Born in the Bronx to parents who fostered a great appreciation for the Arts, violist/vocalist Alva Anderson began piano lessons at the age of 10. Her desire to be a part of the music program in high school led her to the viola. At the time she didn't know what a viola was but it soon became her 'voice'.

Her other voice revealed itself while Alva was on tour in Europe with a chamber music ensemble. Late one night at a jam session in a jazz club in Switzerland, a good buddy invited her to the microphone. The song was “My Funny Valentine.” The feeling and audience responses were intoxicating. The message was clear; she was twice blessed. With the acknowledgment of those gifts came the great joy, the responsibility to support, develop and share them with others.

Back in the 'States' Alva began to frequent jam sessions throughout New York City. She attended vocal and instrumental workshops with Barry Harris, Billy Taylor, Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, Jimmy Heath and Billy Mitchell, Frank Owens, and Jimmy Seigler.

For more than 20 years Alva has shared her love for music with her students in the New York City public schools. Many of her students have gone on to become professional musicians and music teachers.

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Alva has performed with Carmen MacRae, Dizzy Gillespie, Barry Harris, Tito Puente, Paul West, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Take 6, Common, Jerry Eastman, Jimmy Seigler, Grammy Award winner Anthony Braxton, Carmen Lundy and many others.

Festival Participation and Performances:
Jazz in July Amherst, MA
Lady Got Chops Brooklyn, NY
Saratoga Jazz Festival Saratoga, NY
Southern Vermont Arts Festival Manchester, VT
Sphinx Symphony Orchestra Detroit, MI
International Chamber Music Festival Munich, Germany
Berks Co Jazzfest Berks County, PA
Basically Bach Festival La Jolla, CA
Downeast Chamber Festival Castine, ME

Ensemble Membership:
Harlem Symphony, Allegro Chamber Ensemble, Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, HeartStrings Quartet+, Queens Symphony, Downeast Chamber Ensemble
+Co-founder

Education/ Major Instructors:
C. W. Post Bachelor of Fine Arts, St. John’s University Masters in Education, Queens College, Paul Doktor, Burton Kaplan, Jessie Levine