Joe L. Alexander (b.1958, New Bern, North Carolina) is an Assistant Professor of Music in Theory, Composition, and Low Brass at Louisana Tech University in Ruston, Louisana.  In addition, he is the head of Theory/Composition, Director of the Music Skills and Development Lab (IBM computer lab) and member of the Board of Directors of the Ruston Civic Symphony.  Dr. Alexander is the Secretary-Treasurer for the Southern Chapter of the College Music Society and Secretary for the Southeastern Composers League.  In March of 2005, he hosted the Southeastern Composers League’s Annual Forum at Louisiana Tech University.

    Previous teaching positions include:  Birminghan-Southern College, Samford University; the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama, the University of Montevallo, Judson College, Lamar University, East Central University, the University of North Texas, and at James Madison University. While in Oklahoma he created the Nanola Performing Arts Series, a joint project between the Ada Public Library and East Central University's music department.  He also founded the Nanola Performing Arts Ensemble, a professional touring group which focused on contemporary music.

    His Two Bryant Songs (mezzo-soprano, Bb clarinet and piano) are recorded on Living Artist Recordings on the CD titled Winds and Voices.  The Two Bryant Songs were also performed at Bowling Green State University's 21st annual New Music & Art Festival.  In April of 2003, he was commissioned by the Monroe Symphony Orchestra (Louisiana) to compose Louisiana Blue (baritone, flute, piano and Chamber Orchestra - Text by L. B. Morgan) for their annual Lagniappe Concert.  In 1994, he was winner of the Annual Composers' Competition sponsored by New Music for Young Ensemble, Inc.  As part of the award, Sonarequasta (flute, Bb clarinet, viola and piano) was performed by the Bronx Arts Ensemble in Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall.  His compositions are regularly performed at conferences/concerts held by the Society of Composers, Inc., the Birmingham Art Music Alliance, the Louisiana Composers Consortium, the College Music Society, and the Southeastern Composers League.

    Dr. Alexander grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia.  He holds a B.M. degree in Music Education from East Carolina University, a M.M. degree in Theory/ Composition from James Madison University and a D.M.A. degree in Composition from  the University of North Texas.  Additional studies in electroacoustic music and tuba were completed at the University of Alabama.  He studied composition with Newel Kay Brown, Douglas Knehans, Martin Mailman, Cindy McTee and James Riley; and tuba with James Michael Dunn.

    He alternates living in Ruston, Louisiana and with his wife, Mary, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.