Biography
Artist:
Alistair Johnston is an Australian saxophonist, composer and educator based in New York. Johnston has a Masters of Music (Jazz Studies) from New York University. He has performed internationally across Australia, the United States and in Europe. In 2022-23 Johnston released his debut self-titled album as a leader (2023) and Dancing Waters- as a co-leader with Anoesis (2022) as well as playing as a sideman on the 2023 release Strands with Australian double bassist Ben Phipps and the 2024 singles from New York based Brazilian guitarist Rafael Chamone.
With his Sydney based collective Anoesis Johnston won “Best Band” at the 13th Annual Bucharest Jazz Competition in Romania. in 2021-22 Johnston with Anoesis were the 2MBS Fine Music Radio Sydney "Artist in Residence" through which they recorded their second album Dancing Waters.
Since moving to New York in 2023 Johnston has performed in venues across the city including Bar Bayeux and Cafe Ornithology and has been recorded on multiple albums as a sideman.
At NYU Johnston studied with Rich Perry, Tivon Pennicott, Billy Drummond, Lenny White, Dave Pietro, Michael Wolff and Michael Rodriguez.
Teacher:
Johnston has over 8 years experience teaching saxophone piano and clarinet in Australia and in New York. Johnston taught piano at NYU as a graduate adjunct faculty and has taught saxophone and clarinet privately and in school band programs.
Johnston currently teaches at Soyulla Artists and NYC Piano Doctor while also running his own teaching studio. Please see the contact page on the website to inquire about lessons.
Contact
I am available for gigs, recordings and private lessons
in person and online.