Alexander was born in Stockport, England, and started learning the cello at the late age of twelve, after having been inspired by seeing Jacqueline du Pré perform. He advanced very quickly and gained a place at the Royal College of Music at the age of 16, studying 'cello under Anna Shuttleworth and Joan Dickson. After leaving the RCM, he studied for three years under André Navarra at the Vienna Hochschule. Other cellists he received tuition from included Mstislav Rostropovich and the cellist who inspired him to begin playing, Jacqueline du Pré.
