Alex Benford, Director of Music, Organist

Dr. Alex Benford is a highly accomplished musician with extensive training in piano and organ, having earned degrees from Marshall University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He furthered his education by obtaining a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in organ performance from the University of Alabama, where he also focused on musicology and harpsichord as secondary areas of study. He also assisted the choral ensembles at the University of Alabama and served as the University Carilloneur at the Denny Chimes (Roll Tide!).

Since January 2019, Dr. Benford has served as the Organist and Associate for Music and Liturgical Arts at Germantown Presbyterian Church. His contributions to the Memphis arts community have been significant, leading to numerous collaborations with notable organizations such as Rhodes College, Opera Memphis, Theatre Memphis, the Beethoven Club, the Luna Nova Chamber Music series, and the University of Memphis. His versatile roles as a coach, accompanist, and conductor in a variety of productions, including opera and musical theater, showcase his broad expertise and dedication to the musical arts.

His tenure as the William Henderson Organ Fellow at Grace Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa not only highlights his expertise in organ performance but also his leadership capabilities as Director of Handbell Choirs. Alex's experience with major choral works, such as Duruflé's Requiem and Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, illustrates his proficiency in interpreting complex musical compositions and leading ensembles in performance.

His appearances on platforms like Georgia Public Broadcasting and WABE demonstrate his commitment to sharing music with a broader audience and enhancing his visibility within the music community. 

Alex has substantial academic credentials that underpin his practical experience. His eleven years at Clayton State University as Staff Coach/Pianist included conducting numerous opera productions, which speaks to his multifaceted skills in both performance and direction.

Additionally, his involvement with the Harrower Summer Opera Workshop at Georgia State University and the University of Miami School of Music in Salzburg indicates a dedication to education and mentorship in the field of music. Overall, Alex's extensive experience and educational background position him as a highly skilled musician and educator in the realm of collaborative and sacred music.

Alex resides in Germantown with his wife Krystal and his mother Patsy. Alex and Krystal are the proud parents of two spoiled rotten pit mixes and two completely aloof cats.