based Alpaca Ensemble, and is known for his creative visuals and unique instrumentations. “His compositions float effortlessly, while depth and raw beauty fuel every phrase.”Jazzlocal 32 (NZ)

Alex began with a scholarship for Berklee College of Music, however decided to study at the Jazzcampus Basel, Switzerland, (under prestigious teachers like Mark Turner, Jorge Rossy, Larry Grenadier and Guillermo Klein). After completing his Masters in Music Pedagogy, Alex began the European Jazz Masters in 2020, an international performance degree across European conservatories (Rhythmic Music Conservatory, Jazz Institute Berlin and NTNU Jazzlinja Trondheim). Alex has since established himself in the Norwegian and European scene and has released numerous albums under his name.

Alex enjoys teaching privately and has given workshops at university level. Alex also works as a concert arranger for the DUO Trondheim series at Trondheim Public Library and Søndagsjazz at Ila Brainsstasjon, to contribute to Trondheim’s lively scene. 

Originally attending the New York Film Academy in NYC in 2013, Alex is still an active filmmaker for his and others’ projects, having directed successful music videos and audio-visual content for local artists, and been featured in international film festivals. The music-video, The Rescue Of A Birthday Party was nominated for Best Music-Video at the Basel Gässli Flim-Festival and was screened in 5 other US film-festivals in 2017. His current clientele ranges from rising local musicians to notable names in the contemporary music scene, such as Jorge Rossy Trio, Arthur Hnatek etc. Alex's own experience as a musician deeply informs his filming and editing process.

Alex also practices Vipassana meditation daily, having sat numerous courses (in the teachings of S.N. Goenka). His Master thesis, 'Response Over Reaction – the connection and adaptation of Vipassana meditation to improvised music', continues to influence his musical practice and teaching.