Joseph Alessi was born in Detroit, Michigan, he attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied until 1980.

During his third year at Curtis, Alessi joined the Philadelphia Orchestra as interim second trombone; he later got the job permanently and performed with the orchestra for four seasons. After one season as principal trombone with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Alessi joined the New York Philharmonic as principal trombonist in the spring of 1985.

Alessi was a soloist with the New York Philharmonic several times: in 1990 he performed Paul Creston’s Fantasy for Trombone. In 1992 – the world premiere of Christopher Rouse’s Trombone Concerto, which later received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1993.

Alessi has since developed an increasingly active solo career, performing throughout the United States and internationally. His discography consists of more than 14 full-length albums, in addition to guest appearances on other artists’ albums. The New York Philharmonic has released recordings of the Rouse Concerto and the Colorado Symphony, with Alessi as soloist. His 1999 recording of George Crumb’s Star-Child was voted Best Classical Contemporary Composition at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards of 2001.

Alessi joined the faculty of the Juilliard School in 1986, shortly after joining the New York Philharmonic. Juilliard’s Trombone Studio has since grown its international reputation, and the Juilliard Trombone Choir has performed regularly with Alessi on his recording projects. Alessi has been leading the Alessi Seminar since 1999; a biennial trombone workshop that attracts trombonists from all over the world for lessons, master classes and recitals. Several of his former students now hold senior positions in major orchestras around the world.

In recognition of Alessi’s immense contributions to the trombone community, he received the ITA Award in 2002, the most prestigious award presented by the International Trombone Association.