Biography

Alan Pasqua, chair of jazz studies at the USC Thornton School of Music, was born in New Jersey and began studying piano at the age of seven, playing both classical and jazz. He attended Indiana University and received his bachelor's degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory of Music.  While performing a concert at Carnegie Hall, Pasqua met the legendary drummer Tony Williams and was subsequently asked to join The New Tony Williams Lifetime along with guitarist Allan Holdsworth. 

After recording two Lifetime albums for Columbia Records, Pasqua relocated to Los Angeles. His career in L.A. broadened as he started playing with more rock and pop artists. He has been a member of the bands of Bob Dylan and Santana. Some of his other album and touring credits include Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Queen Latifa, and Rod Stewart.  He has worked with composers John Williams, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini and on motion picture soundtracks.  In addition, Pasqua composed the soundtrack for Disney’s hit movie, The Waterboy, starring Adam Sandler.

In the jazz world, Pasqua has played and recorded with Jack Dejohnette, Paul Motion, Dave Holland, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, Stanley Clarke, Gary Burton, James Moody, Gary Peacock, Gary Bartz, Reggie Workman, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Sheila Jordan and Joe Williams.  Aside from his many critically acclaimed recordings as a leader, in 2008, Pasqua joined forces with fellow USC Thornton faculty Peter Erskine and Dave Carpenter, arranging, co-producing and playing on the GRAMMY-nominated album Standards. His latest release, Twin Bill, features Pasqua playing the music of Bill Evans on two pianos.

Academic Degrees

• BM in jazz studies with a distinction in performance, New England Conservatory of Music

Other Academic Experience:
Studied with Sidney Foster, Jaki Byard, Thad Jones, George Russell, Madame Chaloff