The child is father to the man, and Alex Nollan’s maturation as a musical artist exemplifies the poetic maxim.  Born in Memphis, city of so many rich genres of American music, Nollan from an early age was steeped in the sounds and traditions of classical, rock, soul, and jazz.  His early music studies took place at the Rhodes Music Academy, and by the time he reached high school, he knew he would devote his professional life to music—especially jazz.  He played in J. Thomas Link’s SBA Jazz Ensemble for four years, which performed as the front band for many established groups of various genres, such as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and eclectic jazz keyboardist Charlie Wood’s band.  Nollan also racked up 40 hours of recording studio experience at the Leeway Studio and the Charlie Wood Studio in Memphis. The SBA Ensemble was good enough to land the 2007 Downbeat Magazine international award for Best Blues/Pop/Rock Band, performing and competing in Chicago, Orlando, and New Orleans.  At this stage of his development Nollan studied regularly with international jazz artist Michael Jefry Stevens, who guided him and gave him much encouragement.

During his high school and college years Nollan immersed himself in both classical music and jazz, attending many operas, ballets, and contemporary music concerts.  In July, 2004 along with his parents he was the personal guest of Alexandre Rachmaninoff, grandson of the famous composer-virtuoso pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, at the Ravinia Music Festival in Chicago.  In order to broaden his musical and cultural horizons, Nollan traveled internationally several times to Germany, Italy, and Russia. He entered Middle Tennessee State University in Jazz Studies, receiving encouragement from Don Aliquo and Tom Giampietro; and at the University of Memphis he advanced in jazz through lessons and guidance from talented pianist Gerald Stephens. When Stephens transferred to Rhodes College, Nollan went with him, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music (concentration Jazz Studies) in 2013.