It doesn’t matter if you have been playing the guitar for years or just want to try something new, Rockland musician and expert guitarist Alexandre Bougie wants to help you discover any untapped potential.
“People at any age can really discover the benefits of playing an instrument,” said Bougie. “There’s no age limit to discovering a love for something or trying something new. Music is something that unites us.”
Born and raised in Rockland, Bougie grew up around music.
“Music was always valued in my house,” said Bougie, 31, who started playing the guitar at the age of 12. “My mom played the piano, so did my dad, and it was very common for someone to be singing while they were doing the dishes.”
Bougie decided to pursue music in school and professionally and started his journey at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa), where he would graduate with a focus on the guitar.
It was during his time at uOttawa when he helped form The Ottawa Guitar Trio alongside Nathan Bredeson and François Lacelle, who, like Bougie, went to uOttawa to pursue their love for the guitar.
The three men have been playing together since 2018 and combine their talents to play famous theme songs from movies, television and video games.
Their playlist can be heard on streaming platforms like Spotify.
“At university, I really met like minded people who were buzzing with passion and strong work ethic,” said Bougie. “We have so much pride in our work, and we always get a great reception when we are together and to hear the sounds dispersing from three guitars. It’s beautiful to hear.”
Bougie has had the chance to perform in masterclasses for internationally acclaimed artists such as Benjamin Verdery , the Henderson-Kolk Guitar Duo, Christopher Stell , Sérgio Assad, Matteo Mela and Pepe Romero.
He has amassed a wealth of experience as an arranger, musical director, and by performing both as accompanist and soloist. Notably, he has performed at the National Arts Centre, la Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, the Shenkman Arts Centre, the Rialto Theatre as well as the Conservatoire de Musique de Gatineau.
As a lover of choral music, Alex has also participated in a number of concerts under the guidance of famed conductors such as Laurence Ewashko (Canada), Pinchas Zuckerman (Canada), Sir Trevor Pinnock (U.K.), Diego Matheuz (Venezuela), Duain Wolfe (U.S.), Jack Everly (U.S.) and Eric Whitacre (U.S.).
“I have been lucky to perform with some talented people, who believe in my talents as well,” said Bougie.
Bougie has also had the chance to relay what he has learned throughout his musical journey, not only through lessons he gives once a week to his students, but through workshops in composition, performance, and music history for uOttawa, as well as elementary and high schools in Ottawa and Toronto.
He wants to expand from the one-on-one lessons he gives now, to more group offerings.
For more information, visit alexbougiemusic.com.
