Jazz Insights: Alan Bernstein

Newport’s Alan Bernstein is  a lifetime music teacher and performer.  His resume includes long stints as a school leader, teacher and as a jazz performer.

While growing up in Newport, he began his love for music that included singing, guitar playing, stand-up bass playing and a sundry of other musical interests. He attended University of Rhode Island, where he graduated with a master’s degree in Music.

Alan taught for a year in the Fall River school system before accepting a role with his hometown Newport School Department. He went on to spend 29 years teaching and mentoring lucky students throughout Newport county. He is formally retired from the Newport School Department today, and you can see him often sailing his boat in the waters of Narragansett Bay.

Alan joined the late Mac Chrupkala’s popular musical group, performing in weddings, bar-mitzvars, funerals and a variety of special events during the last several decades. His double bass skills, singing and guitar playing gigs are well known throughout Rhode Island. During his life, he has directed orchestras, jazz ensembles and assorted bands, and has had involvement in musical theater. Now, he is an agent, leader and performer on his own in Newport.

Alan is married to Karen.  Their daughter Chelsea is a talented musician with a resume of her own. He is the son of the late Stanley Bernstein and his 91-year-old mother, Esther, who continues to be his number one fan.

Check the advertisements and schedules for music in Greater-Newport for terrific performances that include Alan Bernstein.