Alex was born in 1966 in Polyarnyi, Russia, above the Arctic Circle, and began his music studies at the age of five. In 1985, Alex received his Bachelor’s degree from the Uman State College of Music where he studied with Professor Viktor Patricio. In 1992, he received his Master’s at the Gnesin Academy in Moscow under Professor Vera Nosina. After receiving his Doctorate with Professor Naum Starkmann at the Maimonides State Academy in Russia (1995), Alex worked as Professor of Piano and an accompanist for cellists and singers at this Academy.