Multi-instrumentalist Alex Cronin trained at the NSW  State Conservatorium (Bachelor of Music 1979-82) and with the help of a Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Award and an Australia Council International Fellowship furthering his study at Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam (Diploma of Music 1983-86).

As a lutenist and guitarist he has performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Brandenburg Orchestra, Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra among others. He also enjoys playing the harp and Irish fiddle at weddings as well as at bush dances and in pubs and clubs with bands such as The Ragged Band, Skewiff, Feral Flynn and The Furry Animals.

Alex formed Pastance in 1991.