He was an eminent violinist. Born at Bayonne, March 8, 1815; showed at an early age remarkable musical talent, and in 1827 was sent to Paris for his education. At first he was not received as a regular pupil at the the Conservatoire, but was merely allowed to attend Habeneck's classes as a listener. He soon, however, won the second, and a year later the first prize for violin playing, and from 1831 began to make a great reputation as a performer.

In 1843, on Baillot's death, he succeeded that great master as professor at the Conservatoire, which post he held until his death, Feb. 22, 1888. Alard was the foremost representative of the modern French school of violin playing at Paris, with its characteristic merits and drawbacks. His style was eminently lively, pointed, full of elan. He published a number of concertos and operatic fantasias which, owing to their brilliancy, attained in France considerable popularity, without having much claim to artistic worth. On the other hand, his 'Violin School', which has been translated into several languages, is a very comprehensive and meritorious work. He also edited a selection of violin compositions of the most eminent masters of the 18th century, 'Les maitres classiques du Violin', etc. (Schott), in 40 parts.