I’m Alexander J. Russell, a guitarist and bass player based in East Maitland, and I love building musical projects from the ground up. I work across studio sessions, live performance, and teaching—whether that’s helping students develop technique and confidence on guitar, or laying down recorded parts for upcoming releases. In recent years I’ve been combining performance with production and audio work through my sole-trader business, studio collaborations, and session gigs. I’m also actively involved in bands and artist projects as a session musician, co-producing tracks, and supporting live shows—always aiming to bring musical detail, reliability, and a friendly working style to every recording room and rehearsal space.…

Alexander J. Russell

I’m Alexander J. Russell, a guitarist and bass player based in East Maitland, and I love building musical projects from the ground up. I work across studio sessions, live performance, and teaching—whether that’s helping students develop technique and confidence on guitar, or laying down recorded parts for upcoming releases. In recent years I’ve been combining performance with production and audio work through my sole-trader business, studio collaborations, and session gigs. I’m also actively involved in bands and artist projects as a session musician, co-producing tracks, and supporting live shows—always aiming to bring musical detail, reliability, and a friendly working style to every recording room and rehearsal space.…

Available to hire

I’m Alexander J. Russell, a guitarist and bass player based in East Maitland, and I love building musical projects from the ground up. I work across studio sessions, live performance, and teaching—whether that’s helping students develop technique and confidence on guitar, or laying down recorded parts for upcoming releases.

In recent years I’ve been combining performance with production and audio work through my sole-trader business, studio collaborations, and session gigs. I’m also actively involved in bands and artist projects as a session musician, co-producing tracks, and supporting live shows—always aiming to bring musical detail, reliability, and a friendly working style to every recording room and rehearsal space.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Resident Guitar Tutor at Newcastle Grammar School, Newcastle
March 1, 2026 - Present
Brought in for Term 1 2026 as the resident guitar tutor. Currently teaches Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm (at the time of the resume).
Live Bass Guitarist at Zak Armstrong (Country Artist)
February 1, 2026 - Present
Was called up to play bass for Zak Armstrong at The Ivy in Sydney’s CBD for a country-themed event. Secured additional shows and will continue playing with him.
Resident Guitar Tutor at Tomaree High School, Salamander Bay
October 1, 2025 - Present
Joined Term 4 2025 as the resident guitar tutor. Currently teaches Mondays from 9:00am to 1:30pm (at the time of the resume).
Session Guitarist (Studio + Live) at Mishayla (Indie Pop Artist)
August 1, 2025 - Present
Composed and performed guitar parts for the song “Too Much” on Mishayla’s 2025 EP 'sincerely'. Also played guitar for Mishayla’s Newcastle headline show and supported Charlie Lucas.
Session Guitarist (Studio + Live) at Butterknif e (Indie Pop Band)
July 1, 2025 - Present
Composed and performed guitar parts for four songs on Butterknife’s upcoming EP. Performed live shows supporting WA band Little Birdy and Sydney band Kitty of the Valley.
Guitar Tutor, Music Producer, Audio/Session Guitar & Bass (freelance/sole trader) at A J Russell Music (Sole Trader), Maitland/Newcastle
April 1, 2025 - Present
Taught guitar and bass, and worked on music production tasks including audio engineering and session guitar/bass for clients. Also supported recording and session work in studio-style settings.
InnerVoice Vocal — Guitar Tutor (transitioned to subcontract teaching) at InnerVoice Vocal
July 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Employed as a guitar tutor from July 2024, later transitioning in April 2025 to subcontracting and teaching out of a studio environment. Left in April 2026 due to increasing rent and overheads.

Education

Diploma of Sound Production at TAFE Newcastle
August 1, 2024 - December 6, 2024
Graduate at Hunter School of the Performing Arts (HSPA), Broadmeadow, NSW
January 1, 2018 - November 1, 2023
Diploma of Music (Sound Production) at TAFE NSW, Tighes Hill, NSW
February 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education
    too much - Mishayla

    I played electric guitars on this song, including the lead guitar break.

    The River - Elestial
    I co-produced this song with Tim McArtney at Hercules St Studios in Sydney NSW for my band Elestial. I played bass, piano, synth and additional guitars.…