We recently chatted with Alexis Lombre, our headliner for the sixth annual Play On benefit concert, to talk about how her time at Merit School of Music laid the groundwork for her success in the music industry. An accomplished jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and producer, Alexis remembers her years spent at Merit fondly. Read all about Alexis’s musical journey, her experiences at Merit, and what she’s most excited about for Play On 2024.
Nurturing a Love of Music at Merit
Alexis discovered her love of music early on. “I was a kid who was really passionate about music, and Merit made sure I didn’t have to worry about whether I could pursue my passion—I could just do it,” she says. “I knew early on that music was my thing, and there was always a program at Merit to nurture me.” Throughout her years studying at Merit, Alexis participated in a wide array of programs, from private lessons to group classes, summer programs, and the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory. She loved the chance to enrich her musical education beyond classes and lessons through guest artists at “Live from Gottlieb,” the Conservatory’s weekly concert series.
But some of her most treasured memories come from her jazz piano private lessons. Those lessons were made possible by the scholarships she received, ensuring that her musical education wasn’t hindered for financial reasons. “All I had to do was focus on the music, and there was always a scholarship,” she says. “I never had to worry about whether there would be money for lessons. I had the support that I needed to follow my dreams.”
Of everything she learned at Merit, she’s most grateful for the high standards it helped her establish. “If you have a standard of excellence, you have a compass so that no matter what musical situation you’re in, you know how to be great.”
“I was a kid who was really passionate about music, and Merit made sure I didn't have to worry about whether I could pursue my passion—I could just do it,” she says. “I knew early on that music was my thing, and there was always a program at Merit to nurture me.”
Gaining Performance Experience
The many lessons Alexis learned at Merit continue to be relevant in her career today. While in the Conservatory, she had the opportunity to perform throughout the city with the Honors Jazz Combo. “I’ve been gigging since high school because of Merit,” she says. “It was almost like an apprenticeship.” The experience of performing in this pre-professional setting gave her the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the music industry.
Alexis remembers an early gig in her professional career where that training was put to the test. “We rehearsed during the soundcheck, and then we played the show,” she recalls. “There was no separate rehearsal, there were no charts—you had to just do it. But because I’ve had training, I know what the standard is, and I know what I need to bring. So no matter what, I know how to learn a song, I have ear training, and I have a security in the way I understand music, because I’ve been trained so thoroughly.”
Embracing New Opportunities
Earlier this year, Alexis faced a big break when Apple Music promoted her latest single, “Boundaries,” on their Juneteenth 2024: Freedom Songs playlist. This partnership with Apple Music enabled Alexis to move to Los Angeles to continue building her music career. Since moving to LA, Alexis has had the opportunity to collaborate with several top industry professionals, from fellow performers to producers.
The passionate energy that fueled Alexis as a music student keeps her busy as a professional. In the weeks leading up to Play On, she is sharing her music globally as she embarks on a European tour!
Performing at Play On
Alexis has been a staunch supporter of Merit through Play On since its inception. She was one of four acts that performed at the very first Play On in 2019, alongside The JuJu Exchange, Kim Jones, and Christine Whack. She returned to the City Winery stage in 2020, opening for fellow Merit alum Marquis Hill.
We are thrilled to welcome her back to the stage, this time as our headlining act. When asked what she’s most excited for at this year’s Play On, Alexis’s response was enthusiastic. “I’m looking forward to selling it out! Let’s pack it out.”
