As a dedicated DEI Arts Advocate and newly empowered disability rights champion, Alexia has made significant strides in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across the music community. Her advocacy work includes presenting several impactful lectures at the NASA Biennial and Regional Conferences, where she has addressed crucial topics such as promoting DEI in the music community, making oneself a marketable musician, and challenging music career stereotypes.

During her tenure at the LSU School of Music, Alexia founded the Diversity & Inclusion Student Organization, serving as the Faculty Advisor in its inaugural year. Her commitment to fostering inclusive environments extends to her certification as a Safe Space Member, a role in which she affirms and supports LGBTQ+ and gender-expansive identities through Louisiana State University’s LGBTQ+ Project. Additionally, she holds the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate and the Inclusive and Ethical Leadership Certificate from the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business.

Alexia’s passion for supporting students in the arts has driven her to implement several initiatives within higher education. She actively collaborates with senior administrators and career advisors to provide essential resources for student musicians, ensuring their success. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in organizing Industry Day at Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, an alumni panel event showcasing diverse and positive music career outcomes.

As a person with a disability, Alexia’s advocacy has organically expanded to encompass disability rights, infusing her work with personal and profound insight. Recently, she participated as a panelist during Syracuse University’s Disability Pride Week, discussing the challenges of being a musician with a disability in the workplace. She also currently serves on the DEI Committee and the Disability Appeals Board at Syracuse University. Her leadership extends to the North American Saxophone Alliance, where she co-chairs the Communications Committee and leads the mentoring program for the Committee on Gender Equity. Through her tireless efforts, Alexia continues to break down barriers and create inclusive, supportive environments for all individuals in the arts community, advocating not just for DEI but also for the rights and representation of disabled individuals within the industry. Alexia is a current member of Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD), where she actively collaborates with the organization to increase the social impact of accessibility in the music industry.

As a performer, Alexia premiered and recorded the new composition “In A Cloud, Aimless” by composer Stephen Browne in May 2021. She has performed at the 2017 NASA Regional 6 Conference, with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, and with the LSU Die Dreigroschenoper Opera. Alexia has placed first in the graduate division of the 2018 NOLA Chamberfest with the Magnolia Saxophone Quartet. She has also participated in the 2017 Ocala Symphony Young Artist Competition and has premiered works for composers Jase Nugent and Luciano Correa. She performed in Duo Vim, where the saxophone duet has given a masterclass and performed a Guest Artist Recital at the University of North Florida. Alexia currently performs as a soloist, and creates video content that appeals to a wider audience, bringing more awareness to what the saxophone is capable of.

Alexia attained her education at various universities, with her highest level earned as a Master of Music from Louisiana State University. While working on her graduate degree, Alexia pursued a clarinet minor under the guidance of Deborah Chodacki. She attained her Bachelor of Music Performance at the University of North Florida. Her saxophone teachers include Griffin Campbell, Michael Bovenzi, and Jeremy Williamson.

As an experienced and critically acclaimed educator, students of Alexia’s studio have routinely made All-State and District Bands within Florida, Louisiana and Texas. She has given masterclasses and clinics across the United States, including Hastings College, Portland State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and more.

Alexia McLean currently works as the Marketing Team Captain for New Works Project. She is a D'Addario Performing Artist and a Key Leaves Performing Artist.